My name is Cole Schmidt and I am a passionate water polo goalie and field player. At age 15, I am the youngest player to be selected to represent the New Zealand U18 Men’s Team to play in the National State Championship in Sydney, Australia in September 2023. I play for the Hamilton Boys’ High School (HBHS) Premier team and for Waikato Water Polo at U16 and U18 level. I have also been selected to play in the Premier League in Auckland and to represent the HBHS U16 team to travel to Brisbane in 2024.
I love playing sports and have played water polo, rugby, hockey and basketball competitively. In Year 11, I decided that water polo is my true passion and I have made it my “number one” priority. I have played in my age group and an age group above mine, since U12 level. Playing against older players has allowed me to push myself and lift my game. The training schedule for two age groups also keeps me fit, busy, focused and committed.