WATERPOLO fundi, Tyra-Jade van der Spuy of Kingsway High School is one of three KZN players selected for the SA U17 team to participate in the Junior Women’s Waterpolo 8 Nations EU Cup in Prague, Czech Republic, from Wednesday to Sunday, 2 to 6 September.
The grade 11 pupil heard the good news last week. “I am ecstatic. Seeing my name on the team list definitely made all the hard work worthwhile and has motivated me to go further with my waterpolo career.
This is Tyra’s first international competition. “It is a bit nerve-wracking as I have only played at school level before. But I am looking forward to the competition.”
The teen started participating in the sport in grade 6 while at Athlone Park Primary School under the guidance of Adrianne Champion. Thereafter, she made the KZN U13 team in grade 7.
“In grade 8, I met my mentor and coach, Wesley Botha and started training with Junior Jellies Waterpolo Academy. I trained with them for three years, which was excellent grounding. During this time I made the KZN U14 and U15 teams.”
In 2014, Tyra-Jade joined Lee-Anne Keets Academy and also participated in various league games, tournaments and matches which helped improve her skills and increased her love for the game.
She also made the KZN U16 team.
“In July, I became part of the U17 women’s SA squad, along with five other KZN girls. This involved attending training camps around the country and swim tests once a month.”
Although she had until then participated in other sports, she quit to concentrate on waterpolo. “It is my passion, which I plan to pursue after matric. I hope to open my own clinic in the not too distant future and pass on the knowledge I have gained over the past few years. I have also completed a referee’s course and have refereed and coached a few games and conducted a one-day clinic.”
With less than two weeks remaining for the competition, Tyra-Jade is training daily, to be in top shape, both fitness and skills –wise.
“It is a sport that requires hours of training, including on weekends. I have had to make lots of sacrifices, but I always make sure that I have time to do school work and socialise with my friends, as I believe life has to be balanced in order to achieve success.”
