Sport Update

Alice Waite, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus 

Ivanhoe Grammar School's involvement in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup is a crucial part of our Volleyball Development Program. Over 60 players flew up to the Gold Coast in early December, representing the School with pride and purpose as we began the 6-day tournament. 

The trip not only allows us to play a diverse range of teams, challenging our skills and tactics, but offers unique opportunities to facilitate team bonding – by spending the entire week together. We undeniably grew closer, bonding amidst the heat, the hunger (for victory and GYG), as well as through our passion for volleyball. When we weren’t on the court, you could find us cheering on fellow Ivanhoe teams, forming an Ivy Army. We passed our free time by rewatching our games, having a cheeky swim at the pool or the beach, going to sushi train, or simply sleeping! 

Of our seven teams, three walked away with medals. The Year 7 Girls' Volleyball team earned a bronze medal in Division 2, a fantastic achievement for the young team. The Year 7 Boys' Volleyball team, led by Daniel, played a thrilling grand final, taking away the final set after a nail-biting game to win gold. The Year 8 Girls' Volleyball team, captained by Eliza and Josie, remained strong throughout the week, consistently dominating Division 3 to inevitably walk away with gold medals as well!  

The positive results for Ivanhoe Grammar School's Volleyball Development Program can be attributed to our enthusiastic coaches, supportive parents, and driven players. The large number of alumni coaches present is a testament to the passionate program we have, led by Mrs Tanya McInerney and Mr John McInerney.

The AVSC trip is an incredible growth opportunity, not only from a skills perspective but also in terms of practicing independence and the experience of being away from home for a week. I strongly encourage anyone interested to come along to development training and talk to the coaches, captains or players. The trip has truly been a highlight of my time here! 

Elizabeth Tan, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus

The Firsts Volleyball summer season has been an amazing success and one that I will forever treasure. Both the girls' and boys' teams have finished at the top of the ladder in their respective groups, earning their place in the grand final and hoping to bring home another premiership. Reflecting on this season, it is hard not to think about just how far this journey has come since Year 7. I have had the privilege to captain the girls' team this season, and I could not be more proud of every single one of them and everything they have worked so hard to achieve. It has been a joy to see just how close and supportive the girls are with one another, and that bond is what makes this team so special. Of course, no big game would be complete without our pre-match ritual — 'Breaking Dishes' by Rihanna, which never fails to get us fired up and ready to go! The girls' squad has continued to develop, with many exciting debut performances throughout the season. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Firsts' Volleyball and the legacy that will continue to grow. 

Zac Lander, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus 

The Firsts Cricket 2025/2026 season has been one that I will remember forever, not just

 because of our on-field success, but also due to the lifelong memories I’ve made off the field. This season has given us a taste of everything, on and off field, from Lachie’s Olivia Dean obsession to Dhanush’s enormous sixes, from Clarrie’s match-winning knocks to weekly pitch reports. 

The culture built between this group of boys is something special and has no doubt formed lifelong connections. This group has turned long days in the field into 50 overs of laughs, banter and not just planning how to take the next wicket but also what the post-game plans will be, so that we can spend more time with the same people we just played 7 hours of cricket with. From the outset of the season, Lachie and I set ourselves a goal as the leaders of this group to not just lead the Firsts XI to becoming a successful group of cricketers but to create a squad of mates, and it is safe to say that the cricket boys are not only my mates for the season but for life. The season has been highlighted by some spectacular individual and team performances which helped us to finish top of the ladder, but the most memorable moments are the tea break laughs, warm-up story times and pre-game singalongs. 

Overall, the season has been one to remember, and more memories are waiting to be made in the finals series, hopefully topping it off with an AGSV Premiership flag. Go Hoes! 

Jasmine Paice, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus

The First Girls' Softball team has had a fantastic 2025/2026 season. It has been an amazing privilege to be their Captain and watch these young athletes grow, not only in their individual skills but also in the strength and unity they have shown as a team. Over the past few months, the girls have demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment. They have consistently showed up to training with enthusiasm, giving their absolute best every single time. I couldn't be more proud of everything they have achieved so far, and I look forward to seeing their development next season!

Lucas Walsh, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus

The boys in the team this season truly demonstrated what it means to be a part of something bigger than themselves. I have had the opportunity of being the Vice Captain for the Boys' First Basketball team for the 2025/2026 season. From the very first tryout to the final training session, we have remained composed and worked tirelessly to improve as individual players and as a collective unit. Despite a few injuries along the way, every single member of the squad showed up and gave everything they had. While the season's results may not have reflected what the team had hoped for, our determination and effort at every training session and every match never wavered. Both the players and coaches should be incredibly proud of the commitment shown throughout the season, they embodied the true spirit of teamwork from start to finish.

Alessia Jones, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus

This season, the Girls' Firsts Tennis team has truly excelled, demonstrating dedication at every training session and resilience in each Saturday morning match to secure a place in the top half of the ladder. I am exceptionally proud of the way the team has represented Ivanhoe Grammar School, upholding our values with integrity, sportsmanship, and pride every time they stepped onto the court. I am proud to have led this team, having the privilege of being their captain for the 2025/2026 season.  Beyond their success in results, the connections and trust built within the team have been just as significant, forming a foundation that will last well beyond this season. The courage, commitment, and determination shown by this talented group of girls has driven our achievements and highlighted the immense potential within the team. I have no doubt that this success will continue into the future, and I wish the team every success in the year ahead.

Aston Brand, Year 12, Ridgeway Campus

The boys have had a great season, though settling in as a new team is never without its challenges. Alongside Tom Giles, I have had the privilege of being Co-Captain of the Boy's Firsts Table Tennis team this season. We have had our challenges, from inconsistent facilities to welcoming new players into the fold, so it's fair to say the squad faced a number of hurdles along the way. Despite this, they remained remarkably consistent across all of their games, which is a testament to the character and resilience of the group, and bodes very well for the team's future.