The Queensland Thunder water polo team is set to make a splash ahead of the 2023 season, sporting a dash of red as Griffith University becomes its newest sponsor.
Griffith Director of Sports Engagement Duncan Free OAM said the sponsorship agreement will provide added benefits to the women's and men's teams.
"The partnership will allow the players to use our facilities to train, research opportunities for our academics, plus student engagement and support for university students in the Thunder squads," Mr Free said.
Bridget Leeson-Smith will be wearing her new uniform with pride as she's currently studying a Bachelor of Counselling at Griffith.
"I'm so excited to have Griffith University partnering with my water polo team the Queensland Thunder for the upcoming Australian Water Polo League season," she said.
"This partnership is extra special to me as Griffith has been supporting me to balance my studies as a Bachelor of Counselling student and continue my career as a high-performance water polo athlete."
Griffith's elite sports program is on par with the best in the world, promoting performance pathways, athletic development and optimising performance using innovative methodologies.
Griffith Sports College Manager and Olympic gold medallist (water polo) Naomi McCarthy OAM said Griffith is the national leader in support of student athletes, setting the stage for our water polo players as they prepare for Paris 2024.
"Current and future athletes know that Griffith is synonymous with elite facilities, support while studying at uni, and access to staff and trainers that are some of the best in the world," she said.
"It's the perfect combination that will the Queensland Thunder make a splash in 2023."
The Queensland Thunder squads are yet to be finalised, however, last year Griffith University was represented by:
- Bridget Leeson-Smith: Bachelor of Counselling and Australian Stinger
- Tenealle Fasala: Bachelor of Nursing and Australian Stinger
- Sophie Milliken: Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Australian Stinger
- Amelia Watt: Bachelor of Psychology and Australian Junior team member
- William Downes: Bachelor of Business
- Sam Lenarduzzi: Graduate 2022 Bachelor of Education
- Dylan McDonald: Bachelor of Education
