The FIVB has invested CHF 369,000 through the coach support project in Vanuatu since 2017, with Miller being part of the national team since 2007
- After an impressive playing career spanning 15 years, Miller is keen on writing new history as she becomes head coach of Vanuatu’s beach volleyball team
- Miller wants to guide Vanuatu back to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship next year
- Miller also learnt the ropes under several coaches through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Programme
- Miller was Vanuatu’s sole representative at the ONOC Women in Sports Workshop for emerging leaders in Auckland, New Zealand this month
Miller Pata is no stranger to beach volleyball. She has been part of the global Volleyball Family for many years, representing Vanuatu in continental and global competitions. Her impressive resume as a player features two Commonwealth Games bronze medals (2018, 2022) and as many World Championship (2013, 2015) appearances.
Vanuatu’s beach volleyball players dream to participate in the upcoming World Championships in 2025 (Photo credits: VVF)
After an impressive playing career spanning 15 years, Miller is keen on writing new history as a coach as she takes charge of Vanuatu’s women’s beach volleyball team.
Just three months after taking on her new role, Miller is already dreaming big, hoping to take her squad to the FIVB World Championships next year, the exact competition she competed at in 2015.
“I can’t believe that it’s 10 years already…2015 looks like it was just the other day! I want to support the team so that they can participate in more competitions, earn ranking points and qualify for the World Championship.
“I have played with most of them so it helps that I know their quality and potential. We want to take it one step at a time, qualify for next year’s World Championship then target other major championships,” said Miller.
Miller Pata (left) conducts a training session with Vanuatu’s women’s beach volleyball team (Photo credits: VVF)
Miller believes that the head coach job has come at the perfect time, as she has had years of experience learning from several coaches through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Programme, as a player.
FIVB has invested CHF 369,000 through the coach support project in Vanuatu since 2017, with Miller being part of the national team since 2007.
“I enjoy coaching…It has been a journey and I feel that I am ready for this role. I have learnt a lot from the coaches, especially different game approaches, skills and training methods. This has made my transition to a coach smooth, and I am looking forward to achieving great things with the team” said a beaming Miller.
Her growing influence off the court saw her selected by the Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (VASANOC), to attend the ONOC Women in Sports Workshop for emerging leaders in Auckland, New Zealand this month.
Miller Pata (right) conducts a training session with Vanuatu’s women’s beach volleyball team. (Photo credits: VVF)
Miller was Vanuatu’s sole representative in the three-day event which aims to develop women leaders in sports across Oceania.
“It was my first time to attend such an event. It was great meeting with sportspersons from other Pacific countries and sharing our experiences. We face similar challenges as women and we have a big task of increasing participation of women in sports” Miller said.
“We have few female coaches in this region and I hope that my story can inspire players that with the right attitude and mindset, they can become coaches after retiring,” she added.
Vanuatu Volleyball Federation President Debbie Masauvakalo spoke glowingly of Miller and praised her confidence in Miller’s new career as a coach.
“It’s good to empower local coaches because they understand the culture, know the environment, have a good local network and connect well with the community. Female players also have different needs therefore having a female coach leading them is advantageous as they can communicate freely with her,” noted Debbie.
“Miller is not only a role model but also has vast experience and knowledge of the game. Over the years, she has built a good network of both players and coaches locally and internationally. It doesn’t happen overnight…she now has the capacity to lead this team and we have no doubt that she will be a successful coach!” the Vanuatu Volleyball Federation President added.
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