Matilda Kearns

Biography

Matilda 'Tilly' Kearns didn’t fall in love with water polo immediately. At 13, her initial experience in the pool felt like a chaotic game of bull-rush rather than a structured sport. It wasn't until she returned the following season and her physical advantage began to show that she developed a passion for the game. A member of the Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers, Tilly's talents quickly became apparent as she progressed through the ranks.

Her breakthrough came at a high-performance water polo camp in 2018 which reignited her enthusiasm. By then, Tilly had solidified her position as a classic centre-forward, known for her tactical awareness and goal-scoring ability. She represented the Sydney University Lions in multiple FINA World Junior Championships and joined the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, where she became a top scorer.

Matilda's dedication to the sport saw her pause her college career to focus on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she made her debut. Although the Australian team's journey ended with a close loss in the quarter-finals, they bounced back to secure fifth place. In subsequent competitions, Tilly continued to shine with standout performances, including a gold medal victory at the FINA World League International Cup in 2022.

Balancing her sports commitments with family life, Tilly is the daughter of Julie and rugby legend Phil Kearns. Her story is one of persistence and growth, aiming for greater heights as she prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics.