Guevremont & Howarth enjoy World League Super Final experience
FRESNO, Calif. - A pair of Fresno State water polo student-athletes, Daphne Guevremont and Kaitlin Howarth, played for their respective national teams in the FINA World League Super Final in Tenerife, Spain in early November.
Guevremont is a fifth-year senior who represented Canada while Howarth is a sophomore who represented New Zealand alongside former Bulldog Emily Nicholson. Canada went on for a seventh-place finish in the tournament defeating New Zealand, 13-6 in the seventh-place match.
GoBulldogs.com recently caught up with the pair to get their perspective on their international playing experience as well as what they are looking forward to this season.
1. What was your experience like playing for your respective national teams in Spain?
Guevremont: It was a great experience to play with and against some of the best players in the world. I got to see different styles of play, and different tactics, which was very beneficial to my growth as a player.
Howarth: When playing for New Zealand, I gained many new skills. There were a lot of learning opportunities and it was amazing to play against some of the best in the world.
2. What is the biggest difference between Division I water polo and international experience?
Guevremont:
I think the most noticeable difference, besides the speed and physicality of the international level, is the small rosters. There weren't as many substitutes as there are in college, and all our opponents were the top 15 players of their respective countries, which meant we always had to be at our best, and it was very challenging to do for a week-long tournament.
Howarth: I think the biggest difference between Div. I and international would be the level of the individuals. Everyone is so well-drilled that any tiny mistake will be punished by the opposition. Everyone is also a lot fitter, faster, and stronger.
3. Did you get to see much of Spain during your time and/or get to do anything fun outside of the pool?
Guevremont: We unfortunately did not get to visit a lot, as we were only there for a week and had games nearly everyday, but our hotel was in the older part of the city, and they were very festive during Halloween. Our hotel was also a 20-minute bus ride from the venue that was by the ocean, so we got to see some of the scenery Tenerife has to offer during our trips to the pool.
Howarth: I didn't get to see too much of Tenerife while we were in the tournament, but I got to see some of my friends and catch up with them which was awesome. I also got the chance to go sightseeing in Barcelona on the way back to the US after the tournament. It is definitely a very beautiful country!
4. What do you hope to take from this experience that you will use this season at Fresno State?
Guevremont: I'm hoping to use the fast pace of those games in Fresno, as well as the physicality. I've also seen some of the more experienced players use skills and tactics that I've never seen before, so I'd like to bring some of that creativity with me back to Fresno.
Howarth:
I hope to bring back some of the new skills I have learned. I also hope to be able to bring back some speed and intensity to the team. I hope that my international experience will help the team in a positive way and I can pass on some of the lessons I learned to the rest of the team.
Canada National Team Schedule (2-3)
Nov. 2: Italy 16, Canada 9
Nov. 3: USA 11, Canada 5
Nov. 4: Canada 15, Netherlands 14
Nov. 5: Australia 12, Canada 10
Nov. 6: Canada 13, New Zealand 6 (7th place)
New Zealand National Team Schedule (0-5)
Nov. 2: Spain 21, New Zealand 4
Nov. 3: Australia 14, New Zealand 5
Nov. 4: Hungary 25, New Zealand 9
Nov. 5: Italy 13, New Zealand 5
Nov. 6: Canada 13, New Zealand 6 (8th place)