Water Polo Australia has officially announced the 15-player women’s roster that will represent Australia at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, taking place from 11–24 July.
Led by head coach Bec Rippon, the squad features a strong core of 10 silver medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, complemented by rising young talent eager to make their mark on the international stage.
“Our team for the World Championships is a mix of athletes who have been around for numerous Olympic cycles, athletes who were part of our squad in the lead-up to Paris, and some new players who have joined us for the new Olympic cycle,” said Rippon.
“It’s a nice, balanced team who have been bringing some great energy to every session, and I look forward to seeing what we can produce in Singapore.”
A New Chapter After Paris
The announcement comes nearly a year after the Stingers captured the nation’s imagination by reaching the Olympic final in Paris—Australia’s best result in women’s water polo since winning gold at Sydney 2000.
Since then, the team has continued to evolve. While stalwarts such as Bronte Halligan, Tilly Kearns, and Abby Andrews remain central to the squad, fresh faces like Sienna Hearn, Alexie Lambert, and Pippa Pedley signal the next generation’s emergence.
Coach Rippon praised the seamless integration of newcomers with the experienced core:
“It is nice having some of the Paris group back and to now see how they connect with the newer players that have been working hard in Australia and overseas.
“They bring with them some great experience and energy, as we approach the new Olympic cycle.”
Final Preparations on Home Soil
The team is currently in a three-week training camp on the Gold Coast, before travelling to Perth for a series of joint training sessions and test matches against USA and Italy—two of the world’s top sides.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to trial some new things that we’ve been working on, and to try things without being under the same pressure of a World Championships,” Rippon explained.
“We always have great battles with the US and such a strong history with them. And we’ll play Italy at Worlds, so it’s a great chance to measure up before Singapore.”
Rising Momentum
Since Paris 2024, the Stingers have steadily built momentum. Earlier this year, a development squad featuring many of the current team members travelled to New Zealand and Canada, where they impressed with disciplined performances and tactical cohesion. The recent inclusion of several NCAA-based athletes—such as Abby Andrews (Michigan) and Tilly Kearns (USC)—has only strengthened the side’s international pedigree.
With Olympic qualification for Los Angeles 2028 already underway, the World Championships serve as both a milestone and a proving ground. The Stingers open their campaign on Friday 11 July against host nation Singapore.
Australia Women’s National Team – World Championships Squad
- Abby Andrews (QLD, Olympiacos)
- Charlize Andrews (QLD, Ekipe Orizzonte)
- Hayley Ballesty (NSW, Rapallo)
- Tenealle Fasala (QLD)
- Sienna Green (NSW, UCLA)
- Bronte Halligan (NSW, Ekipe Orizzonte)
- Sienna Hearn (NSW)
- Danijela Jackovich (NSW, Izmir)
- Tilly Kearns (NSW, USC)
- Alexie Lambert (NSW)
- Genevieve Longman (NSW)
- Olivia Mitchell (NSW)
- Gabi Palm (QLD)
- Pippa Pedley (WA, Plebiscito Padova)
- Alice Williams (QLD)
Reserves: Claire Durston (NSW), Jessica Emerson (QLD), Nioka Thomas (NSW)
Match Schedule (CET)
- Friday 11 July | Australia vs Singapore | 1:10pm CET
- Sunday 13 July | Australia vs Italy | 11:35am CET
- Tuesday 15 July | Australia vs New Zealand | 11:35am CET
- Thursday 17 July | Women’s Crossovers
- Saturday 19 July | Women’s Quarterfinals and Classification
- Monday 21 July | Women’s Semi-Finals and Classification
- Wednesday 23 July | Women’s Medal Matches and Classification
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