Gofers calls time on International Water Polo

After representing her country at three Olympic Games, five senior World Championships and with more than 230 Test caps, Keesja Gofers has announced her retirement from international water polo.

Since debuting for the Aussie Stingers in 2010, Gofers – a New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder – has become an important player in the squad, using her time with the ball effectively and proving a valuable source of knowledge for her teammates.

Throughout her career, Gofers has achieved podium success at every level of the game, from winning national league championships in Australia, to her most recent success – silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“I’m feeling really content with my decision, I’m feeling excited about what the future holds and I’m feeling proud of what I, the teams I was in and the people who stood alongside me were able to achieve,” Gofers said.

“It wasn’t always smooth sailing, and it definitely wasn’t always easy, but I’m really proud and grateful for the experiences that I was able to have, the people I’ve been able to meet and the places I’ve been able to visit.”

Gofers grew up following in the footsteps of her older three sisters, and her Olympic dream was sparked watching her sister Taniele compete at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

“Taniele has been such a great supporter of my whole life, not just my water polo career,” she said.

Looking back at her career, Gofers spoke of the three Olympic Games that highlighted her career, each bringing with them their own memories.

“People always ask me which one was my favourite Olympics, and I can never answer, because each of them was so different and so special in their own way,” Gofers said. “But I think at each of them, standing on pool deck and singing the national anthem before our first game, that was always the moment I cried.

“After not having my family in Tokyo, to having them all in the stands as we won silver in Paris was something super special and a memory I’ll hold onto for a long time.

Spending close to 15 years in the senior national team, Gofers said it would not have been possible without the support she received along the way.

“My team mates were not only my support, but the people I learned so much from too – the bond you have with team mates is like no other and is just this connection that I think being a Stinger really has.

“Also my husband Scott, my family…my mum! I wouldn’t be anywhere without their unconditional support.

“And to finish my career with Bec (Rippon) as our coach…when I was invited to my first Stingers camp Bec was there (as an athlete) and she was just this calming influence on me. I trained with her for many years and then she was my coach at NSWIS and for her to take on the role of head coach, and the team to have done as well as we did in Paris…it’s one of the reasons I’m so excited to see what’s next for them and to continue cheering them on from the couch.”

But when it comes to what’s next for Gofers, she’s headed back into the classroom to pursue her other love…teaching!
“I’m teaching at a high school, and I teach TAS which is Technology and Applied Science,” Gofers said.

“It’s a new career path for me but one that I’m really enjoying. I’m also prioritising continuing to bring up my family and who knows, I might get itchy feet soon and need to take up a social sport to occupy my time!

“I’m excited for the new challenges, and excited to learn new things, but I definitely won’t be a stranger on pool deck, and I’ll still always love water polo.”

Water Polo Australia