Paige sets sights on China
Opportunities keep coming for Volleyball Horsham academy member Paige Hemley, with an invitation extended to the talented junior to attend a selection camp for the under-16 Australian team to compete in the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championships in China in June.
Hemley, who turned 15 last week, was excited and surprised to receive the invite.
“I never thought an opportunity like this would ever come my way, but after attending the Oz Camp in December, and enjoying being in such an elite environment, I will give myself every chance to improve over the next eight weeks in readiness for the camp,” she said.
Academy girls’ coach Tamikah Dockrill was excited to hear the news.
“We all noticed just how much Paige had improved when she returned to training last week after attending the Oz Camp, so we’ll make sure Paige gets all the attention she needs to be in a position to impress come April,” she said.
Hemley has given herself every opportunity to continue with her development by playing and training as often as she can across the course of this season.
“I play with my friends in B Grade
on Monday nights, then my school and academy teams on Wednesday nights in A Reserve and women’s competitions,” she said.
“This will give me a chance to play in multiple positions to broaden my options. I’m also going to trial for the Phantoms on Saturday, to see how I go there.”
Hemley will attend the camp in the first week of the April school holidays and will know by the end of the month if she has been selected.
Junior foundation
Volleyball Horsham recognises how hard it is to participate with costs across the board escalating POSTCOVID-19 restrictions.
To assist all juniors and their families to continue to enjoy what volleyball has to offer, a foundation has been
established where applications can be made for grants to assist with the cost of participation.
It does not matter where a junior is on their volleyball pathway – starting out or well entrenched – all applications will be considered.
People can visit website www. volleyballhorsham.com.au and click on the link to apply. Applications are open until the end of this month.
Final call
Entries close tonight for the association’s summer season, with good numbers rolling in.
A Grade, A Reserve and women’s competitions start on Wednesday next week, with B Grade, C Grade and junior competitions starting on Monday, February 27.
There is still a need for more junior
teams and individuals to play. People can contact info@volley ballhorsham.com.au to enter teams or for further details.
Phantoms trial
Phantoms Volleyball Club will host its second trial on Saturday for interested individuals wanting to play state league this season.
Twenty-eight males and 26 females attended the first trial in Bendigo, with coaches impressed with the talent on display.
More athletes are expected to attend Saturday’s trials — especially those from Horsham and Mildura.
The trials get underway at 11am for women and girls, with men and boys to follow at 1pm. Trials will be at St Brigid’s College Stadium in Horsham.