Information and photo courtesy of volleyball.org.au
Following the announcement of the 2024 squad earlier in the year, Volleyball Australia announced the addition of Finley Bennett to the Developing Beach Volleyroos Men’s Program.
Still finishing his schooling at Adelaide’s Brighton Secondary School, Finley has had an exciting season with a fresh look at the international scene.
He was selected to represent Australia at the Asian U19 Beach Volleyball Championships in May, scoring a top ten result alongside Adam Fejes in Thailand.
He was again asked to pull on the national colours at the U19 World Beach Volleyball Championships in Chine last month, finishing 17th alongside Jett Rocker-Graham.
Men’s Developing Beach Volleyroos Assistant Coach Joey Yigit said he is excited to see where Finley progresses to after entering the program given the strides he has made in the past year.
“Finley is an athlete we are ecstatic to welcome to the Developing Beach Volleyroos program,” said Yigit. “Within the last 12 months he has really excelled in his development as a person and his aspiration to best perform at the very highest level in our sport shines through in every decision he makes.
“His growth has been exponential in what he’s come to expect out of himself and what he’s able to do on court.”
Celebrating his 18th birthday last week, Bennett has set no limits on his aspirations now he is moving into the national squad.
“I’m excited and proud to be a Developing Beach Volleyroos athlete,” he said. “I would love to represent Australia at the Olympics and win a gold medal.”
“I would like to thank Brighton Secondary School, Volleyball South Australia Pathways and USC Lion Volleyball Club for giving me the opportunity to be here.
“I would also like to thank the Brighton Metro for sponsoring me for the U19 Asian and World Championships.”
Yigit also heaped praise on Bennett’s support team who have been integral to him combining studies and sport ahead of his move to the national program.
“Congratulations not only to Finley, but also his family and all communities he’s a part of in Adelaide and beyond,” said Yigit.” As he finishes secondary school and associated commitments, we’ll integrate him progressively into our Daily Performance Environment at our new National Training Centre at the South Australian Sports Institute in Mile End.
“We’re excited to support him in the next stages of what may be a very promising journey.”
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