The Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers club has been the starting point for many water polo talents, and Matilda ‘Tilly’ Kearns is one of their shining stars. One of four children to Julie and Wallabies legend Phil Kearns, her journey from the local pools of Sydney’s Northern Beaches to competing on the world stage has been inspirational.
A Slow Start and a Sudden Spark
Unlike many athletes who fall in love with their sport at first touch, Tilly’s relationship with water polo had a rocky start. At 13, she plunged into the deep end, only to find herself disinterested and confused.
Initially disenchanted, Tilly quit after just a month. However, a year later, she returned to the pool with a new perspective. Standing at an impressive 176 cm, her physical advantage helped her excel, rekindling her interest in the game. This second attempt proved fruitful, leading her to join the Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers (SNBB) club. Climbing through the age groups, she soon made her first NSW state team, setting her sights on Olympic glory.
Rising Through the Ranks
The turning point came in July 2018 during a Water Polo high-performance camp. The tactical nature of the camp ignited Tilly’s passion for the sport, cementing her ambition. She swiftly developed into a formidable centre-forward, earning a spot with the Sydney University Lions and competing in the 2016, 2017, and 2018 FINA World Junior Championships.
Collegiate Success and Beyond
Tilly’s collegiate career with the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans further showcased her talent. Scoring 29 goals in her freshman year, she paused her studies to focus on the Tokyo Olympics. Returning to USC in 2022, she became the team’s top scorer with 64 goals, followed by an impressive 69 goals in 2023. By 2024, she had risen to the 16th spot on USC’s career-scoring leaderboard with 162 goals.
Olympic Debut and International Success
Tilly’s Olympic debut came at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, where the Australian team started strong with a 3-1 group stage record. However, a narrow 9-8 loss to the ROC in the quarter-finals dashed their medal hopes. The team rebounded, securing fifth place with victories over Canada and the Netherlands.
In March 2022, the Stingers claimed gold at the FINA World League International Cup in Peru, defeating the United States 11-4 in the final. That year also saw a sixth-place finish at the World Championships in Budapest, falling 8-5 to Spain.
Continued Battles and Achievements
Heading into the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, Tilly was highlighted as a player to watch. Australia advanced to the semi-finals with victories over China, France, and a thrilling quarter-final win against Greece. Though they lost to Spain and Italy, their performance was commendable.
At the 2024 World Championships in Doha, Australia finished sixth again. Despite a dominant 20-8 win over Britain, a narrow loss to the USA in the quarter-finals ended their run.
A Legacy in the Making
Tilly has carved out her own legacy in the world of water polo. Her journey from reluctant beginner to Olympic contender is a testament to perseverance and passion. As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, the Northern Beaches can proudly claim her as one of its own, a symbol of dedication and resilience.
Published Date 01-July-2024
