Lily Ross, a standout player from the Andover Swimming and Water Polo Club, has recently made waves on the international stage. Selected to represent Great Britain, Ross was a key member of the Under-19 Women’s Water Polo team that competed in the European Championships held in Zagreb, Croatia. This prestigious event, which took place at the end of August, showcased some of the finest young talent across Europe.
The Great Britain team, guided by head coach Izzy Howe, was placed in Group D. Their journey began with a challenging match against Germany. Despite a valiant effort, including a last-second goal by Ross in the third quarter, the team fell short as Germany rallied to win in the final period. Undeterred, the squad rebounded strongly in their second game against Bulgaria, securing a decisive 32-6 victory.
Throughout the tournament, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill. They played seven games in total, emerging with five victories and scoring an impressive 93 goals. Their performance earned them a commendable ninth place overall in Europe. Notably, Ross was one of five players from this year’s squad who had also competed in the previous year’s U17 European Championships, where they had finished in 13th place.
Coach Izzy Howe praised the team for their hard work and versatility. She emphasized the dedication and effort that had been invested in preparation for this competition over the past year. Howe expressed her excitement about the team’s performance and the opportunity to represent Great Britain on such a significant stage, noting the pride that comes with competing internationally.
Back in Andover, the local community is eagerly watching Lily Ross’s progress. The support from her club and hometown is unwavering, as everyone anticipates great things from this promising young athlete in the future.