The University of Queensland graduate Suzie Fraser is no fish out of water when it comes to representing Australia in water polo.
In August, Ms Fraser will put her skills to the test as part of the Australian Olympic Women’s water polo team.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” she said.
“I get tingles every time wearing the green and gold robe and walking out with my 12 other team mates.
“There’s an immense feeling of pride not many people get to experience to stand by your team mates, sing the national anthem and play water polo for your country.”
Ms Fraser graduated last year with a Bachelor of Science/Law dual degree after juggling seven years of studying and a burgeoning sporting career.
“I found it was good to balance study and water polo because it forces you to manage your time effectively and gives you a focus outside water polo,” she said.
“I tried to be really organised and plan assessment around upcoming trips or camps.
“It also helped to have some fantastic note-takers at uni who would send me through the lecture notes.”
The 2007 UQ Sport sporting scholarship holder was introduced to water polo at age 13 and played for her high school club at Brisbane Girls’ Grammar.
She has played senior water polo since 2005.
“Playing at the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne was a highlight because it was great to play in front of a home crowd,” she said.
“The crowd at the gold medal match was particularly awesome.
“Probably my ultimate highlight so far though is winning a gold medal at the World Cup in Tianjin, China, in 2006.
“The team played really well right through the tournament and we beat Italy comprehensively in the final.”
As the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing draws near, Ms Fraser is busy preparing for the competition of her career.
To win Olympic gold is a dream she holds near, nurtured by the care and support of her family, friends and team mates.
“My mum and dad have played a huge role in where I am today,” she said.
“They are behind me no matter what and provide so much support, encouragement and advice. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Ms Fraser’s lasting advice for fellow aspiring water polo stars is to follow your dreams.
“If you have a dream, do every possible thing that you can do to get there so at the end of the day you know there was nothing else you could have done,” she said.
“What’s more – enjoy it.”
Ms Fraser is joined on the women's team by fellow UQ graduate Amy Hetzel, while current students Anthony Martin (Business Management) and Robert Maitland (Human Movement Studies) will fight for gold in the men's competition.
Media: Eliza Plant at UQ Communications (07 3365 2619, e.plant@uq.edu.au) or Russell McKinnon from Australian Water Polo (mckmedia@iinet.net.au)
