SUSF Elite Athlete Program (EAP) scholarship holder Georgia Clarke has hit a purple patch of early season form for the Sydney University Women’s Water Polo Club (SUWWPC) as she comes back from shoulder surgery.
Clark, studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Sydney, missed the entire 2013 National League season after accepting the inevitable in January that surgery was the only answer to a chronic shoulder problem.
As the team’s primary centre forward, this left a huge hole in the Lions’ offence and her worth is now being felt as she prepares for the 2014 National League.
Sydney University scored two valuable wins this week against quality opposition – on Wednesday the Lions beat Cronulla 8-5 and on Saturday it was a 6-5 victory over Balmain. Clarke scored seven goals in the two games, including five against the Tigers. This type of goal production shows her development in the sport’s most difficult position.
Clarke’s recovery has been long and arduous and she credits training at NSWIS and a private swim regime with coach Danae Pantehis as the keys to recovery. “The shoulder is still a bit fragile and will need to be managed, but I am confident it will get through the National League season,” said Clarke.
“We have a strong team this year and I very much want to be part of it after missing out last season.”
Clarke will be back in action on Wednesday night when the Lions line up against the Hunter Hurricanes at Ryde Aquatic Centre at 7.00pm.
