Coaches
Gyula Toth
Gyula Toth is an experienced international water polo coach with an extensive background in the Canadian national team system. Most recently, he served as Interim Head Coach of the Canadian Senior Men’s National Team in 2023, after joining the program as an Assistant Coach in 2021.
Before transitioning into coaching, Coach Toth enjoyed a professional playing career spanning more than ten years in the top division of the Hungarian league.
Coach Toth has worked with Canada’s senior men’s and women’s national teams for many years. He was part of the coaching staff for the Canadian Men’s Olympic Team at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and served as Assistant Coach of the Canadian Women’s National Team from 2008 to 2012, helping the team win silver medals at the 2009 World Championships and the 2011 Pan American Games.
He developed his coaching foundation at KSI in Budapest, Hungary, one of the world’s leading clubs for youth player development, where he worked with cadet, youth, junior, and senior teams. He later brought this strong player-development background to the Canadian system, serving as Head Coach of Canada’s FISU, Junior, Youth, and U18 Men’s National Teams.
Anika Zelinka-Miller
How long have you been playing water polo?
I have been playing water polo since I was 6, so for over 10 years, I started in Seawolves then played with Wild for 4 years before joining the Calgary Renegades where I’ve been for the past 3 years. I have also played in the states at JO’s for 2 years.
Are you still playing? With who?
Yes I currently play U18 with the Renegades
What coaching experience do you have?
I have been coaching Wild for 2 years. And have coached track and field at summer camps.
What is a water polo accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Winning gold at Nationals with my U17 team in 2024 when I was 14!
What are you looking forward to most this season with Wild?
Sharing all I can about the sport and helping to foster great memories and a love for it. As well as being able to watch the young kids compete and have fun the way I did when I was in the club.
One interesting fact about you.
Both my parents are Olympians. And my dad coaches me a lot because was a professional water polo player!
Balazs Sziranyi
Balazs Sziranyi is a Hungarian–Spanish water polo player. He represented Spain at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. At club level, he won the Euroleague, three Spanish national championships, and two Hungarian national titles. After his playing career, he worked as a coach in Hungary, remaining active in the sport.
Danielle Schmitz
I started playing water polo over 20 years ago and this sport has given me a lifetime of fond memories, fitness, and great friendships. I have competed in water polo at both a national and international level. During my time as competitive player, I played for the Calgary Renegades and Team Alberta. With these teams we won several national championships and large tournaments in the states. I also competed in summer lane swimming with the Calgary Tritons where I swam at provincials. I moved to Germany between 2015 – 2024 where I continued swimming. Currently, I play on Calgary Polo Splash, the master’s women’s water polo team and work as a water polo referee within Canada.
Alexandra Addante
Alexandra Addante is a junior assistant coach with Wild Water polo club. As a water polo athlete who has played on both a provincial and international level, she brings a high-level playing experience and commitment to young athlete development.
Case Tarras
Updates are on the way…
Patrick Zaharia
Updates are on the way…
Jasper Ngo
Starting his first year coaching with the Wild Water Polo Club, Jasper applies eight years of swimming experience to his role as a Junior Swim Instructor. He is passionate about mentoring young athletes, focusing on technique and skill development to boost their confidence and performance in the water.
Sarah Liesemer
My name is Sarah and I’m super excited to be joining the wild family this season! It will be my fifth year coaching and I can’t wait! I have been playing water polo for 7 years now! I am about to start my first year of a Bachelor of Education degree at Mount Royal University. I can’t wait for a great season!!
Luoying Shi
Luoying is very passionate about water polo, striving for excellence both in and out of the water. Now in her second year of coaching and sixth year of playing, she continues to learn, grow, and discover new opportunities every day. She is committed to developing youth athletes by building skills, confidence and a love for the sport!