University of Toronto Athletics

The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's water polo team is proud to announce the addition of Lillian Wheatley to their 2023-24 roster.
 
Wheatley found her way into water polo as a member of the Ottawa Titans. However, due to the shortage of girls in her age group, she was forced to compete with other clubs.
 
In 2019, Wheatley was a member of the U14 Eastern Conference champion KW Kraken Water Polo. After the pandemic, the Titans and Kraken got together last year to form a team that went on to win the Eastern Conference U17 title. Later that summer, she was selected to Team Ontario and won the bronze medal at the U19 National Provincial Teams Championships.
 
Wheatley also competed at USA Water Polo’s Junior Olympics playing U16 with Bainbridge Island Water Polo (2022) and in the U18 division with Rain City Water Polo (2023). This year she also played in the Canadian senior women’s league.
 
“With the graduation of starting center forward Sarah Wentling, our team was left with one center forward, which is an untenable position to be in,” said Blues Head Coach, George Gross, Jr. “When Lillian expressed interest in Toronto, I jumped at the opportunity to recruit her. She brings size and experience to the Blues at the key position of center forward.”
 
At Canterbury High School, a specialized arts public school, Wheatley received a Fine Arts certificate in Visual Arts, as well as an Early French Immersion certificate with a DELF B2 certificate of bilingualism. She maintained an average of over 90 percent in Grades 10-12. She was a member of her high school’s swim team, serving as captain this past year, while also performing as a Grade 12 peer math tutor. 
 
Through her membership with the Titans. Wheatley volunteered in various roles to help grow the sport and support the club. Her volunteer work included coaching, with a focus on mentoring young girls in the sport, sports photography, and working on the Green Team, where the Titans volunteer twice yearly to divert waste from the landfill. 
 
“I chose U of T because I can pursue the two things I love the most - competitive water polo and academic studies - at the same time,” said an enthused Wheatley. “I am super excited to be part of the team and have all their support as I move to Canada’s largest city and largest university.”
 
Wheatley will study Life Science and is affiliated with Victoria College .