Volleyball
Eltham High School Shines at Volleyball Victoria Schools Championship #1
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all students, staff, coaches, and families for their outstanding efforts and teamwork over the three days at the VV Championships. The commitment to punctuality, open communication, and mutual support ensured the event ran smoothly and successfully. We hope all players have taken the time to thank their parents, staff members, and coaches whose behind-the-scenes contributions are vital. It truly takes a village to not only participate in these events but to achieve success at this level.
Outstanding Results Across All Divisions
Eltham High School was proudly represented in both the Year 8 and Open Honours divisions—Honours being the highest level of competition.
Year 8 Girls Honours
The Year 8 Girls team demonstrated resilience and determination, finishing 6th overall. In a series of close five-set matches, the team pushed their opponents to the limit, showing incredible heart and perseverance in every game.
Year 8 Boys Honours
The Year 8 Boys had an impressive campaign, earning the Silver Medal. Although they had previously defeated the eventual Gold Medal winners during the tournament, the boys narrowly missed out on the top podium spot. Nevertheless, they are officially ranked #2 in Victoria, with the exciting possibility of a Nationals appearance against the country's best teams later in the year.
Open Girls Honours
In an historic achievement, the Open Girls team claimed the Gold Medal, ending Billanook College’s seven-year winning streak in the Honours division. The final was a true test of endurance and skill. Billanook did not relinquish their crown easily; the match going all the way to a fifth set. The team’s hard-fought victory makes them the #1 female high school volleyball team in Victoria.
Strong Performances in Divisional Leagues
In addition to our Honours teams, several Eltham teams competed in the divisional leagues. Coaches praised the significant improvement and growth shown by players over the three-day competition.
Open Boys (Year 12, Division 1)
The Open Boys team delivered a strong performance, finishing second in their division.
Individual Honours
Congratulations to Chloe Peters (Year 8, Pakana House) and James Beddoe (Year 9, Everard House), who were each awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) in their respective divisions—an outstanding personal achievement.
Once again, thank you to everyone involved. These achievements reflect not only athletic talent but also the strength of our school community. We look forward to seeing what these teams accomplish next.
Alisa and Xanthe Represent Australia on the U18 Thailand Volleyball Tour
Earlier this year, Alisa and I had the incredible honour of representing Australia on the U18 Thailand Volleyball Tour—an experience we will never forget.
The most immediate challenge was the heat. With daily temperatures rarely dipping below 35 degrees, it was a significant adjustment for most of us. Simply walking to and from the stadium left us drenched in sweat, and staying hydrated became a constant priority. The streets were buzzing with life—motorbikes weaving through traffic, bustling markets filled with people, and a mix of languages echoing all around us. Communicating with referees and players from other countries was sometimes difficult due to the language barrier, adding another layer of complexity to the experience.
We trained twice a day at the FIVB Volleyball Development Centre, a world-class facility far beyond anything we’d seen in Australia. One of the most inspiring moments was the chance to observe and train alongside Thailand’s national team. Their structure, discipline, and intensity were eye-opening. While volleyball in Australia is still developing, in Thailand, teams are already training with a long-term vision—some even preparing for the next three Olympic cycles. The level of commitment and technical precision was truly impressive.
Adjusting to the new environment wasn’t easy. Long-haul flights, unfamiliar food, and the general stress of being in a new country all posed challenges. Managing sleep, staying focused, and finding a balance between nerves and excitement were crucial to performing well.
Above all, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Training and playing alongside talented girls from across Australia and experiencing a completely different volleyball culture was unforgettable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our coaches and physiotherapists for their guidance and support throughout the tour.
Xanthe Watson-Jones (Year 11, Toner House)
ANTHONY YOUNG, Volleyball Coordinator