Ashley King, Class of 2001

After school, I went straight to university to study sport management at Sheffield Hallam. Once university finished, I came back to London to find work and have been in the banking industry ever since. I am currently head of trade finance at the National Bank of Kuwait (International) Plc.

What initially drew you to water polo, and when did you start playing?

My sport was swimming, and I knew about water polo through my club before I joined Trinity, but I never played it before I started school. I was asked to try out during my first year at Trinity. I really enjoyed it and never found it much of a challenge in terms of understanding the game/ techniques etc - it basically felt quite natural to play.

How did you balance your academic and athletic commitments during your time as a student-athlete?

To be honest, not very well. I was never really the greatest academic, I always found studying a challenge and much preferred my sport, whether playing or watching. I did whatever I could to participate and do as little school work as possible. The real challenge was during my A levels when I was away for at least a week each month leading up to them, playing for England/GB. It would mean taking school work with me and doing it between training and matches.

Can you share a memorable moment or game from your water polo career?

For school, it would be winning the national school championships in my final year; we beat King’s Grantham 10-9 in the final and I scored 9 goals. It made the minibus journey to and from Middlesbrough worthwhile.

Internationally, playing in the World or European Finals were both pretty special, especially considering we were the first team to do this in a very long time.

What specific skills or attributes do you think contributed most to your success in water polo?

I was a strong swimmer, I swam for the county and was making national times. I also had good eye/ hand coordination, which definitely helped. One other thing is I don’t like to lose!!

How did you overcome setbacks or failures along the way?

Not getting picked for a certain squad/team or losing big games pushed me to train harder and be more determined to be there or win the next game. Self-belief is a very good attribute to have as well; a lot of this game is about confidence, in yourself and your ability. If you have that and apply it in the correct way, you will do well.

Can you describe the camaraderie and team dynamics within your water polo team?

Most of the teams I’ve played in have been a close group. There are only 14 of you in a team and certainly, when you reach international level, that team does not change much and you start to build relationships. I’ve tended to find that most of those I’ve played with have similar goals, motivations and even core beliefs and values, which makes your team that little bit stronger and closer. Some of my best friends to this day are people I met when I was 14 from the other end of the country.

What role did your coaches play in your development as a water polo player?

Mr Marsh was great. He gave me all the basic skills I needed and brought me on from the very beginning. He is a fantastic man, giving up his free time to drive us up and down the country to play and be successful. He was the first person to believe in me; without him and the time he dedicated to not only myself, but others, I would not have had the opportunity to experience some of the most memorable times of my life. I cannot thank him enough for his help, his drive and the faith he placed in me. As a boy, you don’t really appreciate the things people do for you. It is only now as an adult, with children of my own, that I am thankful for such people in my life.

What changes would you like to see in the development of water polo, particularly at the grassroots level?

More money could be placed into the sport, with better national coverage to attract more people to take part. It’s a great sport to watch and play. It’s just not really given the time and plays second fiddle to the likes of swimming and diving.

What were some of the most memorable lessons you learnt from your water polo career?

Hard work pays off, and to enjoy and appreciate everything you do, because it is very short-lived; before you know it, it is over and you have to start becoming an adult and do the boring stuff like working and paying bills.

How has your experience in water polo influenced your life beyond the pool?

What I did in the pool - training hard and playing to win - I’ve taken into my adult life. I work hard and try my best at everything I do. I try to lead by example, both at work and for my kids, and that’s something water polo has instilled in me. I’m a leader and not afraid to take the charge when it is needed.