Elite Volleyball Program

A massive thank you to our EVP Sponsors. Platinum Sponsor, BOQ The Gap, and Gold Sponsor Tribal.

Meet the Team

Project Manager      New

Ms Nicole Laird

Nicole has joined the team at The Gap SHS as our new EVP Project Manager. Nicole will focus on structures, facilities, annual camps, and competitions, coordinate match-play opportunities, and link with our EVP parents.

Nicole joins us with a wealth of Volleyball experience, including an under-23 World Junior Champion and Rio 2016 Olympian.

"I began playing volleyball on the sands of Manly Beach. My junior years were spent learning both disciplines of the game, where I had the opportunity to represent Australia at a junior and senior level in indoor volleyball. I specialised in beach volleyball at the age of 18, where I went on to become an under-23 World Junior Champion and a Rio 2016 Olympian. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to represent Australia for over 14 years, where I have won medals at an Asian tour and World tour level consistently."

Head of Player Development

Mr Andrew Maclean

As the Head of Player Development, Mr Maclean will focus on player recruitment, induction, development, accountability, term reviews, play goals and stats, conditioning, psychology and nutrition.

Fun Facts

Height: 190 cm

Position: Anything but middle

No of years playing: 23 years

"I am a passionate and dedicated volleyball coach with over 15 years of experience in coaching athletes of all levels. I believe in fostering a culture of hard work, discipline, and strategy implementation. I emphasize the importance of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and mental resilience in achieving success. My coaching approach is characterized by innovation, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I stay abreast of the latest developments in volleyball strategies, training methodologies, and sports psychology to ensure that my players receive the best possible guidance. I place great emphasis on creating a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive and realize their full potential."

Head of Coach Development

Mr Jarrod Henry

Mr Henry will focus on coaching, recruitment, development, induction, accountability, training and PD and the 'staff as partners' program.

Fun Facts

Height: 183 cm

Position: Libero

No of years playing: 15 years

"With a decade of coaching experience across junior and senior teams, I bring a blend of playing and mentoring experience to the volleyball arena. A former Queensland representative player, I dedicated over 10 years to Norths Volleyball Club as a player, coach and committee member. As a coach, my passion for the game is evident in my commitment to student development, watching them evolve into successful athletes. I blend technical expertise with a focus on teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, aiming to inspire the next generation both on and off the court."

Volleyball Camp

Thank you for supporting the Elite Volleyball Program's camp on Thursday and Friday last week. The athletes all gained valuable skill experience on the sand and indoor courts, participated in culture workshops on becoming elite student-athletes, and learned the importance of nutrition and psychology. There have been some clear culture shifts that we are implementing this year to become a more elite volleyball program, and these have been communicated clearly to students. Please be aware of these values so that we can all support the athletes in meeting the expectations of the EVP. 

EVP Key values:

• Elite Culture
  • Win and lose as a team 
  • Be supportive and encouraging of teammates and lift them up to be better
  • Hold yourself and your teammates to the program’s standards 
  • Celebrate the little wins – someone does something really well, perfects a skill for the first time, gives really good effort
• Elite commitment
  • Attendance at all trainings (or emailing coach when you cannot attend)
  • Arrive ON TIME and give your all at every training – training proper starts at 6:45 am. The net needs to be up and you need to be warmed up by then. 
  • Receiving Very Good or Excellent effort and behaviour on all report cards
  • Looking after your body at school and home so that you are ready to train and play
• Elite Competitiveness
  • Give your best at all times
  • Training, EVP class, practice matches, games
  • Always wanting to compete and win
  • Compete during every drill at training
  • Fight hard to keep points alive
  • Desire to win every point in matches
  • Overall desire to be the best possible volleyballer you can be and part of the best volleyball team/program you can be

Our Non-negotiables for training are: 

• 6:45 am – training starts (nets are set up and you are warmed up in full gear) – This means arrival no later than 6:35 am.
• Bring a water bottle to every session – not running to bubbler
• Every team member helps to pack down – no one leaves until the nets and balls are away
• You give 100% effort for the entire session
• Attendance at every session (or notifying coach otherwise)

We have also attached the information that was given to students during the psychology and nutrition sessions for your information (some great ideas in here for lunchboxes during tournaments and strategies for dealing with difficult situations both during matches and throughout tournaments to bounce back better). 

A particular thank you to the amazing parents who came in early on Friday morning to cook the bacon and egg roll breakfast for the students – your support is greatly appreciated. If you would like to know how you can help contribute to making the program even better, please reach out.

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup

Year 7 Boys Div 1

Year 7 Girls Div 1

Year 8 Boys Honours

Year 8 Girls Honours

Year 9 Boys Div 1

Year 9 Girls Div 2

Year 10 Girls iv 1

Open Boys Honours

Elite Volleyball Program - 2025 Entry

The Gap State High School’s Elite Volleyball Program is an excellence program aimed at fostering holistic athletic development of talented students in the area of Volleyball. 

The program aims to promote conduct, knowledge and skills, benefiting the students in their performance of volleyball and other sports; academic and vocational pursuits; and personal development and to develop young people through interactions based on personal challenge, collaborative group work and team dynamics.