The Female Total Player 2018 expert voting continues with Martina Miceli – a former athlete who has built quite a career playing in the Italian national team from 1991 to 2008, while she contributed greatly to many clubs, including Italian Orrizonte which she coaches today.
She achieved seven major medals in her well-decorated active career: Olympics (Athens, 2004), World Championships (1998, 2001), and European Championships (1995, 1997, 1999, 2003). After an astonishing career in the pool, Miceli switched places to coach future water polo stars in 2012.
As a skilled player and promising coach, here are her Top 5 of 2018!
Martina Miceli’s Top 5 of 2018
1st – Catharina “Sabrina” van der Sloot
Dutch National Player | Club: AS Orizzonte Catania | Position: Wing
“An athlete that every coach would like to work with. She’s a fantastic girl who’s always smiling. She’s purposeful and a great role-model, as well as meticulous and determined. Since it was her who deserved the gold the most, the award for the best player of the European Championships was rightfully hers. She’s playing fast, has a great shot, and is quick in the defenses – in practice, great in every part of the playground!”
2nd – Maica Garcia Godoy
Spanish National Player | Club: CN Sabadell | Position: Centre Forward
“Returning after a hard year, Garcia proved she’s still inevitable. From her skill to score whenever she sees fit, to the leadership trait she has, she’s able to control the pool. Her toughness is undeniable even when she’s not in her best form. It’s a real pleasure seeing her play in the pool.”
3rd – Maud Megens
Dutch National Player | Club: USC | Position: Field player
“Also one of the key players for the Dutch gold. With a great shot and clear head when the hard times strike, she’s fundamental for the matches. This kind of player is not easy to find.”
4th – Beatriz Ortiz
Spanish National Player | Club: CN Sabadell | Position: Driver
“Always in perfect form: when practicing, she achieves everything with ease. She’s excellent in stealing the ball and starting counterattacks, as well as shooting with sniper-like precision. Also, she’s capable of scoring from the center position.”
5th – Dorottya Szilágyi
Hungarian National Player | Club: Dunaújvárosi FVE | Position: Driver
“A tough and merciless player with one of the best individual techniques. Her best skill is her shot, and she never hides from her opponents. Also, she always plays decisively for her team. Not to mention that she brought her team to the LEN Cup.”
