TITANS NAMED IN QLD SQUADS
Toowoomba players to face best in Australia
VOLLEYBALL: Toowoomba will play a huge role in two major Australian Volleyball League series over coming months.
A record number of Toowoomba Titans players will line-up for Queensland in the AVL Home and Away Series and the National Championships.
Titans women’s coach Chris Hillman said having seven players in Qld Pirates and Buccaneers squads was a fantastic result.
“They’ve all worked really hard for this,” Hillman said.
“It’s a great result for them and Toowoomba volleyball.”
Titans women’s captain Cassie Thomas will make her debut for the Buccaneers – the Qld reserve side – in the competition.
The 29-year-old is looking forward to testing herself against some of the best volleyballers in Australia.
“I’m very excited but at the same time a little nervous,” Thomas said.
“It’s a bit of a guessing game
Jason Gibbs
playing at this level, I’m not sure what to expect, but I am looking forward to it.”
Thomas will feature for the Buccaneers in her favoured libero position – one of the more physically demanding volleyball positions.
“The libero is a bit of a defensive specialist,” Thomas said.
“It can be quite challenging because you have to be quick and be able to read the game. “I really enjoy the role.” Despite the demands of the role, Thomas believes she is prepared for the challenge ahead of her.
“We’ve been training with the Pirates squad since July,” she said.
“The sessions have been intense and very challenging.
“I feel it has helped improve my game a lot though.
“There are a few Australian and Junior Olympic players in the Pirates teams which I feel has helped all of us (Titans players) improve.”
Fellow Titans player Tessa Knight will also make her Queensland debut as part of the Pirates women’s team.
“I’m mainly excited but it is a little nerve wracking at the same time,” Knight said.
“Playing at this level is something I’ve always thought about but until now I didn’t think I was quite ready for it.
“Being named in this side is a big goal I can tick off my list now.”
The 22-year-old, who has also played for University of Queensland, attributed her recent success in part to a new training program.
“I guess I’ve always been a bit of a natural athlete,” Knight said.
‘‘ PLAYING AT THIS LEVEL IS SOMETHING I’VE ALWAYS THOUGHT ABOUT BUT UNTIL NOW I DIDN’T THINK I WAS QUITE READY FOR IT.
TESSA KNIGHT
“But I think the last season I’ve had has been my best.
“My program at the Fit Lab has been great, helping me develop the strength I need for my sport.
“Training with the Pirates has also been great – it’s been intense.”
On the court Knight says player accountability will be the key to success.
“We’ve got a great bunch of very talented girls,” she said.
“And I think if everyone does their job and holds themselves accountable we will do well.”