Natalia Rankin-Chitar capped off a remarkable tenure at MPWPC with selection in the 2022 NZ Youth Women’s Water Polo Squad and the New Zealand Athletic Performance Development Squad.  Natalia grew up locally and attended primary school at Holy Cross School in Papatoetoe, and alongside her water polo prowess Natalia has excelled at athletic field events. MPWPC caught up with Natalia as she prepared for her final year NCEA college exams.
 
What got you interested in water polo
I became interested after watching my brother play – it looked like a fun sport so I gave it a go and really enjoyed it.
 
What are some of the memories of your earlier years at Mountfort Park
My early memories include playing for Holy Cross in the Mountfort Park year 7&8 League against other schools, going to Tauranga to play in their under 12 tournament with the club, and breaking my toe at the Olympic Hopefuls tournament!
 
What have been some highlights with Mountfort Park
Highlights include the friendships I have made with my teammates, travelling around New Zealand to different tournaments, and making it into New Zealand representative squads.
 
How have you managed performing at a high level at both water polo and athletics
I juggle training and competing so I have to thank my parents, teammates, coaches and managers for assisting with transport and being understanding when I can’t be in two places at one time.
 
What has kept you motivated with the sport
I am motivated to continue to play because I enjoy the competitiveness of the game and the friendships I have made.
 
What is some advice for our younger players 
Some advice to younger players of water polo is to give it a go, try your best, and listen to your coach. Make sure you finish the swim sets and do extras to stay fit and improve your game.
 
Natalia will be joining the Marist club to progress her water polo in 2022. Thanks for your contribution to Mountfort Park water polo Natalia, we wish you well with your future sporting endeavours and good luck for your exams!
 
Natalia Rankin-Chitar Fact file 
2015 - Joined Mountfort Park Water Polo club 
2017 - Saint Kentigern College (representing the St Kentigern Girls Premier Water Polo team for five years)
2018 - North Island Sec School champs : junior girls discus 1st, junior girls shotput 3rd 
2019 - North Island Sec School champs : intermediate girls shotput 1st, intermediate girls discus 1st
2019 - NZ Sec School champs : junior girls discus 1st, junior girls shotput 1st
2019 - NZ born 2002 Water Polo squad 
2019 - NZ Water Polo Born 2004 talent camp 
2019 - NZ U18 Women’s Water Polo team, Australian Interstate Challenge 
2020 - NZ Sec School champs : senior girls shotput 3rd, Senior girls Discus 2nd
2020 - NZ Women’s Premier Water Polo league, Auckland Gulls (winners)
2021 - North Island Sec School champs : senior girls shotput 1st, senior girls discus 1st
2021 - 2022 NZ Youth Women’s Water Polo Squad selection
2021 - NZ Athletic Performance Development Squad
2021 - NZ Track and Field Championships U20: Discus 2nd, Shotput 2nd
2021 - NZ Athletics Invitational Team that competed in the Oceania Cup in Australia