The Australian Stingers squad for next month’s tour of North America has been announced with WAIS athlete Zoe Arancini included in the 13 member squad.
Joining Arancini in the squad is debutant Queenslander Bronte Colenso, who at 20 years of age has forged a name for herself as a member of the high flying Brisbane Barracudas. Colenso said she was excited to earn a call up for the Stingers and was looking forward to the opportunity.
“I was so excited when I found out about the selection and couldn’t believe that I finally got to represent the Stingers,” Colenso said.
“Being selected means everything and it makes all the hard work, time and effort seem worthwhile and also gives me a chance to prove myself.
“Obviously in my first senior international cap I hope to gain some experience from the more senior team mates, coaches and opposition. I also want to come away feeling positive about my contribution to the team and hopefully set high standards for myself for the future.”
Joining Colenso in the team is FINA World Championship silver medallists Lea Barta, Kelsey Wakefield, Jayde Appel, Hannah Buckling, Zoe Arancini, Rowie Webster, Bronwen Knox, Isobel Bishop and Ashleigh Southern.
Olympic and world championship heroes Holly Lincoln-Smith, Glencora Ralph and Nicola Zagame are absent from the squad due to injury and personal reasons, whilst South Australia’s Jessica Martin has also earned a call up.
The Stingers begin their tour on December 3 at the Canada Cup in Quebec against Canada and the USA, before lining up against Greece, Canada, Russia, the USA and the Netherlands at the Holiday Cup in California on December 11.
Head coach Greg McFadden was excited about his new look squad and said he was pleased to have Chloe Barr and Madeleine Steere on board as the two development players.
“The players selected have been identified through their performances earlier in the year and recently at the NTC Challenge across Australia,” McFadden said.
“Chloe Barr and Madeleine Steere are the first two development players to be selected to come away with us on this tour. We hope this initiative will help them develop quicker and increase the depth of the national team.”
The Stingers will leave Australia on December 1.
– Water Polo Australia
