Mermaids making a splash in water polo following strong representation in national squads

The Mermaids water polo club’s stunning success was emphasised when 12 players were named in Australian junior squads prior to international competition being called off due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The Mermaids water polo club’s stunning success was emphasised when 12 players were named in Australian junior squads prior to international competition being called off due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The 12 were part of a group of 49 girls and 11 boys from the club who were initially recognised when named in Queensland junior squads.

Of the 49 girls, 12 progressed to Australian squads covering the under 16s, under 18s, under 20s levels.

They included goalkeeper Annie Cowan, Chelsea Johnson, Josephine Crimmins, Lousia Downes, Mia Freeman and Taafili Taoso.

Such is Mermaids reputation, Freeman travels from the Sunshine Coast to play while Taoso comes in from Wellington Point to attend the club’s training at the Yeronga Park pool. 

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The other six Australian juniors were Lulu Elliott, Molly Nasser, Tori Kininmonth, Bell Scott, Olivia O’Hara and Emily Humphries.

Elliott, O’Hara and Kinimmonth attend Brisbane State High School, with Kininmonth an outstanding young goalkeeper who has twice been named best goal keeper at national tournaments.

Humphries comes from Loreta College and Nasser, whose uncle Brendan was a Wallaby, is a Stuartholme College girl.

Johnson said all girls were set to represent Australia in overseas competition, but instead had to be satisfied with an Australian Institute of Sport virtual training camp and knowledge that they are on the right track to represent their country.

“They are on the pathway. It encourages them, the work we do is working and we will keep going,’’ Johnson encouraged.

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Johnson said some of the girls would still be eligible for under 16 and under 18 world championships selection next year.

Unfortunately Humphries will be too old for the 16s, but Johnson said “her focus turns back to making the Queensland Thunder squad and the Australian under 18s in 2021’’.

Out of the water Johnson’s husband Lance, with whom she started Mermaids just six years ago, was selected as an Australiana under 16 coach.

Such is Mermaids’s success in a short period of time, Johnson has been approached by water polo people around the country looking to try and replicate their success.

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Asked what was the secret to a club just six years old reaching such heights, Johnson said:

“There is no secret. It is hard work,’’ she said

“Having experienced coaches, a structured training program and giving feedback to the kids is a key.

“They are told what they are doing well, and what they can do better.

“Plus making it a fun environment that families want them to be a part of is important.

“That is the recipe we have worked with.

“We are very lucky we have experienced coaches. Success then attracts more experienced coaches.’’