‘You want to be a part of it’: Aussie Stingers inspire youngsters to commit to water polo

21-year-old Emma Putt has been named for her first Stingers squad at the World Cup and has a choice to make - between a potential Olympic team and an elite netball career.

The Stingers’ silver-medal performance in Paris has inspired a new generation of water polo players as the sport’s resurgence post-Olympics.

The Australian team has progressed through the group stages of the Division 1 Water Polo World Cup following strong results against Italy and Israel and guaranteed qualification for the World Cup Super Final in April.

And with a squad that boasts five players making their international debut, including 21-year-old Emma Putt, the team is already looking to the future as they attempt to build on their success.

Putt has made appearances in every game for the Stingers at her debut tournament. Picture: Supplied

“They were inspiring and it really motivated us younger ones, what they did in Paris,” Putt said. “You just had to watch as much of (the Olympics) as possible, you wanted to be a part of it from the other side of the world.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this new cycle and group going through. So, I’m trying to take it all in and learn as much from the senior players as possible.”

Putt, a talented athlete out of Perth, is also a highly-rated netballer who has played for the West Coast Fever Reserves and the Western Australian under-19 side.

But as she balanced both sports while she finished her university degree, Putt concedes the thrill of watching the Stingers has played in her mind for when she eventually makes a choice.

And being selected for her first national squad, and getting to tell her friends and family she is now a ‘Stinger’, carries plenty of weight.

“Yeah, a few people were like, ‘Oh my god, you’ll be going with Olympians? That’s insane!” Putt said. “Everyone was just shocked that I was up there and getting in the squad, it was so good.

“I’m still balancing both while I finish my degree in Perth, I thought I might as well keep doing both before I have to move to one. But it’s definitely motivation to see them do well, and you just want to be a part of it.

“Four years is a long time and eight years for the home Olympics. So, just really trying to make my mark in this new squad and camp. It’s an exciting first step so just trying to enjoy it.”

The youngster isn’t alone either, with water polo fever spreading across the country. Clubs were bombarded with calls during the Olympics with registrations going through the roof.

Alice Williams has had another strong tournament, including five goals against Olympic champions Spain. Picture: Supplied

“Especially because they haven’t quite had that success in the last couple of cycles,” Putt said. “To see them finally have it and their work paid off, it’s so motivating because you could feel the energy and the fire the group had through that screen.

“Then especially on social media. Even AFL players and others from bigger sports recognising and supporting it, it’s good to see water polo getting a bit more recognition in that space, being a smaller, less-funded sport. Hopefully, that will continue to grow.”

The Stingers have two more matches against Greece and the Netherlands before their attention turns to the Super Final in April. Charlize Andrews and Alice Williams have continued their strong Paris form, leading the Australian scoring in each of their four matches so far.