Maude is a volleyball high achiever
Te Awamutu teen part of side that won over Australia
Te Awamutu College Year 13 student Maude Rewha, 17, was part of the New Zealand Junior Women’s Volleyball team that won the transtasman test series 5-0 over Australia in July.
In all five tests the Australians were very competitive and each test could have gone either way - the first two tests were decided by a couple of points in the fifth set.
The series was during the school holidays from July 13-18, played at five different North Island venues, Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre (Tauranga), Aquinas Action Centre (Tauranga), Cambridge High School, Hamilton Boys High School and Carmel College (Auckland).
“I am grateful for having the opportunity to represent our country and to play the sport I enjoy most alongside 11 other beautiful young women/teammates who all came from different regions of the country,” says Maude.
“I felt a sense of unity and strength in our team — knowing that; 1. We represented our country in a sporting code, which is a huge achievement in itself; 2. A group of young women came to together and played the sport we love most and 3. Knowing that we are more than capable of achieving — especially while we’re still young and happy.”
Maude has played volleyball since Year 9 and has been a part of a series of national level trainings, camps and tournaments, but says the adrenaline and eagerness felt on the court every time they played against the Australian team was exciting.
“I am very proud of our team and what we have accomplished together. After every test or before we went to bed, our coaching and management team (Sam Ryan, Kim Smith, Maia Westrupp and Paula Vesty) ensured we had team talks together.
“It was a good way to reflect and to seek to improve both as individuals and as a team. It was neat being able to see everyone achieve and grow in their own light — both on and off court.
“I think we had an advantage as our squad has been together since 2020, way back when we trialled for the team. It gave us time and opportunity to bond and build connections together as young women/coaches and I believe that this greatly contributed to our success in winning all five tests in the series.”
Forming deep bonds and connections with her teammates/ coaches and creating many new friendships with the Australian players were among the highlights for Maude.
“Another highlight was having the opportunity to play on home soil. Initially, we were meant to play in Thailand but because of the disruptions Covid had put on, not only us but everyone, we were unable to travel internationally,” she says.
“I didn’t mind not travelling as I was more thrilled about the fact that a few of our NZ girls from the South Island were able to explore the North Island and get a feel of what it’s like up here compared to down south.”
It was an experience that she will never forget and she loved hearing the Australian girls’ opinions and perspectives of their travels throughout New Zealand.
“Last but not least, having a great support system in the crowds and on the sidelines was a highlight too. I was so happy knowing that wha¯nau, friends and my teachers from all over the motu (island) were able to watch our games live,” says Maude.
“I am very grateful for my mum, dad, my three sisters, Mr [Keith] Bain who has been the most supportive teacher/coach to me and all my other wha¯nau, friends and members in the community who have tautoko (supported) me on my journey. I know without a doubt that I could not have got to where I am today alone.”
On August 21, Volleyball New Zealand drafted top players from around New Zealand to compete in the National Volleyball League which takes place in Auckland from October 28-30. Maude has been selected for this and will be representing Midland Te Waiora Women’s team under head coach Andrew Kilham and assistant coach Claire Stewart.
To add to her evergrowing resume, Maude is also sharing her experience. For the second year, she is coaching the Te Awamutu College Junior Premier Girls in the upcoming Waikato and North Island Junior Schools competitions - she isn’t just part of the sport, but also helping nuture it.