The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has announced a new look women’s water polo team.

AIS Head Coach Greg McFadden named his squad of 26 players, 16 of which will travel to Adelaide to play in the World League rounds on 23-24 May.

This year’s selection camp was particularly hard, as most of the women seeking a spot played in the National League finals last week, and with 33 athletes trying out, competition was tough.

'It’s been very hard for the girls, we’ve had a lot to do. Not just water polo, but the girls have learnt about scholarships, nutrition and whole range of things.' McFadden said.

'To their credit they’ve been pushing through the pain barrier and they’ve all been giving it their best shot,' he said.

Five of the girls selected are coming back from Beijing, including Australian captain Mel Rippon, along with 10 who have previously been involved in the program. The rest of the 33 are made up of juniors and girls who are trying to make an impression on the world stage.

The announcement of today’s squad is the first step for the 2012 London Olympics, where the Australian women will aim to improve from their Bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics last year.

Zoe Arancini 17, is one of the many fresh faces in this years AIS squad happy to be in the pool training alongside former Olympians such as Australian captain Mel Rippon.

'It feels really good and it’s a great honour,' Arancini said.

'To be coached by Greg McFadden who is a former Olympian himself and to also be mixed in with older, experienced players… and for them to pass on their knowledge is great.'

AIS 2009 squad:

Goalkeepers:

Victoria Brown (VIS), Daniele Bower (NSWIS),Lea Barta (NSWIS),
Alicia McCormack (NSWIS)

Centre Forwards:

Holly Lincoln Smith (NSWIS), Jemma Dessauvagie (WAIS),
Elise Rossato (VIC), Hannah Robinson (QAS), Ash Southern (QAS)

Centre Backs:

Glencora Ralph (WAIS), Larissa Webster (VIS), Sarah Mills (QAS),
Sophie Rickets (SASI), Sophie Smith (QAS), Rowena Webster (VIS), Bronwen Knox (QAS)

Counter Attackers/Drivers/Shooters:

Rebecca Rippon (NSWIS), Keesja Gofers (NSWIS), Nicola Zagame (NSWIS), Bre Appel (NSWIS), Kate Miller (QAS), Jane Moran (QAS),
Zoe Arancini (WAIS), Melissa Rippon (QAS), Lisa Callahan (SASI),
Kate Gynther (QAS)

The 2009 Australian team for the World League rounds in Adelaide is:

Goalkeepers:

Alicia McCormack (NSWIS), Victoria Brown (VIS)

Centre Forwards:

Holly Lincoln Smith (NSWIS), Jemma Dessauvagie (WAIS),
Bronwen Knox (QAS)

Centre Backs/Utilities:

Glencora Ralph (WAIS), Sarah Mills (QAS), Sophie Smith (QAS),
Rowena Webster (VIS), Nicola Zagame (NSWIS), Kate Gynther (QAS)

Counter Attackers/Drivers/Shooters:

Rebecca Rippon (NSWIS), Jane Moran (QAS), Melissa Rippon (QAS)