Sam Nangle is ready to embrace a new challenge.
The talented water polo player from Winmalee will train in China on tour with the men’s Aussie Sharks B team for a week from August 8, before making his home in the United States.
The 19-year-old will attend the University of California Santa Barbara on a water polo scholarship and study film and media.
“I’m really looking forward to mixing it up a bit,” Nangle said.
“It’ll be good to finish my education while playing high-level water polo at the same time.”
Nangle will play for the university team the Gauchos, which are a formidable force in the US water polo scene.
“It’s very competitive over there and there are a lot of good teams,” the former Winmalee High School student said.
“I’ll definitely be tested and learn new skills. It’s the perfect thing to do in my position.”
It’s been hard work satisfying the university entrance requirements but also those of The National Collegiate Athletic Association who oversee the water polo competition.
As a left-hander playing centre forward, the teen hopes to make good use of his left-handedness to make things more difficult for his opposition.
From age six Nangle swam with Springwood Swimming Club, moving to Blue Mountains Water Polo Club at 11 and UNSW Wests Magpies Club at 13.
