BAKERSFIELD, Calif.--Former Bakersfield water polo player Sam Shead was a member of the South Africa team that participated in the 16th FINA World Cup of Water Polo in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia this past August. Joining South Africa in Pool B were the United States, Hungary, and Australia. Pool A was comprised of Spain, Russia, China, and Singapore.
“This was the first time that South Africa has been invited to participate in the World Cup for water polo so it was a great opportunity for us to learn and improve our international experience,” Shead said.
The South African program was at a disadvantage as the South African team was one of two entered that were self funded. Along with the team from Singapore, members of the team had to raise the funds to compete in the tournament.
“It was a tough tournament because all but us and Singapore were professional teams,” Shead said. Singapore is ranked in the top 6 in the world. This was the second tour that our national water polo team has been on this year (Commonwealth games in April) and because everything is self-funded many of the girls from the "A" ladies team simply could not afford the expenses.”
Despite the disadvantages, the tournament provided an opportunity for the players in the South African program to play in international tournaments.
“We had a lot of our juniors there which is good for experience, but puts quite a bit of pressure on the older members of the program,” said Shead. “Our aim was not to go and win, but we found success in other aspects of the game like cutting counter attacks, not getting scored on from the hole as well as getting our own goals upfront. And for the most part we were able to be successful with this and improved as the tournament went. “
The South Africans struggled during the tournament, going 1-5, but ended the tournament on a high note, by earning a 11-6 victory over Singapore.
“We also lost 2 of the more senior players to concussions fairly early in the tournament so this pressure only increased as the days went,” Shead said. “I ended up playing most of the game with little or no rest because we simply didn't have the subs.”
Shead's experience as a member of the Bakersfield program helped her prepare for international competition.
“I can easily say that my experiences from playing at CSU Bakersfield are what helped me be successful at the international level.” Shead said. “Leading up to the tournament I knew what kind of training I needed to do and what level I can push my body to, to know that I am ready for competition. This is something that Jason (Gall) and the coaches at Bakersfield had taught me. Beyond the physical preparation, the mental toughness that comes with pushing yourself and motivating yourself when it is challenging, that I developed in Bakersfield, was something that I relied on a lot this tournament. Having played division 1 water polo in the States meant that I knew what kind of physicality the game was going to involve- this came as a surprise to many of the younger players.
“My experience playing overseas and at CSU Bakersfield definitely gave me an edge over the other South African players but also helped me when I faced the international opposition,” Shead continued. “The experience I gained from CSU Bakersfield has proven invaluable and I am always grateful to Jason and the program for the opportunities it has created for me. “
The next international games for South Africa will be in December when Great Britain comes to Johannesburg for a five-day series. The team will then turn its attention to 2015 when the program is planning on entering the 8 Nations Tournament in Dublin, Ireland and the World Championships in Russia which will be played in the summer.
“The goal is for South Africa to support us in going to the Olympics,” Shead said. “We'll see what happens.”
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