For Jennika Linthicum, the pool has always been a second home. Growing up in Estevan, she started as a summer swimmer, but it wasn’t long before a friend suggested she try water polo. Now 15, Linthicum has taken her passion from the local Estevan Sharks to representing Saskatchewan and Canada in competitions around the world.
“I was around seven when I first tried water polo,” she said. “I was always looking for a winter sport connected to swimming, and it just clicked.”
After moving to Regina to join the Regina Armada Club and Water Polo Sask, Linthicum embraced the intensity of high-level training. From October to May, she juggles up to 10 sessions of weight and in-water training per week—a schedule that demands focus and discipline.
“The transition from the local club to Regina was a whole different ballpark,” Linthicum said. “Everyone’s there to be the best player they can be, and it really feels like a team. It was challenging, but I knew it was the right choice.”
Her support system has been key throughout her journey. Early on, her father coached her with the Estevan Sharks, while mentors like Chad Knoll helped cultivate her love for the sport. Today, Team Sask coaches Cyril, Paige, Payton, Jake, Dave and Taylor have been instrumental in providing support and guidance, and Linthicum is grateful for their mentorship as she competes at the provincial and national level.
Competing in the National Club League (NCL) has been an important step in her development. “Our regular season, which is the NCL, involves Team Sask and other teams from Canada. We travel all over Western Canada for the first half of our season, and if you make it to nationals, we sometimes go to Montreal or Calgary,” she said. The experience exposed her to high-level competition and helped her earn a spot on Canada’s U17 team.
“It was shocking and exciting at the same time,” Linthicum said of making both national teams at the same time. “I called my mom right away — I couldn’t wait to share the news.”
This past season, her hard work also paid off with Team Sask’s 16U and 18U squads, placing fourth and second at the Western championships.
With Team Canada, Linthicum has travelled far beyond Saskatchewan, including a Pan American tournament in Medellin, Colombia, where her team won silver. She will also be competing at the upcoming Pan American Games in Brazil as part of the 15U squad.
Off the pool deck, Linthicum balances school with her demanding training schedule, using spare periods and after-school hours to keep up with homework. Pre-game rituals, including carefully curated playlists and stretches guided by her sports psychologist, help her focus for competition.
Looking ahead, Linthicum has big goals. “My dream is to play NCAA Division 1 in California,” she said. “Right now, I’m focused on helping our team succeed at nationals and the Pan Am Games.”
For young athletes considering water polo, Linthicum has a simple message: “Give it a shot. Water polo has so many opportunities, especially for girls in sport. Getting involved is easy, and the rewards are huge.”
From Estevan pools to international waters, Linthicum’s journey is a testament to dedication, support, and the love of the game.