Lilie James has been remembered by friends and family as a “loving, beautiful girl” who was “filled with love”.
She had been coaching students at the school while she undertook a Bachelor of Management in sports business at the University of Technology.
She was due to graduate later this year.
In a statement released today, her family said they were “devastated and heartbroken” by the loss of their “beautiful” daughter.
“She was vibrant, outgoing and very much loved by her friends and family,” they said.
“We are tremendously grateful for the support of the community at this difficult time.”
James grew up in Sydney’s south and family photos on social media dating back to 2008 show her smiling with her brother Max, and her first day of kindergarten.
Her parents’ social media pages proudly boast of her achievements, which ranged from dance competition trophies to the day she earned her learner driver’s licence.
Posts show James was a champion swimmer who won an under-17s event in 2019, and that her father coached her school water polo team.
Another post from 2018 shows a 16-year-old James proudly holding her L-plates in front of the family car, about to take on the world of driving.
“Let the fun begin,” her mother wrote.
Another post from 2018 shows James getting her hair and make-up done for her Year 10 formal, where she is pictured posing and smiling with friends.
In 2020, she graduated from Danebank Anglican School for Girls in Hurstville.
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A photograph shows her dressed in her school uniform and graduation dress, beaming with pride.
News of her death has left family friends and the tight-knit water polo community heartbroken, as tributes pour in for the well-loved coach.
A family friend described James as a “loving, beautiful girl” who had a love of teaching and helping others.
“Everyone who has been graced with the presence of Lilie will be broken forever,” they said in a statement.
“With tears streaming, numb with disbelief, this new journey is now a long one for the family.
“As close family friends, we will be grieving this loss forever.”
Water Polo NSW CEO Alex Godbold said the water polo community was “shocked and saddened” by her death, as she had only just joined as a member of Balmain this season.
“Her loss will be felt across her Club and indeed the broader water polo community, including her students at St Andrew’s Cathedral School,” he said in a statement.
“While we all come to terms with this tragic news, Water Polo Australia and Water Polo NSW will be working to provide support to her club mates and friends within our community.”
In an email to St Andrew’s alumni, principal Julie McGonigle invited the school community to attend a support session this afternoon, where counsellors and chaplains will be present.
“I understand that this is a highly upsetting and concerning update, and I want to support our alumni community in any way we can,” McGonigle wrote.
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