The University of Strathclyde Women’s Water Polo team were crowned BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sports) National Trophy champions in Loughborough last week for the second year in a row! 

At the nationwide knockout competition played by 31 British University water polo teams, the Strathclyde team retained their National Trophy winners title from last year. Since the existence of the Trophy in 2005, no other University has managed to win this back to back.

Having already won the Scottish Tier 1 league title earlier this year, the team started off their cup run with a derby day win against the University of Glasgow. After collecting a comfortable win away to Northumbria, the team provided a dominant display against Stirling in the quarter finals, winning with an impressive 33-14. In a rematch of last year's final, the team headed down to Loughborough for the semi’s with hopes of making the final. After chasing the game throughout, a last-minute equaliser forced a thrilling penalty shootout, which Strath won thanks to some heroics from sport scholar Chloe Kirkwood. Battling a boisterous Nottingham in the final, Strathclyde did their talking in the pool and claimed another National Trophy title thanks to a fine performance by sport scholar Nicole Morrison - scoring eight of the final fourteen goals.

It ends another unbeatable season for Head Coach, Ton Kloosterman, in his second season with the team. Speaking of the final he said: What a great game. Everyone has put in so much hard work and dedication this season. The team designed their own game plan, and it worked out really well. I think the semi’s we won here in Loughborough two weeks ago felt more like a final. That gave us the experience of winning a close game in a tough environment. The Dutch coach continued, “Playing Nottingham in front of a huge and noisy crowd is challenging, but we were well prepared and confident. We felt the positive support from our own fans. That really helped us.”

Nicole Morrison, who was also voted as Most Valuable Player of the final, added: “It was a great game and we were all happy to leave with a gold medal around our neck. Morrison, who also became nations men’s and women’s overall top scorer with a stunning 105 goals this season, said: “Our win was as a result of all our hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the season and we were happy to retain our title.”

As a result of winning the league Strathclyde has qualified for playoffs for promotion to the BUCS Premier division. In a triple match, they take on Sheffield Hallam in an away game. Loughborough will visit Strathclyde Sport in Glasgow on the 9^th of April at 15:00. Spectators are welcome. The entrance is free.

BUCS Big Wednesday – Final Women’s National Trophy
Loughborough, Wednesday 19 March 2025
Strathclyde – Nottingham: 14-12
Score Breakdown (Quarters): 4-3, 3-3, 4-2, 3-4
Players Strathclyde: Nicole Morrison 8 goals, Isla Macdonald 3, Chloe Kirkwood 2, Zoe Cherrie 1, Aoife Burns, Beth McGuigan, Ellie O’Hagan, Hannah Luke, Maggie Wyper, Olivia Hughes, Rebecca Oza, Talya Ellman.
Saves by goalie Muriel Anderson: 5

Follow the team on Instagram: @SUSWPC

Strathclyde Women’s Water Polo National Trophy champions 2025

Nicole Morrison, player of the match for the final of the National Trophy 2025

Road to the final 

Scottish Tier 1 League final standings 24-25, showing Strathclyde unbeaten!