Berry sets record
Volleyball Horsham history was made last week when Nathan Berry became the first member to break through the 500-game barrier, setting a new games record for the association.
Berry has been playing volleyball for 15 years, starting out in 2007 in the junior division. The following year he progressed into A Grade.
In a remarkable career, Berry has represented his state at under-19 level, has been a regular attendee at Victorian Country Championships where he has won a division one silver medal, division two gold and bronze medal and has been a division two All Star Seven best setter selection twice.
Berry was a foundation member of the Phantoms Volleyball Club in state league, where he has won a division two gold medal and a reserves division silver medal.
In acknowledging his career, long-time team member Delaney Bray highlighted that Berry achieved his ultimate reward this year when he assumed the mantle of Phantoms premier men’s setter along with the Volleyball Horsham division one country championship’s team number one setter role.
“It hasn’t been easy for Nathan throughout his volleyball career as he has always played second fiddle to his older brother, and that is always the case when you have two highly credentialled players vying for the same position,” Bray said.
“Nathan has been patient and understanding – something younger players can learn from.”
Berry has played in eight Volleyball Horsham A Grade premierships – four of those with good friend Paddy Sherry.
Fellow A Grade setter, Kara Johnson, said: “They formed a formidable combination based on an amazing understanding. Nathan could run whatever quick attack he wanted with Paddy and often they would leave opposition defence flat footed.”
Another player that has been a constant throughout Berry’s career has been Cam Robinson.
The pair started out together and have played in the Phantoms premier men’s team and the country champs.
Robinson acknowledged Berry’s milestone during the final round of state league at the weekend.
“I’ve enjoyed playing with Nathan over the journey as he always gives his all for his team, which was a characteristic that was instilled in us as youngsters. It has served us well over many years,” he said.
Overall Berry has played nine games for his state, 143 games for Phantoms, 79 Country Championship games for Volleyball Horsham, 279 A Grade games and eight A Grade premierships, three A Grade Robinson Medals for most valuable player and two runner-up A Grade MVP, and two A Grade Abud Medals for most consistent.