Ball work, field movement and setting up play for a good competition is at the mind of South Australia’s 16&U girls team heading to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC), April 8-12 in Brisbane, Queensland.
Coach Kasundi Stone, a former player herself, is looking to take her experience as an athlete to help her team understand how to achieve more than scoring goals and winning games.
The 16&U girls’ team, boasts a strong 12-player roster with all four South Australian Water Polo clubs represented.
Five from SPOC, three from Henley Sharks, three from Adelaide Vikings and one from Tritons.
Leading the way for the 16&U team are players Ruby Knights of SPOC and Zara Cavallo of Henely Sharks.
Both players have gained valuable experience with their National Performance Pathways squads, at a recent training camp in Melbourne.
“I can see how much both girls valued their time in Melbourne,” she said. “From the work they are showing me during our trainings and games, it is evident how much they have learnt.”
The culture and the team dynamic is something Stone really prides herself in.
“They have all been really good in building up the team, training sessions and allowing the new girls to step through,” she said.
For the 16&U girls, the experience in Brisbane will be as much about growth and learning as it is about results.
When asked about results in the pool: “Everyone really wants to win first place, and I strive for that for the girls as well,” she said.
“But it’s about having this experience, it doesn’t really matter the placing we get.”
“If they try their best and do well, and do what they can do, in the pool that’s all I am looking for,” said Kasundi.
As a coach of young females, Kasundi is aware of making sure the girls have an enjoyable experience within the sport of water polo.
“I want to see them enjoy going away, going to camps and training.”
Her perspective of the game and her personal experience has shaped her outlook on the AYWPC for the girls.
“I used to play, and I want to bring that enjoyment over to the girls,” she said. “I want them to have the experience and the memories of competing in a sport you love, but also going away and doing what you love with a group of like-minded girls.”
“I am still friends with the girls I played with, and I wish the same for the girls I coach,” Kasundi said.
The 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will be held in Brisbane from 8-18 April. For more information on the event – click here