Water Polo: Mikayla Gross wins gold with NSW Country at Australian Country Championships

The Tamworth star was part of the NSW Country side that successfully defended their title from 2019, the teenager's efforts also seeing her selected in the Tournament Team as one of the best 13 players at the championships.

Voted on by the coaches, Gross said she was "stoked" to be name in the team.

"I didn't expect it and although we don't get to tour because of COVID it's an achievement in itself to be named in the team," she said.

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It was Gross' second time away with the NSW Country side after winning gold two years ago.

On that occasion the side co-captained by Tamworth stalwart Libby Magann defeated Queensland Maroon 8-6 to win the title.

The Blues again faced their arch-rivals for the silverware but this time came away with a 12-8 victory.

Playing as a driver, Gross bagged five goals in what was an undefeated campaign for the NSW side.

After virtually no representative water polo last year, she said it has been nice to challenge herself at that level again.

Earlier in the year she played for the Hunter Hurricanes in the Sydney Super League.

"It was really good," she said of the experience.

The tournament was designed to provide some competition for the country's elite players ahead of this year's Toyko Olympics.

"It was definitely a strong competition but it's good to get in and play those girls," Gross said.

"It just shows what you have to do to be at that level"

Her attention will now turn to the U22 Col Smee State Championships which will be held next month in Sydney, and where she will suit up for the Hurricanes.

In her first year of a nursing degree through the University of Newcastle, life is pretty busy for the 18-year old, juggling her studies, water polo commitments and working at 360 Fitness Club.

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