Young water polo talent makes a splash at competitions and eyes national glory

Nicola Schubert has plenty of mongrel in her.Not that that’s a bad thing.

Nicola Schubert of Gladesville has a bright future ahead of her in water polo. Pictures: Virginia Young

Nicola Schubert has plenty of mongrel in her.

Not that that’s a bad thing.

The Gladesville resident first got a taste of water polo when she was 10 and fell in love with it instantly.

“She really likes the aggression of the game,” Nicola’s father Torsten said.

“Nicola is very dedicated to the game and trains harder than anyone I know.

“She is very talented and has got the mongrel in her, which is such a big part of the game.”

Nicola Schubert of Gladesville recently represented the NSW U 16 Blues at the 2016 Pan Pacs games in Auckland NZ and just missed out on Australian selection due to injury.

Now 16, Nicola has gone from strength to strength in the sport, as her natural talent is complimented by her 181cm frame.

The centre-back has earned multiple representative honours in her short career, playing regularly at a state level since she was 13.

Most recently, she travelled to New Zealand to represent the NSW under-16 Blues at the 2016 Pan Pacific games in Auckland.

Nicola’s tough defensive play and lightning arm helped her team finish the competition third out of 23 teams.

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WICKET-WIZARD OF AUS

She also just missed out on earning a spot in the Australian team after she was ruled out with a broken finger.

As well as playing for the Riverside Girls High School water polo side, Nicola has benefited greatly by playing with her club squad, UNSW Wests.

“The Australian women’s water polo captain Bronwen Knox plays for UNSW in the National League, so Nicola has had the benefit of learning a lot from her and players of her calibre,” Mr Schubert said.

Nicola Schubert of Gladesville recently represented the NSW U 16 Blues at the 2016 Pan Pacs games in Auckland NZ and just missed out on Australian selection due to injury.

“Nicola’s ambition is to play National League for UNSW and perhaps represent Australia at the Olympics one day.”

Nicola is in the running to become the Northern District Times’ Junior Sports Star of the year as part of News Local’s Junior Sports Star awards.

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Junior Sports Star, sponsored by Rebel

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For more information on each of the categories or to nominate someone you know, go to juniorsportsstar.com.au

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