NZ Women's White Caps ready for action at World Aquatics Championships
The New Zealand Women’s White Caps are set to dive into action at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, bringing with them momentum, experience, and ambition after a rigorous European preparation campaign.
Grouped in a tough Pool A, the White Caps will face Italy, host nation Singapore, and Paris 2024 silver medallists Australia in the preliminary rounds. Their opening match is against Italy on Friday 11 July at 9:35pm, followed by Singapore on Sunday 13 July at 11:10pm, and a high-stakes showdown with regional powerhouse Australia on Tuesday 15 July at 9:35pm.
Captain Jess Milicich reflected on the team’s mindset heading into the Championships.
"Preparation has been great – having official games and quality trainings ahead of the tournament was exactly what we needed to come together and learn and grow as a group. We’re really excited to be in Singapore and start our campaign against Italy. We feel confident that we can compete at this level and are ready to put what we’ve learnt over the last two weeks into action."
This year's campaign builds on the team’s impressive 9th-place finish at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, a result that showcased the programme’s upward trajectory and growing international competitiveness.
Notably, these Championships mark the first time New Zealand will compete under the official name "White Caps." The name reflects a growing sense of identity, pride, and professionalism within the programme. Symbolising both the dynamic energy of New Zealand’s coastal waters and the cresting momentum of the team itself, the White Caps brand represents a bold new era for women’s water polo in Aotearoa.
The team heads into the tournament following a highly productive preparation camp in Hungary and France, where they tested themselves against some of the world’s top sides — including the Netherlands, Hungary, and Greece. The high-level scrimmages and competitive match play offered critical experience and fine-tuning ahead of the global stage.
Head coach Angie Winstanley-Smith emphasised the value of that European tour and the team’s readiness heading into Singapore.
"After 18 months without games since the last World Champs in Doha, and only a few days together as a full squad, the team competed really well against world-class opponents in Hungary. In France — a nation we’re traditionally close with — it was a great chance to see where we’re at, so getting the win was a bonus.
We’re excited for pool play now against two top teams and the home side Singapore. We’ll give it everything, and I know the girls love playing for their country. It’s a historic moment as the first ever World Championship games as the White Caps!"
Results in the preliminary round will determine the White Caps’ path through the crossover matches and beyond.
Go, White Caps!
Key information
Competition: 2025 World Aquatics Championships
Location: Singapore
Dates: 11 – 24 July 2025
Fixtures (Group A):
- 11 July 2025 @ 9:35pm NZST – ITA v NZL
- 13 July 2025 @ 11:10pm NZST – NZL v SGP
- 15 July 2025 @ 9:35pm NZST – AUS v NZL
Live stream: https://www.worldaquatics.com/where-to-watch/live&ondemand
Team list
Gabrielle Doyle (North Harbour), Holly Dunn (Atlantis City), Elizabeth Gault (Atlantis City), Emmerson Houghton (Tauranga), Kaitlin Howarth (North Harbour), Bridget Layburn (North Harbour), Morgan McDowall (Atlantis City), Gabrielle Milicich (Marist), Jessica Milicich (Marist), Emily Nicholson (North Harbour), Millie Quin (Marist), Sophie Shorter-Robinson (Marist), Darcy Spark (North Harbour), Aggie Weston (Tauranga).
Travelling Reserve: Gabby MacDonald (Atlantis City)
Non-travelling Reserve: Alisha Winstanley (Tauranga)
Coaching/Management Team: Angie Winstanley-Smith (Head Coach), Facundo Policarpo & Eelco Uri (Assistant Coaches), Barbara Kendall (Performance Coach), Simon Breen (Massage Therapist), Polly Powrie (Team Manager).
