JUNIOR SPORT
ONE Geelong family has returned from the beach volleyball national championships with three medals.
Semir Mustovic coached the under-15 boys to a bronze medal and his two daughters, Hannah and Ella, also enjoyed success when they represented Victoria at Queensland’s
Coolangatta Beach last week.
Hannah won gold in the under-15 fours division and Ella claimed bronze in the under-16s pairs.
“Ella and Hannah, they are a part of the Vic Beach development squad, which has produced some of the best talent in Australia,” Semir said.
“I always believed in them but when they actually compete against all the other juniors in Australia at that level — and when they do so well — that’s when you realise how good they are.”
Barwon Sports Academy beach volleyball program manager Jen Jury said it was a thrill to see the pair compete against the best in the country.
“Semir has always played hardcourt volleyball and just as the girls were getting to that age where they were getting quite good, they went to Thailand for a couple of years for work and have just really got into it.
“It’s their first time representing Victoria and first year for Ella in BSA squad and I’m sure Hannah will follow in those footsteps.”
Fellow Geelong duo Mitch Heathcote finished fourth in the under-17s boys event and Charlotte Crough competed in the under-16 girls.
Jury said Hannah and Ella could go onto higher honours if they continued in the sport.
“I would say Hannah would apply for BSA probably next year (when she’s) another year older and I guess they’ll be continuing on,” she said.
“A lot of the kids then get selected onto Australian training camps if they show the head coaches their stuff but they’ve all been cancelled because of coronavirus.
“Let’s just hope they continue to play and shine and are back representing the state again next year.”