Hard work is key to Scott’s success

A trip to the 2027 World Under-20 Water Polo Championships looms large on Scott Keay’s agenda.

The 19-year-old, in his first year out of Marlborough Boys’ College, is a member of the national under-20 development squad, a group preparing for the forthcoming worlds, but knows there is plenty of hard work and improvement ahead if he is to make the final cut.

However, the Stadium 2000 employee is doing all he can to give himself the best opportunity. Since early May he has committed to a hectic travel schedule, turning out each weekend for the senior men’s side Hutt Heat, who take part in the Suzuki National League. It is Scott’s first year in the national league and he is relishing his time with the Heat, who play twice each weekend and currently lie mid-table.

Playing predominantly on the left-side of the pool, Scott is also preparing to take part in the forthcoming New Zealand under-21 nationals, where he will compete in the colours of the Auckland-based Marist club.

Around the end of August, the NZ under-20 squad will be pulled together for a training camp, with numbers steadily being reduced until the final line-up is revealed in May 2027.

Scott has already represented his country, as part of a NZ under-20 team which travelled to Australia last year, a trip which offered “an awesome opportunity to bond with teammates, compete internationally, and continue learning”.

There is no shortage of desire to make the Kiwi team again, but Scott is a realist.

“Playing for New Zealand, and at the World Champs nonetheless, who doesn’t want to give it a crack? I’m not fully convinced I will make it that far, but I will certainly be giving it my best shot.”

He knows where he needs to improve to push his case for selection.

“I need to work on the physical contact game, that would be my main one … I’m pretty good on the swimming speed side of things but it is hard to train for the physical contact here because there are now fewer players of my age".

“When I go away and take on men who are all older, bigger, stronger and more experienced than me it becomes quite a challenge.”

Scott is currently working in the Stadium 2000 gym with Hannes Schoeman with a view to building body mass as well as improving his strength and balance in the water, but is resigned to being one of the smaller players on the roster.

Among others, the main influences on his burgeoning career have been Mum and Dad Lindsay and Alastair Keay, who moved to New Zealand from Zimbabwe in 2001. The latter has been a long-time coach of water polo at all levels in the region while the former manages the accounts and logistics side, “Both of whom have always been my biggest supporters”.

Long term, Scott says a trip to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is a far-off goal. With Australia automatically qualifying as hosts, the Kiwis are likely to make it through qualifying and he feels he will be in the right age bracket to have a chance.

It would be hard to argue with his logic given his progress so far.

Scott has been helped on his journey by the Inspire Foundation Marlborough, Lochmara Lodge and Mitre 10, and acknowledges Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 for providing a great training facility and providing a work schedule that allows for sporting-based travel.

“The final thank you goes to the Marlborough Water Polo Club and community for all that they have helped me with in the many years prior, all inclusive of tournaments, training sessions, learning and friendships,” added Scott.