Tamworth High trio earn state berths

The Tamworth High trio’s performances for North West were so impressive that despite their age all three were named in the state sides selected from the championships.

White (15) and Gross (14) were selected in the CHS 1s, and Hofman (14) the CHS 2s.

“It’s a great achievement, especially at such a young age,” THS water polo manager Tina Poder said.

They are the youngest in the state teams, which will play at the All Schools next March.

The three were on their way back from Alstonville when the teams were named, and suffice to say there were three excited girls when the news filtered through.

Especially with CHS taking an U17s side over to the US in July next year.

“We’ve put our names down for that,” White said.

The carnival was the first trial. They’ve got another on December 4.

“It would be a huge trip. Hopefully us making the state teams gives us a good chance,” she said.

White captained the North West side and couldn’t have been prouder to lead them.

“We came eighth last year. To come fifth with only eight players was fantastic,” she said.

Even more so when two of the eight hadn’t played much water polo before.

She is a utility player, while Hofman is predominately a defender and Gross a centre forward.

Earlier in the year she (Gross) was part of the NSW 14s side that contested the East Coast Challenge tournament in Melbourne. 

White and Hofman were at the same time over in New Zealand with the CHS 15s side.

The three also played for the Tamworth 16s at the National Club Championships in Hobart, and are key cogs in the THS U15s side, which will contest the state knockout finals at Raymond Terrace on December 5 and 6.

Poder is optimistic about their chances, after finishing fourth last year.

“We’re a lot stronger all round side this year,” she said.