St Cuthbert’s Water Polo programme has cemented its position as a powerhouse in New Zealand, with exceptional performances across all levels of competition. From local tournaments to national championships, our students have demonstrated remarkable skill, dedication, and teamwork.
Auckland Secondary Schools Water Polo Competition
The Term 1 season saw our Senior teams dominate the Auckland Secondary School competition. With six teams participating, our presence was felt across all divisions. Our Premier team’s undefeated run culminated in a decisive 8–3 victory against Baradene in the final. Our Senior A team secured an impressive second place in their division, losing only one match all season. The Senior B team held their ground in the mid-table, while our Senior C, D, and E teams showed exceptional grit competing against older opponents in the Senior B competition, all finishing in the top half of the standings.
North Island Secondary Schools Water Polo Competition
Our Premier Water Polo Team continued their stellar performance at the North Island Secondary Schoolgirls Water Polo Championships in Auckland. Undefeated in the pool stages, they notched victories against formidable opponents including Epsom, Baradene, St Kentigern, Diocesan, and Westlake. A commanding 13–6 win against Rangitoto in the semi-finals set the stage for a 10–3 triumph over Baradene College in the final. Year 13 student Bella Knight’s outstanding performance earned her the tournament’s ‘Most Valuable Player’ award.
National Champions
The crowning achievement of the season came at the New Zealand Premier Schoolgirls Championships. Our Premier Water Polo Team clinched the title with a 9–5 victory over Baradene, capping off an unprecedented unbeaten streak of 22 games. This historic run saw them claim the trifecta of Auckland Premier, North Island, and New Zealand Secondary Schoolgirl Championships. Holly Dunn’s exceptional play was recognised with the Most Valuable Player award for the National Championships.
Our Senior A team also made their mark at the NZSS Championships. As one of only two second school teams in the tournament, they held their own against numerous Premier sides, finishing with a commendable 3 wins and 4 losses.
Junior Success and Future Prospects
The success of our programme extends to our younger players as well. Our Year 7 and 8 team showcased their talent at the Central Zone Water Polo championships, going undefeated until a narrow 4-6 loss in the final against Auckland Normal Intermediate.
Old Girls Making Waves
The impact of our Water Polo programme extends well beyond graduation. Two of our Old Girls, Ella Palmer (2021) and Libby Alsemgeest (2019), both former captains of our Premier Team, were named in the CWPA First Team All-Conference
selection for their respective universities, Brown and Michigan.
Currently, five of our Old Girls are competing at the highest collegiate level with water polo scholarships:
- Bernadette Doyle – University of Hawaii
- Ella Palmer – Brown University
- Libby Alsemgeest – University of Michigan
- Molly Langridge – Mercyhurst University
- Tiaare Ahovelo – San Diego State University
National Recognition
Our programme’s excellence is further evidenced by the number of students selected for national teams:
NZ U16 Women’s Water Polo Team (World Championships in Manisa, Turkey):
- Isabella Lambie
- Zoe Knight
- Sophie Yeoman
NZ U18 Women’s Water Polo Team (World Championships in Chengdu, China):
- Emison Styris
- Bianca Pennington
- Bella Knight
- Olivia Shine (non-travelling reserve)
- Katie Marshall
- Holly Dunn
As we reflect on this incredible season, we celebrate not just the victories and accolades, but the hard work, dedication, and team spirit that have made our Water Polo programme a source of pride for our school community. With a strong foundation at all levels and a pipeline of talent, the future of water polo at St Cuthbert’s looks brighter than ever.