Credit: volleyballaustralia.org.au
Volleyball Australia (VA) welcomed Paul Smith to the team, in the role of National Pathways Manager.
Paul brings with a wealth of knowledge and experience, having been an international beach volleyball coach at three Olympic Games (Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004) as well as at numerous World Championship and FIVB World Tour events.
A highlight of Paul’s coaching career would be leading Olympians Julien Prosser and Mark Williams to a fourth place at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, the highest finish for a men’s team at the Olympics.
Paul is excited to combine his playing and coaching experience to assist the next generation of Beach Volleyball players.
“I’m very excited to be returning to this level of the sport again, after spending recent years helping to grow volleyball in my local area, regionally and at a state level in New South Wales,” Paul said.
“My kids and their friends have also caught the Volleyball bug and that has been the most rewarding part, and a lot of fun to witness.
With a home Olympics on the horizon in 2032, this role presents a great opportunity to help shape the structure that will guide Australia’s future Olympians towards success, through both the Australian Volleyball Academy and state level programs.
“I’m especially looking forward to reconnecting with the Australian Volleyball family, to help create alignment between programs at state and national level, to help build a strong and united pathway through which athletes and coaches can develop and thrive,” he said.
Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee: “Paul brings to the organisation a wealth of knowledge and experience that will add value to our team and enable us to continue growing our sport.
“Paul’s long standing contribution to our sport, and his service to development of the next generation continues to pave the way for many who have aspirations of becoming world class players.
“The National Pathways Manager role forms an important part of our senior leadership team, and will ensure our pathways are well supported to optimise the development of players and coaches to produce sustainable and successful national and international performances,” he said.
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