Mid West water polo stars set to shine bright for WA at 2025 Australian National State Championships

Geraldton’s water polo future is shining bright, with three rising stars set to pull on the black-and-gold cap for Western Australia at the 2025 National State Championships in Canberra this week.

The Geraldton Water Polo Association junior committee has confirmed that Bodhi Smith (U15 boys), Grace Johnson (U15 girls), and Tessa O’Malley (U17 girls) have all earned State team selection — a milestone moment for local junior development.

The junior committee was established in 2022 to provide clear development pathways for Geraldton juniors, helping them progress to State and national competition.

Since 2023, GWPA has sent seven teams to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, with several players securing spots in Perth-based clubs. The 2025 selections mark the next step forward, showing that the pathway is working and producing high-level athletes.

“This is a proud moment for the Geraldton water polo community,” the committee said.

“We can’t wait to watch Bodhi, Grace, and Tessa represent WA in Canberra. We’ll be cheering them on from home.”

The achievement is a testament to the tireless work of junior coaches, club coaches, volunteers and the committee members who keep the junior program running.

Special thanks was also given to UWA Water Polo Club, whose partnership continues to provide Geraldton juniors with opportunities to develop and compete at a higher level.

There is even more excitement on the horizon, with the junior committee to soon announce which Geraldton athletes have been selected to represent UWA at the 2025 Canberra Cup — as well as plans for an overseas development trip to Barcelona in 2026.

With opportunities growing and talent emerging, the future looks golden for GWPA juniors.

The National State Championships run from September 29 to October 4 in Canberra.