ERIE, Pa. –
Zarko Sadikovic enters his third season as the head coach of the Gannon women's water polo program looking to build on a 2025 campaign that included several great moments and a six game winning streak in the midway part of the year. The Golden Knights finished at 7-15 in Sadikovic's second season.
For a second straight year, the Golden Knights will open the season on Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th competing in the Wildcat Invite hosted by Villanova. They'll debut at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday against host Villanova.
Gannon will miss a number of departures from last year's squad, including multiple time All-WWPA selection
Jade Strickland (Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill) and goalkeeper
Molly Sebunia (Erie, Pa./McDowell). However, the cupboard is not bare: the Golden Knights will welcome back driver
Molly Fehr (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria), who was named a WWPA All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2025 and was second on the team with 62 points.
Emma O'Gorman (Johannesburg, South Africa/St Stithians College) also returns to lead the middle, while
Brigid Carmody (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn) tallied 33 goals from a season ago.
From Coach Zarko Sadikovic
"We had a great offseason start that we hope will set the tone for this season. Last year, there were a few setbacks, but I believe we can learn from them and have success this year. We have a great returning group of veterans that can help to lead the younger players early in the season. I feel that with our depth and experience this year, we can take a big step forward with both our record and conference finish this season."
2025 record: 7-15
2024 WWPA record: 1-3, 3rd in Eastern Division
WWPA Tournament: 6th
Season Opener: 2/7 @ Villanova (9:00 am) - Gannon will play four games at the Wildcat Invite, taking on Villanova, Princeton, Wagner and Iona over a two day stretch.
Home Opener: 3/14 vs Mercyhurst (10:45 am) - Hallman Aquatics Center
WWPA Preseason Poll
Gannon was selected seventh in the 2026 WWPA Preseason Poll.
Head Coach
Zarko Sadikovic (17-27, 3rd year; 17-27 overall, 3rd year)
Former Gannon All-American Sadikovic begins his third season at the helm of the Golden Knights. He led Gannon to a 7-15 record and an sixth-place finish at the WWPA Championships. He also serves as the head coach of the men's water polo team.
Top Returnees:
Molly Fehr (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria) (2-Meter Driver / Senior): was second on the team in goals (47) and points (62) in her junior campaign, leading to WWPA All-Conference Honorable Mention honorees. One of the veterans on the team, she will be the leading point getter that returns from a season ago.
Brigid Carmody (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn) (Lansdale, Pa. North Penn) (Utility / Sophomore): had a breakout freshman campaign for the Golden Knights, scoring 33 goals (third on the team) and tallying 50 points. A force in the middle of the attack, she will also be a key player on the defensive side of the ball as well in 2026.
Kerstyn Farley (Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona) (Orlando, Fla. Lake Nona) (Center / Junior): tallied eight goals on 23 shots a season ago but will take on an increased role in the middle of the pool as the center this season.
Emma O'Gorman (Johannesburg, South Africa/St Stithians College) (Center / Junior): scored 30 times during the 2025 season, totaling 41 points, good for fourth on the team. An attacking player in the middle of the Golden Knights offense, O'Gorman also tallied 16 steals a year ago.
Sadikovic: "Our returners are all leaders, and that is a crucial part of their role this year. Molly will be one of the leaders of our offense and I believe Brigid, Kerstyn, and Emma can all step up and make up a powerful attack."
Newcomers to Watch:
Maria Martinez () (Attack / Freshman)
Abbey Murphy () (Utility / Freshman)
Sadikovic: "Maria is going to be a big part of the team this season. From Spain, she is a versatile player that can attack in all areas of the pool. Though she's just a freshman, she brings a ton of experience that can help lead our newcomers. All of our freshmen have a chance to contribute to the team this season."
