Steere Looks Back on FINA World Championships
8/4/2017 1:07:00 PM | Water Polo, Features
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- MGoBlue.com caught up with University of Michigan water polo sophomore Maddy Steere after she returned home from the FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Steere and Water Polo Australia placed eighth at the 17th World Championship. Steere made her World Championships debut with two goals against Kazakhstan in the opening game of the tournament. She was a valuable defender off the bench for the Aussie Stingers.
Australia won its opening game, 16-4, and followed with a big win over Russia, 8-5. Steere dished out a key assist to break a 3-3 tie in the game. The win was significant as Russia would go on to claim the bronze medal. An 11-8 loss to Greece in the final game of group play set up a match with France for a spot in the quarterfinals. The Stingers cruised to a 16-2 win with great defense.
In the quarterfinals against the United States, Australia battled hard but a 3-0 second quarter helped Team USA to a 7-5 victory. Australia followed with another difficult loss to swallow as Italy won 18-17 following a 7-6 edge on a penalty shootout. That placed the Stingers in the seventh place game, a rematch with Greece that they lost 8-6.
Australia featured a youthful group with a lot of new members on the national team. Steere was one of those newcomers. See what she had to say about the experience.
Q: What was the feeling like, representing your country at the World Championships?
A: Being selected to represent Australia is always an honor. Playing in my first senior World Championships has been a dream of mine for a long time, so this time putting on the green and gold had even more significance. There was a lot of hard work that went into making this a reality and I am so proud to be playing for my country. Having been living overseas for the past year, it feels good to be back in the Australian uniform.
Q: What was your favorite moment from the championship?
A: I'll never forget when we were lining up for our first game and singing the national anthem I looked up and saw my dad on the big screen, waving the Australian flag and tearing up, which made me do the same. Seeing him up there, excited and proud to watch me play, made me realize how honored I was to be a part of this team and how proud of myself and my teammates I was. I got really emotional in that moment as I remembered not only the hard work that I had put in, but also the hard work it took from the people around me to get me there.
Q: How did it feel to score two goals in your first game?
A: Playing in my first major senior tournament, I was a little nervous and still trying to find my spot in the team, so scoring in my debut game really gave me the confidence I needed for the rest of the games.
Q: How was the atmosphere in Budapest?
A: Playing on Margaret Island in Budapest is essentially playing in the home of water polo. The stands were massive which amplified the energy at the pool and made it really exciting to play. Even when we were driving around there were advertisements and decorations throughout the city to promote the games and the water polo was broadcast everywhere. It was new to have so many people interested in water polo but it was such a pleasant change!
Q: What does this summer do to help you towards your goals of 2020?
A: This summer has been filled with some really tough training and games which has given me valuable international experience. It's the first international season for the 2020 cycle and as we have a new coach, it has been crucial in learning a new system of play and laying the groundwork for the team to grow upon as we get closer to Tokyo.Â
Q: How do you think your game grew from the experience competing against the best in the world?
A: I definitely think my water polo improved, especially my ability to compete against the best of the best on the international stage. Having a new coach has opened up my eyes to a new style and helped me to view the game differently. The atmosphere of the games has also helped motivate me for the future.
Q: How challenging was this summer, traveling to China for the World League Super Final and Hungary for the World Championships?
A: The training and time away from home was extremely difficult and mentally exhausting. It's one of the hardest things I've ever put myself through. Every day is a new challenge both mentally and physically. Having successfully made it through, it's shown me how dedicated I truly am and that no matter how hard it seems, it's always possible. Being able to travel is quite a nice perk of water polo, especially trading in the Melbourne winter for some warm Budapest sun! It's tough being restricted to just the pool and a hotel but we did get to see a little bit of the city in our spare time. Â
