The following feature appeared in the April 24, 2026, Volume 9, Issue 15 edition of the SCoop, Siena University's semi-monthly e-newsletter for the Siena community

Being a student athlete typically means balancing sports with school work, often while on the road at away matches. But squeezing in homework, across an ocean, before taking on the Russians is a unique experience for a pair of Saints. 

The 20th edition of the Women's Water Polo World Cup is being contested, over two sites this week and features 24 countries. Each nation sent a delegation of its top water polo players, and it just so happens, two of the top athletes in all of South Africa also play for Siena. 

Rebecca Currie '27 and Catherine Williamson '27 are in Malta (the island country south of Italy, not the town in Saratoga County) representing the green and yellow (South Africa's flag actually features six colors, but how perfect that they're leaning into Siena colors.) 

"It has been such an awesome experience," said Williamson (below, left and right - in the picture on the right, Currie who is holding the phone). "Putting on my country's colours and repping the flag is such an honour and every time we sing the anthem before a game I get overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of this experience. The level of skill and ability here is insane as well; we're playing against people who are much older than us and have been to multiple Olympics!! But it's just epic to be surrounded by my fellow South Africans and teammates."

Despite their youth, they nearly pulled off a win over Kazakhstan in their opening match, but with three losses, they won't advance to the knockout round. Williamson and Currie are scheduled to land at JFK Monday at midnight, so they'll be back on campus in time for finals. Meanwhile, they've found time to stay on top of coursework from the hotel.

"I've been checking Canvas multiple times a day. I submitted an assignment after we played Croatia, and I've been emailing many of my teachers - grind don't stop! But my teachers have all been very supportive about me coming here and missing school!"