Now that the team is back home and in Canada it would be the right time for a big public thank you for all involved.
First, the families that raised the young women that represented Canada in Europe – thank you, the team is only ever as good as the individuals that make the roster and these were great young women.
The clubs that recruited, trained, supported and encouraged these players to reach the level that they have – thank you. Club coaches never get the credit they deserve for starting the fire in the heart of players when they have so many choices of sports in Canada. So, thanks for the vibrant club programs coast to coast that make this sport happen.
The leaders from Water Polo Canada who create these age group teams; Pat, Ahmed, Heather, Jeff – it was not easy to carve this roster out of a National Team structure stretched so thin and with so much team roster overlap. But it was well created and supported from the top down.
To the team staff who worked so well and shared such open dialogue, thank you. The girls had fun and learned enough to be sure they invested time and energy wisely.
Not to be forgotten, the athletes, you know how hard you worked, how seriously you tried and what you have had to deal with in terms of travel, diet and lifestyle. Thank you for being who you are and offering the team what you did.
In all the years of my kids playing water polo, I can honestly say this has been the best communication about our kids on the road. The entire staff did a stellar job with these girls and as a parent I thank you all!!!