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2025 Australian Underwater Hockey Nationals

Ballarat, Victoria hosted the 2025 Australian Underwater Hockey Nationals Championships at Ballarat Aquatic Centre from January 12th to 19th. This year, the championships were again divided into two categories: juniors and seniors.

The junior division kicked off on Monday, January 13th, featuring the U15s, U19s and U19s Womens division. Thursday, Januray 16th transitioned into the Seniors, featuring Elite Opens, Elite Womens and Masters division.

NSW Under 15s Open

Placed: 4th

States Competed: NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC, WA Black, WA Gold

Coaches: Nat Marshall & Jack Penrose

This year’s Underwater Hockey Nationals saw the NSW Under 15s team achieve an incredible 4th place finish. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the team was composed of players with no prior experience playing together and varying levels of skill. Despite these challenges, the team demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and an inspiring level of determination.

The team faced an uphill battle to build cohesion and trust in a short amount of time. From the very first training session, it was clear that this group of young athletes would need to focus on communication, teamwork, and learning the fundamentals of the game.

Under the guidance of coaches Nat Marshall and Jack Penrose, the players embraced the challenge with open minds and a willingness to grow. The coaches’ emphasis on developing basic skills, fostering team spirit, and building game awareness paid off as the team steadily improved throughout the tournament.

This 4th place finish is just the beginning for these young athletes. With continued training, support, and opportunities to compete, they have the potential to become a formidable force in the years to come. The lessons learned and the bonds formed during this tournament will undoubtedly shape their future in Underwater Hockey.

NSW Under 19s Open

Placed: 7th

States Competed: NSW, QLD A, QLD B, SA, TAS, VIC, WA

Coaches: Jacko Smit & Isaak Campbell

After seven years of competing in Underwater Hockey Nationals, NSW has achieved a significant milestone by forming a Under 19s team entirely composed of players from within the state. This achievement marks a proud moment for the NSW Underwater Hockey community, showcasing growth, resilience, and the development of young talent.

The journey to Nationals was a testament to the dedication of players, coaches, and supporters alike. For half of the team, this was their first time competing at a national level. These newcomers brought fresh energy and enthusiasm to the group, eager to learn and experience the intensity of high-level competition. Meanwhile, the other half of the team brought valuable experience, having participated in previous tournaments.

While the team placed 7th overall, this result does not fully capture the progress made and the potential demonstrated by the players. Every game was a step forward, building confidence and fostering a deeper understanding of the sport. The experience gained will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future success.

A significant part of the team’s development can be attributed to the guidance and expertise of coaches Jacko Smit and Isaak Campbell. Their dedication to nurturing the players, both on and off the court, played a pivotal role in the team’s performance. From rigorous training sessions to tactical discussions, the coaches ensured that every player was prepared to give their best.

NSW Elite Womens

Placed: 6th

States Competed: NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA

Coach: Jenny Kennedy

The NSW Elite Women’s team faced a challenging yet rewarding campaign at this year’s Underwater Hockey Nationals, finishing in 6th place. Despite the result, the tournament was filled with moments of growth, laughter, and memorable experiences that highlighted the team’s spirit and determination.

In a bold and inspiring decision, the team’s two best players chose to sit out the final game (5th vs. 6th) to allow the newer players to gain valuable experience on the national stage. This selfless act demonstrated the team’s commitment to fostering growth and development, ensuring that the next generation of players would benefit from the opportunity to compete under pressure. While this decision may have impacted the result, it underscored the team’s focus on long-term success and camaraderie.

Coach Jenny Kennedy played a dual role throughout the tournament, not only guiding the team with her expertise but also serving as a referee for other matches. Jenny’s leadership extended beyond tactics and strategies; her humor and positive energy brought countless laughs to the team, helping to keep spirits high even during tough moments. Her ability to balance professionalism with lightheartedness made her an invaluable part of the team’s journey.

The NSW Elite Women’s team leaves the Nationals with their heads held high, proud of their efforts and the progress they made. From prioritizing player development to embracing moments of humor and connection, this team embodied the true spirit of underwater hockey.

NSW Elite Open

Placed: 5th

States Competed: Barbarians, NSW, QLD A, QLD B, TAS, VIC, WA

Coach: Joel Hattie

The NSW Elite Men’s team faced a challenging yet spirited campaign at this year’s Underwater Hockey Nationals, securing a commendable 5th place finish.

One of the most notable setbacks occurred when Mike from South Australia, who had joined the team to bolster their roster, suffered a severe shoulder injury during a match against WA. Despite this unfortunate incident, the team rallied together, showing incredible support for their injured teammate. Mike’s presence and determination before his injury left a lasting impact on the group.

Additionally, the team faced the absence of two key players, Santiago and Camilo from Colombia, who were unable to compete due to personal reasons. Their absence was deeply felt, as both players brought unique skills and experience to the team. Despite these challenges, the remaining players stepped up, filling the gaps and demonstrating remarkable perseverance.

The competition was fierce, with NSW going head-to-head against strong teams demanding strategic adjustments, physical endurance, and mental resilience. Despite the setbacks, the team showcased moments of brilliance, demonstrating their potential and determination to compete at the highest level.

Coach Joel played a pivotal role in guiding the team through this challenging tournament. His leadership, tactical insights, training schedules and ability to motivate the players were instrumental in keeping the team focused and united while he was also injured with a cut on his eye.

NSW Masters Open

Placed: 1st

States Competed: NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, WA

This championship-winning team had the unique advantage of including two players from the NSW Elite Men’s team, whose high-level skills and tactical insights added an extra layer of strength to the Masters squad. Combined with the experience of seasoned Masters players, this blend of talent created a formidable lineup that proved difficult for opponents to overcome.

Interestingly, half of the team were left-handed players, a rarity in most underwater hockey teams. This unique characteristic gave NSW a tactical edge, as their opponents struggled to adapt to their unconventional playing style and angles of attack.

One of the standout performances of the tournament came from Nat, whose goalkeeping was nothing short of extraordinary. Nat managed to save around three penalty shots, a feat often considered nearly impossible in underwater hockey due to the high-pressure nature of penalty situations. These game-changing saves not only kept NSW in contention during critical moments but also boosted the team’s morale and confidence.

The road to victory wasn’t without its challenges. The NSW Masters team faced multiple sin bins throughout the tournament, with players frequently sitting out for 1 or 2 minute penalties due to fouls. In addition to the penalties, there were several heated arguments with referees, reflecting the intensity and passion that both players and officials brought to the games. Despite these moments, the team maintained their focus and discipline when it mattered most.

This championship is a testament to the enduring passion and competitiveness of the Masters players, proving that age is no barrier to success in underwater hockey. Congratulations to the NSW Masters Open team on their well-deserved victory!

Laser Tag

The junior function was an exciting outdoor event, where the theme was "gold." Everyone dressed up in their best golden outfits, adding a sparkling touch to the atmosphere. The group participated in an exhilarating laser tag game, running through the outdoor arena, strategizing, and competing in teams. The golden theme made it even more fun, with everyone looking fabulous in their shimmering attire while engaging in the action-packed game. The event was a perfect blend of friendly competition, teamwork, and a bit of glitz.

Aunty Jack's

The senior function, on the other hand, was a more relaxed and elegant gathering held at Aunty Jack's. The venue was buzzing with laughter and conversation as drinks and delicious food were provided for everyone to enjoy. Just like the junior function, the gold theme was embraced, with guests wearing golden attire, adding a touch of glamour to the event. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to unwind, enjoy some good food and drinks, and celebrate the occasion in style, all while looking fabulous in their golden outfits.

A big thank you to Jo and Ali for their outstanding efforts in managing and organizing the juniors and their accommodation for the 2025 Australian Underwater Hockey Nationals. Your hard work and dedication ensured that everything ran smoothly, and the juniors had a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Thank you to Stuart for organising seniors accomodation and congratulations earning MVP for Masters.

A special thanks to Ben for directing the tournament. Your leadership and coordination made the event a success, and we truly appreciate your commitment to making it all come together.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the coaches, referees, parents, and supporters. Your passion, time, and energy helped create an amazing atmosphere for the players and contributed to the success of the tournament. We couldn't have done it without you!

Regards, Isaak