OUR USA PATHWAY PARTNER
Lisa De Rossi Cooper
Perth Water Polo USA Pathways is proud to work alongside Lisa De Rossi Cooper, a Western Australian water polo success story whose journey demonstrates what is possible for young Australian athletes.
Born and raised in Perth, Lisa developed her water polo career in Western Australia before earning the opportunity to study and compete in the United States. A graduate of Rossmoyne Senior High School, she secured a place at the prestigious University of Hawai'i Women's Water Polo Program, one of the leading collegiate programs in the United States.
Having experienced the collegiate pathway firsthand, Lisa understands the challenges faced by Australian athletes and families navigating opportunities overseas. Following her playing career, she established herself as one of the most respected coaches in American collegiate water polo, spending more than two decades developing athletes, mentoring young adults and building extensive relationships throughout the NCAA system.
Lisa also holds a Master's degree in Sports Psychology, with a particular focus on skill acquisition and athlete development. She is passionate about helping athletes understand that success in the United States requires more than athletic ability alone. It requires resilience, adaptability, confidence and the ability to thrive in a new environment, often thousands of kilometres from home.
As a former collegiate athlete, coach and mentor, Lisa understands the realities of relocating to a new country, adapting to a different culture and managing the expectations of university sport. Having coached numerous Australian athletes throughout her career, she has firsthand experience supporting athletes through challenges such as homesickness, academic demands, cultural adjustment and the transition to life as a collegiate athlete.
As our USA Pathway Partner, Lisa provides valuable insight into the American collegiate landscape and assists Perth Water Polo USA Pathways in connecting athletes with opportunities for competition, education and personal development.
Her unique perspective as both an Australian athlete and experienced US-based coach allows her to guide athletes and families through:
- Understanding the US collegiate system
- NCAA recruitment expectations
- Athlete development pathways
- Showcase opportunities
- University selection considerations
- Academic and athletic preparation
- Transitioning to life in the United States
- Building the mindset and life skills required for success away from home
Why This Matters
Many Australian athletes have the talent to pursue opportunities in the United States but lack access to the networks, knowledge and experiences required to navigate the process successfully.
The NCAA system is highly specialised and can often feel overwhelming for athletes and parents unfamiliar with the process. Lisa brings an unparalleled understanding of collegiate athletics, having previously served as Chair of the NCAA Women's Water Polo Committee and as a member of the NCAA Men's and Women's Water Polo Rules Committee.
This experience provides valuable insight into the structure, expectations and operation of collegiate water polo, allowing Perth Water Polo USA Pathways to help families better understand the process and make informed decisions with confidence.
One of our key goals is to simplify the journey, ensuring athletes and parents are supported every step of the way and can focus on development, opportunity and personal growth rather than being overwhelmed by administrative complexity.
Through Perth Water Polo USA Pathways, athletes have the opportunity to:
- Compete in the United States
- Attend showcase tournaments
- Experience university environments
- Learn from collegiate coaches
- Build international networks
- Explore future educational and athletic opportunities
Our goal is not simply to help athletes pursue scholarships. Our goal is to create opportunities, broaden horizons and provide young athletes with experiences that can shape their future both in and out of the pool.
Developing the Whole Athlete
College sport in the United States differs significantly from what many Australian athletes experience.
NCAA water polo programs typically carry rosters of 16–24 athletes, creating highly competitive training environments where athletes must consistently perform, contribute to team culture and balance the demands of academics, athletics and personal development.
Success in this environment requires more than talent alone.
At Perth Water Polo USA Pathways, we believe in developing the whole athlete — building confidence, resilience, independence, communication skills and personal responsibility alongside athletic performance.
By preparing athletes both physically and mentally, we aim to set them up for success not only as water polo players, but as young adults capable of thriving in a new country, a new university environment and a new stage of life.
The Perth Water Polo Difference
We believe the best pathway is not built through emails and highlight videos alone.
Athletes develop confidence and credibility when they:
- Compete internationally
- Meet coaches face-to-face
- Experience college environments
- Build genuine relationships
- Demonstrate their abilities in person
Perth Water Polo USA Pathways provides athletes with the opportunity to be seen, evaluated and supported through a structured international pathway designed to help them achieve their personal, academic and sporting goals.
More details coming soon!