A1 F - Van Dyke is in Bogliasco: "Appealing Experience"

Mario Sinatra's AGN Energia Bogliasco 1951 has an additional reinforcement. Indeed, today Vassallo Adrien Van Dyke has arrived at the club, a Canadian attacker from Water Polo Saskatchewan: "I am extremely happy to have this wonderful opportunity," says the newly white and blue player. "For me, this is the second experience in Europe, after two years ago at Mulhouse in France. Therefore, it is not my first time crossing the ocean to play, but the excitement of arriving here is great, especially because competing in the Italian championship represents a very appealing challenge for me."

Adrien, born in Sasketoon, Canada, on October 15, 1999, has been a regular presence in the country's youth national teams for a long time, participating three times in the world championships for her age group: in New Zealand in 2016, Greece in 2017, and Portugal in 2019. She has also been involved in various national team camps. "I believe that Bogliasco can be an excellent personal opportunity to secure a spot in the national team. Obviously, to achieve this, I will have to give my best for this team and try to lead it as high as possible, putting all of myself at the team's disposal."

One wonders if Adrien will find some comfort in being far from home by having another Canadian in Bogliasco. One of the strengths of the men's team is indeed his compatriot Jeremie Blanchard: "In recent weeks, I have searched a lot of information online about the country and the surrounding areas, and I have been fascinated by what I have seen. But I must say that the best reviews are those I have received from Jeremie. I have known him for several years, although I have only gotten in touch with him after deciding to move here. When I did, he confirmed to me that my choice was the right one. He spoke very highly of Bogliasco, the welcome I will receive, the seriousness of a very professional club, and the beautiful way of life that I will experience in this small town."

Useful to discover her new home, the internet has also been a valuable tool to, at least from a distance, get to know the new coach and her new teammates: "I have had several contacts with Mario and Gabriele (Sinatra and Soro, respectively coach and sports director) and it is thanks to them that I have decided to accept Bogliasco's offer. Furthermore, I have already had the opportunity to chat with several of my teammates via WhatsApp, and they immediately gave me the impression that we will have a lot of fun together. Especially in the water."

Due to jet lag and the need to get to know the environment in Bogliasco better, Van Dyke will not take part in the trip to Catania on Saturday to face the Italian champions Ekipe Orizzonte. However, starting tomorrow, she will work with the rest of the group with the declared goal of making her debut in white and blue on Saturday, the 23rd, in the away match against Vela Ancona.