Volleyball
26 September, 2025
All ready for volleyball champs starting today
Volleyball Horsham is sending six teams into battle at this weekend’s junior country championships here in Horsham.
A six-week training program has prepared the teams for a full-on assault against teams representing associations at Geelong, Goulburn Valley, Macedon Ranges, South Gippsland, Sunraysia and Warrnambool across three age groups: under 15, 17 and 19 boys and girls.
Volleyball Horsham will be out to defend their under 19 girls’ gold medal from last year, while the two under 17 teams will be looking to go one better than their silver medals.
In a pleasing result, under 15 competitions will be held this year for the first time, with Volleyball Horsham, Sunraysia and Macedon Ranges sending their stars of tomorrow to experience their first country championships.
Volleyball Victoria general manager Cori Wilder said the growth in the numbers participating in the new look event was a positive going forward.
“To have a 50 per cent increase in participation for this event on this traditional weekend speaks volumes for the work the associations are putting into their junior development," Wilder said.
“Having the event over a long weekend enables the competition to be played under championships conditions, which is great for the participants to experience, especially those who haven’t played country championships before.”
Volleyball Horsham under 15 boys’ coach Tim Carter is excited by the prospects of his young team.
“The boys have been training the house down and have taken on board what we have been trying to teach them, with great enthusiasm,” Carter said.
“I can’t wait to see what they can produce on the weekend.
"What we do know is that Sunraysia will be a good side.”
The under 19 boys’ competition has six teams spearheaded by reigning gold medalists Warrnambool.
Volleyball Horsham under 19 boys’ coach Oscar Jackman is keen on the chances of his team improving on last year’s losing bronze medal effort.
“The majority of the boys have been playing as a team in our A grade competition and have been putting up good showings against experienced sides," Jackman said.
“The experience they have gained from playing in senior country championships over the past two years should also stand them in good stead.”
All eyes will be on the under 19 girls as they defend their gold-medal-winning result from last year.
Coach Molly Carter has no expectations for her team as they introduce four new players to the team that beat Sunraysia last year.
“We have experience in Paige Hemley, Clare Whyte and Alex Bebero while I’m looking forward to see how new players in Rhianna Williams, Matilda Horvat and Mikaela Wright perform," Carter said.
“I know our competition in Sunraysia, Latrobe Valley and Goulburn Valley will have strong teams so we need to ensure we hit the ground running from the first point of our first game.”
The championships commence today, with the under 19 boys fronting up against Warrnambool at 8am at the basketball stadium, while the under 17 boys will take on Sunraysia at the same time at St Brigid’s College.
The opening ceremony will be held at 1.30pm at the basketball stadium, where all associations will be introduced as they march onto court one behind their specially designed banners for the event.
Horsham Arts Council’s Henry Overman will be the special guest performer of the national anthem.
Competition continues tomorrow from 9am at both venues, with medal matches on Sunday from 8am.
The closing ceremony, where medals will be awarded along with All Star Sevens and 'referee of the tournament' awards, will be held at the basketball stadium from around 2pm.
Volleyball Horsham royalty will be well represented at the presentations with hall of fame members, former country championships All Stars and games record holders all part of the ceremony.