Baker wins way to States
Every once in a while an opportunity comes along that is too good to refuse, especially when you have worked hard all your sporting life to put yourself in a position to be considered.
This is what has happened for Murtoa College volleyballer Cleo Baker, who will represent Australia on a volleyball tour of America in the midyear school holidays.
Following in the footsteps of fellow Murtoa College student Laelah Robertson last year, Baker will head to Florida on June 18 to compete in the 2019 Amateur Athletic Union, AAU, USA Championships from June 19 to 25. She will then spend time training and playing against various American colleges, both indoor and on the beach.
The AAU Championships attracts more than 600 college scouts and
10,000 athletes competing on 150 courts in a volleyball experience that cannot be replicated in Australia.
Baker was offered the opportunity after being spotted at an Australian Youth Squad camp in December.
“Mum sat on the offer for three weeks before making a decision to accept,” she said.
“We only made the decision to go on the day the offer expired.”
Baker’s mother Jo was just as excited and nervous when the offer arrived.
“I couldn’t believe it, hence the reason I sat on the offer for as long as I did, but after seeking the opinions of those closest to Cleo, we agreed to accept,” she said.
Baker has been steadfast in her desire to be in a position to be considered for a USA scholarship, making the most of every opportunity to improve her game.
She has made state teams and been to Australian camps and talent identification trainings, as well as working at home.
Baker said she was looking forward to the trip.
“The opportunity to play in front of college scouts is what excites me the most. It is my ultimate ambition to be considered for a USA scholarship,” she said.
Baker will have plenty of opportunities in the lead up to the Florida tour to get her game in order, with her Murtoa College senior girls team qualifying for the Greater Western Zone regional finals in Warrnambool this month.
She hopes to play School Sport Victoria state finals after that, Victorian Country Championships in Bendigo in June and her regular Reserves State League games for Phantoms.
“I have such a wonderful support network around me. I hope to do them all proud,” she said.