Water Polo Nominees

Water Polo Athlete of the Year

2023 Shortlist: Tom Manley, Kathy Rogers and Lily Turner

Tom Manley

Great Britain Senior Men's Water Polo

The year of 2023 saw the reintroduction of the senior men’s team back into top flight European water polo. The team played with plenty of commitment and resilience with results showing continued improvement throughout the year. 

One constant throughout was the remarkable performances of goalkeeper Tom Manley, his shot stopping and reading of the game was the equal of any of our European counterparts. From blocking four penalties against Malta, to having the Olympic champions Serbia comment on his excellent performances, he has proven to be a cornerstone from which the team can build on as they move forward.

Kathy Rogers

Great Britain Senior Women's Water Polo

Great Britain women’s captain Kathy Rogers led the team to two successive tournament victories at the Danube Cup in Szentrs, Hungary and at the European Championships Qualification Tournament in Rio Maior, Portugal.

Her leadership in the pool, strong performances at centre back and goals at key moments were instrumental to the team’s success, with Great Britain's Senior Women's Water Polo successful qualifying campaign earning a spot at the European Championships in Israel in January 2024.

Lily Turner

Great Britain Senior Women's Water Polo

Lily Turner’s strong performances for Great Britain this season saw her win the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award when Great Britain won the Danube Cup in Hungary. Her impressive attacking skills were evident when she scored five goals in GB’s 13-5 victory over Germany in the key match to earn Great Britain first place at the European Championships Qualification tournament.

Turner is already a two-time recipient of the Water Polo Athlete of the Year accolade, previously taking the trophy at both the 2019 and 2021-22 awards.

Water Polo Coach of the Year

2023 Shortlist: Nick Buller, Sarah Dunsbee and Alistair Roberts

Nick Buller

Great Britain Senior Women's Water Polo

Nick Buller has overseen Britain’s senior women’s successful summer schedule. The women have won two tournaments wins including a dominant win at the European Championships qualification tournament.

This has resulted in the senior women’s team qualifying for the top-16 finals in January at the first time of asking after a decade out of European top flight water polo due to not being entered. Nick’s excellent tactical preparation was a key to their success.

Sarah Dunsbee

Great Britain Water Polo

Sarah Dunsbee has worked tirelessly at club (Hucknall), Talent Centre (East Midlands) and as an assistant coach to the GB U17 boys team that played in the European Qualification tournament in Malta.

Sarah is also continuing to assist with the GB U19 boys team that are preparing for the European Qualification tournament in 2024. Sarah has inspired multiple and developed multiple coaches both though the East Midlands Talent Centre and her work as a Tutor.

Alastair Roberts

Worthing Junior Boys

Alastair Roberts has continued to turn a relatively small club on the South coast into a force to be reckoned with at national level competitions.

He has led the Worthing junior boys to win two recent National Age Group titles. His calm coaching style and knowledge of water polo has produced numerous junior internationals, male and female, and is the driving force behind Worthings success at all age groups.