Chasing Olympic Dreams

Walking out with the Australian Team in front of a home crowd at the 2032 Olympics, is a dream St Andrew’s Anglican College Year 10 student Chase Staskiewicz constantly imagines.

That dream is now one step closer, after his selection in the Australian U16 Water Polo squad competing at the upcoming World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.

The talented Sunshine Coast athlete earned his place in the national squad following an intensely competitive selection process involving 40 of Australia’s top junior water polo players. Only 14 athletes were ultimately selected for the Australian team, with Chase one of just four Queenslanders chosen.

Chase received the life-changing news in fitting fashion, poolside at St Andrew’s during training.

“I was actually about to jump into the pool when Mum saw the email first,” he said.

“She started jumping up and down celebrating, then suddenly stopped and said, ‘I hope I’ve read this right, I don’t have my glasses on!’ It was total excitement, a good laugh, and just a massive sense of relief that all the hard work had paid off.”

This will mark Chase’s first time officially representing Australia.

“It means everything to wear the green and gold,” he said.

“To know I’m representing my family, my school, the Sunshine Coast and my country on the world stage is the ultimate honour.”

Starting his water polo journey at just eight years old, inspired by his older brother Aaden, his selection represents the culmination of immense physical and mental commitment.

Balancing elite sport with his academic studies at St Andrew’s, Chase’s weekly routine includes early morning sessions, gym work, recovery, travel to Brisbane for high performance training, and monthly Australian squad camps at the AIS in Canberra.

“4:30am alarms and living out of a suitcase are just a regular part of the journey now,” he said.

Chase credits St Andrew’s Anglican College and its coaching staff for playing a significant role in both his sporting and personal development.

“St Andrew’s has been incredible,” he said. “The school doesn’t just support you as an athlete; they support your character. It has taught me time management, accountability and pride in representing my community.”

“She has played such a massive role in my development, constantly pushing me to refine my skills, improve my game IQ and stay focused on what it takes to reach the next level.”

Behind the achievement has been an enormous commitment from Chase’s family, who juggle the demands of supporting four boys involved in competitive water polo.

“The logistics are a military operation,” his parents Tanya and Michaael said, “…balancing schedules and packing endless food. But when your child is willing to work that hard for their dream, you do whatever it takes to back them.”

The Australian team will travel to Zagreb in August, where Chase hopes to gain valuable international experience and help Australia achieve its highest possible ranking against the world’s strongest nations.

Long term, he has his sights firmly set on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

“I’ll be 21 then, which is the peak age for water polo,” he said.

“I constantly imagine walking out with the Australian team in front of a home crowd in Brisbane. That would be an incredible moment for me, my family and everyone who has backed me from the start.”