Information courtesy of volleyball.org.au
Head Coach Cameron Bettenay, alongside the selection panel has selected a 12-strong player squad to represent Australia at the upcoming 22nd Asian U20 Women’s Volleyball Championship hosted in Jiangmen, China.
The Australian Team, consisting of 11 locally based players, including 2 current Volleyroos and 7 members of the Australian Volleyball Academy girls’ program, will gather in Jiangmen, China, starting from June 27th. Australia have been placed in Pool A alongside hosts China, and Kazakhstan. The tournament is scheduled to run from July 1st to July 8th, 2024.
The U20 Women will need to finish 1st or 2nd in their pool to make it through to the quarter finals which would be Australia’s first appearance at an U20 Women’s QuarterFinals in recent years.
Head Coach, Cameron Bettenay said: “The selection process proved tough due to the remarkable talent and depth within the current wider squad of junior girls. As a coaching team, we faced some truly difficult decisions as we deliberated over our final selections. Each athlete showcased exceptional talent and dedication, making the decision-making process both rewarding and challenging.”
“What truly stood out was the unity and support among the girls. Their camaraderie and motivation for each other were evident throughout the process, demonstrating a cohesive and supportive team dynamic. It was inspiring to witness every member of the squad stepping up and putting forth their best efforts for selection.”
“He added, with our team now finalised, we are eagerly anticipating our upcoming journey to China, where we will have the opportunity to showcase our skills on the court against formidable opponents such as hosts China and pool opponents Kazakhstan. As a coaching team, we are confident in the abilities of our athletes and excited to see them rise to the challenge.”
U20 AUSTRALIAN SQUAD | 22ND ASIAN WOMEN’S U20 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP | 1 – 8 JULY
| Tandia BRIGGS | Volleyball Queensland | AVA – St Benedict’s College | 178cm |
| Kayla CANTRILL | Volleyball Queensland | AVA – Acers United | 188cm |
| Genevieve D’ARCY | Volleyball Queensland | AVA – Clevland District State High | 189cm |
| Jolie DU PLESSIS | Volleyball Western Australia | Reds Volleyball Club | 185cm |
| Chelsea DURBRIDGE | Volleyball South Australia | AVA – Brighton Secondary School | 182cm |
| Josephine FOSTER | Volleyball Queensland | AVA – Norths Volleyball Cub | 192cm |
| Gemma MCNAMARA | Volleyball Victoria | AVA – Maribyrnong Secondary College | 178cm |
| Sakura NAKADAI | Volleyball Victoria | Maribyrnong Secondary College | 160cm |
| Ella SCHABORT | Volleyball Western Australia | Binghamton University | 189cm |
| Caitlin WHINCUP | Volleyball Western Australia | Balcatta Volleyball Club | 182cm |
| Chloe WALKER | Volleyball Queensland | AVA – Easts Volleyball Club | 191cm |
| Cameron ZAJER | Volleyball South Australia | Brighton Secondary School | 182cm |
| Head Coach – Cameron Bettenay (QLD) |
| Assistant Coach – Lindsay Baker (QLD) |
| Team Manager – Kathryn Chen (AVA/VIC) |
| Physio – Francis Swan (VIC) |
Meanwhile, Head Coach Andre Borgeaud alongside the selection panel has named a 12 strong team for the upcoming Asian Championship qualifier against New Zealand hosted at the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra.
Australia and New Zealand are set to engage in a high-stakes showdown for the Oceania spot at the 22nd Asian Men’s U20 Volleyball Championship in Surabaya, Indonesia. Scheduled from July 23rd to July 30th, 2024, this eagerly anticipated match marks the first zonal playoff in several years aimed at securing a coveted place in the Championships. With anticipation running high, the Australian team is gearing up to face their Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand, in a thrilling display of skill and determination.
Should Australia emerge victorious and secure their place, they will advance to Surabaya, Indonesia. Assigned to Pool A, they will face formidable opponents including hosts Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and a team from the Eastern Zone. Set to unfold from July 23rd to July 30th, 2024, this championship holds significant importance as it signifies Australia’s second consecutive participation since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Head Coach, Andre Borgeaud said: “We know that New Zealand will be strong given their schools performances at the recent Australian Volleyball Schools Cup in 2023.”
“After careful consideration, we have assembled a group of 12 athletes who possess versatility across multiple positions, enabling us to adapt to various challenges we may encounter against New Zealand. We firmly believe that this selected group has the capability to rise to the occasion and achieve success on the court.”
“We extend our deepest gratitude to each player and their families for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the squad over the past 12 months. Their sacrifices and hard work have played a crucial role in preparing us to be in the best possible position as we approach the upcoming challenge in June.”
U20 AUSTRALIAN SQUAD | ASIAN MEN’S U20 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER | 6 – 11 JUNE
| Finley BENNETT | Volleyball South Australia | Brighton Secondary School | 202cm |
| Harrison BUHLER | Volleyball Western Australia | Wesley College | 188cm |
| Samuel CHEN | Volleyball New South Wales | Brandon University | 192cm |
| Mitchell CROFT | Volleyball Victoria | AVA – Lake Ginninderra College | 208cm |
| Killian DONOVAN | Volleyball New South Wales | Scots College | 193cm |
| James KAY | Volleyball Victoria | McKinnon College | 200cm |
| Finn KILLEN | Volleyball Queensland | St Peters Lutheran College | 212cm |
| Joel MCGRUTHER | Volleyball Queensland | Brisbane Boys College | 210cm |
| Thomas MCKINNEY | Volleyball Queensland | AVA – Redlands College | 197cm |
| Riley PALFREY | Volleyball Queensland | Craigslea State High School | 209cm |
| Cooper SHARPE | Volleyball Queensland | Anglican Church Grammar School | 197cm |
| Zachary UPTON* Injury Withdrawal | Volleyball Queensland | Brisbane State High School | 200cm |
| Xander VAN DRIEL | Volleyball Queensland | AVA – Citipointe Christian College | 201cm |
| Head Coach – Andre Borgeaud (ACT) |
| Assistant Coach – Steve Lugge (NSW) |
| Physio – TBC |
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