Meet your Term 1 Academy/Development Team!

Term 1 of our Academy & Development programs start off in the first week of February, and our WPV Coaching Team for Term 1 has been confirmed!

Metro Academy

The Phoenix connection with the WPV is continuing to grow, and we welcome Phoenix Women's player Claire McCulloch to the WPV Academy coaching team. Claire comes to Vic from the Sunshine Coast and powerhouse club Mermaids Water Polo. Claire was also selected in the U18 New Zealand tour team in 2024 and is looking forward to working with our Academy athletes in Term 1!

Experienced coaches Chloe Lim and Greig Spindles continue to work with our young talent in during Term 1 Academy and also provide stability and guidance for our young coaches who are expanding their skills and development. Spindles has a wealth of coaching experience at the highest levels, whilst Chloe continues to impress as a strong developing coach and can also be seen poolside at Phoenix matches as Team Manager alongside senior coach Rowie Webster.

Continuing the Phoenix connection, and rounding off the Academy team, is junior coach and Pheonix debutant Patrick Healy. Patrick joined the Academy/Development team in 2024 and continues to grow as a coach within these programs. He has a passion for passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of young players!

Development Program

WPV are excited to welcome Natalya Barry as coach of the Wednesday morning Development group! Nat is an experienced player with the NYP SL1 Women's Team and has coached U12 and U14's at NYP, DVE and Monash. Nat is passionate about working with junior Water Polo players and can't wait to work with the group in Term 1. She will be supported by Chloe during the term as well.

Regional Academy

Our Regional Academy wat Wodonga Waves in Term 1, and we are excited to have father-son duo, James and Geordie Makeham, as the coaching team!

James has over 40 years of Water Polo experience as a player, referee and coach. He is currently the U14 Boys O&M coach and has coached many O&M representative sides. Geordie has been playing Water Polo for over six years and has also been selected for many representative sides.