Alia Burlock Signs with the University of Hawaii

The Edmonton Tsunami Water Polo Club is thrilled to congratulate Alia Burlock who has signed an NCAA Division 1 scholarship with the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors! Alia will join the Hawaii roster in the fall of 2021 where she plans to pursue a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology. Alia joins fellow Tsunami seniors Amanda, James and Robyn as the fourth university water polo commitment this season, making them our most successful signing class in club history.

 

Over her highly decorated club, provincial and national team career, Alia has proved herself to be a phenomenal athlete, teammate and student. As one of the youngest athletes selected for the Water Polo Canada NextGen Program, Alia has established herself as an integral part of the WPC pipeline. Alia’s versatility, speed, decision making and consistency have made her a strong member of the Tsunami community. Prior to her time at Tsunami Alia contributed to many provincial podium finishes with the Edmonton Thunderbirds where she displayed incredible potential in the sport from a young age.

 

During her time at Tsunami Alia helped the club achieve seven NCL podium finishes. As an impact player in all areas of the game, Alia’s presence in the water does not go unnoticed. Whether she is the catalyst for an offensive counter attack, executing critical defensive steals, or converting a variety of scoring opportunities, Alia finds ways to impact the game regardless of where she is in the pool. With an unparalleled work-ethic and coachable attitude, Alia embodies the characteristics of a high performance athlete in all areas of her training. Alia comes to practice every day with the focused intention of not only growing as an athlete, but enhancing the entire training environment of our club. Teammates and coaches look to Alia as a role model who leads through example.

 

Alia is an exceptional athlete not only for her strengths in the water, but for her commitment to her sport away from the pool. Taking advantage of every opportunity she can to get better, Alia complements her club workouts with weight room and mental training which takes her performance to another level. Alia frequently connects with Tsunami coaches and alumni for advice as she is continually looking to grow as both an athlete and person. Over the past few seasons Alia has embraced being a leader in our community through her role as a volunteer coach and athlete-representative in club initiatives. These extra tasks that Alia takes on make a significant difference not just on our community today, but for the future.

 

Beyond the strong legacy she will leave at Tsunami, Alia has been a member of numerous Team Alberta rosters and WPC national team programs. Most recently Alia joined the Canadian Senior Women’s National Team in Montreal where she trained alongside 30 of Canada’s top female athletes which included Tsunami alumni Kindred Paul and Taylor Halbauer. Alia also represented Team Canada at the 2019 Youth Pan American Games in Trinidad & Tobago where her team won a silver medal.

 

The Tsunami coaches are excited to congratulate Alia and eager to see what this next chapter has in store for her:

 

“It is not often that you have the opportunity to coach an athlete with Alia’s work ethic, attitude, and talent. Over the past seven years I have watched Alia grow so much as both an athlete and a person. I can say with great confidence that Alia will be an outstanding addition to the University of Hawaii roster where I know she will make Tsunami proud. Alia, congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment to pursue your water polo and academic goals.”

– Raine Paul, Tsunami Water Polo Head Coach

 

“The University of Hawaii is gaining a true student of the game and full pool player with the addition of Alia. Her grit and determination to compete in every moment is infectious and always refreshing to be around. Alia, we will miss your laugh around the pool deck but are so excited to see all that you will accomplish as a Rainbow Warrior!”

– Emily Riddle, Tsunami NCL Coach

 

“Congratulations Alia on choosing to go to Hawaii! Alia is a determined athlete that always strives to be at the top. She’s relentless in the pool and her motor pushes her teammates along. Alia is a role model to younger Tsunami athletes through her hard work, dedication and training with national team programs.”

– Vuki Radosavljevic, Tsunami NCL Coach

 

“Alia’s high level experience will help guide her and her new team through it all. Mahalo Alia!”

– Marina Radu, Tsunami NCL Coach

 

“Congratulations. Alia! Throughout the years I have watched you grow as a water polo player and seen you mould into the player you are today. The Rainbow Warriors acquired a force in the water and an excellent person. Good luck with everything!

– Milan Laban, Tsunami NCL Coach

 

On behalf of the entire Tsunami family, join us as we congratulate Alia and wish her well in her NCAA career. Go ‘Bows!

 

Alia Burlock Awards and Recognitions:

• Water Polo Canada NexGen Athlete (2020-2024)
• Water Polo Canada SNTTP (2020)
• U19 NCL Girls Regular First Place Finish (2020)
• MLWP Women National Championship Qualification (2020)
• Edmonton Tsunami U19 Girls MVP (2020)
• Team Canada Youth Pan Am Games Silver Medalist (2019)
• U19 NCL National Championships Silver Medalist (2019)
• U19 NCL Western Championships Silver Medalist (2019)
• 16U Junior Olympics Platinum Division Silver Medalist – RoseBowl Aquatic Club (2019)
• U16 NCL Western All-star Team (2019)
• Edmonton Tsunami Most Dedicated Athlete (2019)
• Edmonton Tsunami U16 Girls MVP (2019)
• U19 NCL National Championships Bronze Medalist (2018)
• U19 NCL Western Championships Silver Medalist (2018)
• U16 NCL Western Championships Bronze Medalist (2018)
• U16 NCL Wester All-star Team (2018)
• Edmonton Tsunami U16 Girls Offensive Player of the Year (2018)
• Team Canada Age-Group National Team Long-List Alternate (2018)
• U16 NCL Western Championships Bronze Medalist (2017)
• U14 NCL Western Championships Silver Medalist (2017)
• Edmonton Tsunami U14 Girls MVP (2017)
• U14 NCL Western Championships Top Defensive Player (2017)
• U14 NCL Western Championships Silver Medalist (2016)