By LIAM TWOMEY
IT IS hard to see Alex Cox ending up anywhere but the top. At just 16 years old, Cox is mixing it up with some of the top water polo athletes from around the state as she establishes herself as a rising star in the sport.
The Maribyrnong resident made her first state team three years ago and since then, has also been selected for the Victorian under 14 and under 16 sides.
However, it is not just in the juniors where Cox is turning heads.
She also plays in the National Women’s League open age team with the Victorian Tigers.
Although the jump from junior to senior competition is tough, Cox wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It is very hard because I came from being the number one in the team in juniors and then coming into open women’s competition where I am not even in the starting line-up,” she explained.
“It is really good though. It has helped me improve, and I really know when I am improving.
“At first I was really scared. The coaching is very different to juniors where they are more like, well done and keep going.
“In seniors, if you stuff up, it feels like the end of the world. I just take it all on and try and do as best as I can.”
There has been no shortage of awards throughout her young career, with Cox dominating the Water Polo Victoria competition last year.
She was named the top goal scorer and most valuable player in the junior women’s division as well as taking out the highest goal scorer award and tying for the MVP in State League One.
There are no plans to slow down for Cox, who is hoping to go as far as she can in the sport.
“I’m trying to make the Australian Squad that would be excellent,” she said.
“I would love to go to an Olympics one day. For all the effort that I am putting in, it would be great to be able to make an Olympic side and play there.”
