Credit: volleyball.org.au
Australia’s Indoor Volleyroos are taking the world by storm, competing overseas in a variety of competitive leagues across Europe and North America.
In the women’s program, 16 players are currently based overseas, competing in leagues that not only provide them with increased game time, but a range of development opportunities.
Russell Borgeaud, Head Coach of the Women’s Indoor Volleyroos, could not be more supportive of players making the move abroad to enhance their physical and skill development.
“This year has seen quite a number of Indoor Volleyroos move overseas to play, probably the biggest number Australia has ever had in foreign leagues,” said Borgeaud.
“We have players as far as Sweden and France, one of whom (Lauren Cox) is soon to play in the Second division finals which is an amazing step for her future.
“We’ve also had six players in the United States of America this year, with another five going in July. To have 11 players at highly-ranked college programs, most of them in the top 20, is a fantastic step in their growth and development,” he said.
Extended seasons in a variety of overseas competitions means players who make the move can play significantly more games than they would be able to if they lived locally.
“Here in Australia the players can train five to six days a week with industry-leading facilities and support, but they just don’t get the length or quality of the season that they do overseas,” said Borgeaud.
“If they play overseas, they play for six to eight months, usually one but often two games a week. The sheer volume of matches and the level of competition makes for a fantastic environment to develop as an athlete.
“I always say, unless you’re the best player in the world there’s always another level you can go to, so it’s great for them to be in an environment where if they become the best player in one league, they can step up to a new one where the quality is higher and they can continue to be tested.
“It’s that difference in matches, both in quality and quantity that really makes the difference, and the improvements in the skill level of our Volleyroos are quite obvious.
“The talent, skill and depth of our players is increasing really quickly, the quality is looking really positive as we build towards Brisbane 2032,” he finished.
Women’s Indoor Volleyroos playing overseas:
Brodie Baker, Florida International University, United States, NCAA Division 1, Conference USA
Sarah Burton, University of Hawaii, United States, NCAA
Lauren Cox, Les Comètes Orléans Volley, French Élite
Cassie Dodd, Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, United States, NCAA
Harriet Gilson, Lunds VK, Sweden, Eliteserien Volleyboll
Emily Heintzelman, Tulane University, United States, NCAA
Kasey Hogan, Nevada University, United States, NCAA
Kara Inskip, LiigaPloki Pihtipudas, Finland, Mestaruusliiga
Annelies Jones, Racing Club de Cannes, France, Ligue Nationale 2 de Volley
Brielle Kettleton, Linköping VK, Sweden, Eliteserien Volleyboll
Alissa Kinkela, Rutgers University, United States, NCAA
Tara Maland, REC Volley, France, French Élite
Ella Milne, Hofstra Volleyball, United States, NCAA/CAA
Rebecca Redgen, Linköping VK, Sweden, Eliteserien Volleyboll
Ella Schabort, Binghamton University, United States, NCAA/American East Conference
Charlotte White, Linköping VK, Sweden, Eliteserien Volleyboll, Adelaide Storm
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