Phantoms into premier division

The pathway to the top for female volleyballers in the Wimmera is now complete following the acceptance of Phantoms Volleyball Club’s top women’s team into Victoria’s premier competition.

The Horsham club was established in 2012 to give western Victorian volleyballers an opportunity to compete in State League.

Following successive years of playing finals in the reserves women’s competition and a division-two championship, the club agreed the time was right to take the next step.

There are several girls who are now in the 18 to 25-year age bracket who have played national juniors, have a lot of experience in the game and are ready to step up.

To complement this, there are three girls who have represented Australia at youth level who have expressed an interest in joining the club.

It is very exciting that we have high quality girls wanting to play with our club, and their inclusion will only add strength to the team.

Experienced Volleyball Horsham member Kara Johnson is excited about the prospects of playing against some of the best female players in the state.

“There is a chance Horsham will get to host a round of matches and that would be great to play in front of family and friends on our home court,” she said.

“It also gives us experienced players the motivation to keep on trying to be the best we can be and play at a level we don’t normally get to do.”

It also means up-and-coming girls in the Wimmera can see a clearly defined pathway to the top and they do not have to move away to experience high-level volleyball.

Murtoa young guns Cleo Baker and Laelah Robertson are two examples of talented junior players excited about the prospect of playing at the highest level.

“The decision to admit the team into premier competition means I will train and play as hard as I can to achieve the goal of playing in the top side,” Robertson said.

“Playing with the girls on the premier team would give me a chance to play with some very experienced players that could teach me so much.”

Baker said playing with the Phantoms was a new goal and would help her achieve greater skills.

“I have dropped my other interests now, to focus on my one passion – volleyball,” she said.

“To play at the highest level in state is something I would love to be a part of, and now has me motivated to be the best that I can be.”

Phantoms will host selection trials in Bendigo on February 10 and 24 next year before playing in the annual Warrnambool seaside tournament over the Labour Day long weekend in March.

Round one is scheduled for March 24, which will be a red letter day in the club’s short history.