Australian Youth Championships – Perth
Our Premier and Senior A Water Polo teams travelled to Perth in April to compete at the prestigious Australian Youth Championships. Preparations began with training games against local sides at New Wave Water Polo Club, leading into the tournament which kicked off on Monday 14 April.
In a historic achievement, the Premier team finished 8th overall in the Division 1 competition, becoming the first New Zealand girls’ team in three years to break into the Top 8. This milestone result is a testament to the team’s skill, perseverance, and the strength of our programme—offering critical development ahead of the NZSS Nationals the following week.
Meanwhile, Senior A delivered a phenomenal campaign in Division 2, bouncing back from a challenging opening match to win every game thereafter, culminating in a thrilling Gold Medal victory against Brisbane’s Mermaids club. The tournament provided crucial game time for the team, who face limitations in the NZSS draw as a second-tier side, yet consistently proved they could match top-level competition.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Team Managers Nicole Lewis, Julia Cotter, and coaches Hannah Ngare and Gabby Oloapu for their unwavering leadership and expertise. Appreciation also goes to parents Anna Welsh, Tony Aitken, Fiona Aitken, and Erin Dayal for their behind-the-scenes support at each game.
Premier Team: Grainne Aitken, Holly Bricklebank, Lucy Gilleece, Sienna Hirst, Jemma McKinley, Sophie O’Leary, Olivia Patterson, Charlie Sawden, Violet Smith, Erin Veal, Sophie Walter, Leni Webster, Abby Welsh, Henrietta Yarrell-Stevenson
Senior A Team: Ashley Cheeseman, Paige Ellis, Maddie Green, Stella Hammond, Jemima Helm, Aimee Horton, Annabelle Imlah, Chloe Sandor, Amelie Schnauer, Claudia Sundstrum, Poppy Williams, Olivia Willis
NZSS Cup – Senior B in Hamilton
From 19–22 April, our Senior B team competed in the NZ Secondary Schools Cup in Hamilton, facing strong competition throughout the tournament. After a narrow 5–7 loss to St Mary’s in the semi-final, the team rallied to claim the Bronze Medal with a tight 5–4 win over Mount Maunganui. An exceptional result for a young and determined squad, proudly representing Dio on the national stage.
Special thanks to coaches Libby Gault, Shinae Carrington, and Sophie Gardiner, and parent manager Nicola Green for their dedication and support.
Senior B Team: Zoe Lines, Olivia Oram, Claudia Sundstrum, Juliette Laury, Catherine Li, Clara Wemyss, Stella Hammond, Violet Higgins, Charlotte Sanders, Maddie Green, Demi Coe
NZSS Championships – Tauranga
After a short break, both Premier and Senior A teams returned to training before travelling to Tauranga for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships.
Senior A produced a remarkable run—losing only one game to St Cuthbert’s—but due to tournament restrictions for second teams, were ineligible for the top 8 despite a victory over Westlake in the round-robin. They ultimately finished 9th overall, an impressive result that saw them outperform several Premier squads. Huge congratulations to Coach Hannah Ngare for her exceptional guidance, and Manager Jules Cheeseman for her tireless support throughout the season.
The Premier team, building on their Perth experience, brought skill, intensity, and focus to the tournament. They played standout matches against Rangitoto and Baradene, securing a well-earned place in the National Final against St Cuthbert’s. After falling behind 0–3 in the first quarter, Dio tightened their defence and clawed back with a second-quarter goal. Neither team scored again in the second half, meaning St Cuthbert’s held on for a narrow win. Dio proudly took Silver, having played their best water polo of the season in a thrilling final.
Massive thanks to Coach Gabby Oloapu and Manager Christine Lewis for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
Special Recognition
A huge congratulations to Annabelle Imlah (Senior A) who was named Most Valuable Player at the North Island Secondary Schools Championships—a fitting acknowledgment of her talent and contribution.
A Season to Remember
This season has marked a high point for Dio Water Polo, with international success, national medals, and continued development across all squads. Special recognition goes to our 10 Year 13 students, who have closed their Dio Water Polo journey with pride and legacy. Thank you for your leadership, and all you’ve given to the programme.
To the coaches, managers, parents, and supporters—thank you. This success is shared, and it’s your contributions that help make Dio Water Polo such a powerful force.
Here’s to continued growth, fierce competition, and even more milestones in seasons to come.
