We check in with Hammerhead Darcy Spark as she wraps up her first year at San Jose State University before she gets set to head back home for the summer break.

I left New Zealand in August 2023 to attend San Jose State University in California, USA.

I am playing in a division 1 water polo team as well as attending university to earn a business degree. It’s been a great season for our team as we completed many goals such together such as beating The University of Santa Barbara twice. Due to our conference which includes 4 of the top 5 teams, we have had some extremely tough games but have held our own and definitely kept them on their toes. I am extremely grateful to have earned a MPSF Newcomer of the week award this season as well as being named in the MPSF All Newcomer Team and Honourable Mention Team. I have been having the most amazing time in the states and I have the most amazing teammates and people surrounding me.

I have developed so much as a player since being here and am extremely thankful for this opportunity. I have learnt many different ways of playing which I am excited to bring home to North Harbour. With only conference championships left we hope to play well and improve in the result from last year which means beating Indiana University in our crossover match. I am excited to come back home and play U21 for Harbour and I can’t wait to see all the familiar faces and family from Harbour again!

Article added: Thursday 09 May 2024