Volleyball
4 February, 2025
Players impress at trials
If the standard of the first trial is any indication, Phantoms Volleyball Club is in for a successful Victorian Volleyball League season in 2025. That’s the view of coaches who ran the first of two trials on Saturday, with Volleyball Horsham members to the fore.
Phantoms president Ben Hassell said the level of play, even this early in the season, was high by both male and female groups, with just on 100 athletes from across country Victoria participating, setting a higher bar than last year.
“The players were really keen to impress and speaking with the coaches at the end of the day, they were more than happy with firstly the turnout, but most importantly, the standard set.”
Hassell said for the men, there was a need to separate the premier and state league aspirants, given the high number of athletes that registered for trial, with 20 at the premier trial and 40 at the state league trial.
“In 2024, we ran four male teams and had to cut players at the end of the trial period, and it looks like the same thing will happen again, given the numbers we had.”
“But the standard of our teams will be much stronger, with a number of quality players coming in at the premier one level, which will, in turn, cascade down through premier two, state league one and two.”
Top female player Laelah Robertson attended and after a hiatus from the club, was also impressed by the standard.
“I was lucky to trial with the premier girls and there would have been at least 20 players at the level, which was unreal from a training perspective as you received quality touches all the time, and you had to be on your toes, right from the start.”
“There were at least six girls who were apologies for this trial, who would easily be included in the premier group, so the depth looks great, meaning the competition for spots will be intense.”
Robertson said having local familiar faces around her also helped her feel comfortable at the trial.
“Molly Carter, Paige Hemley, Tamikah Dockrill, Sophie Quick and Ella Van Duren all trialled and added to the quality and depth of talent.”
A second trial will be held again on Saturday in Bendigo, with state league aspirants on the first from 10 am-12 pm, followed by the girls from 12-2 pm, and then the premier men from 2-4 pm.
COME AND TRY NIGHT
The first of two come-and-try nights will be held on Wednesday from 6 pm-7 pm at St Brigid’s College stadium.
The night will give those interested in participating in the Summer season, which starts on February 24, a chance to give the sport a try before committing.
There will be two courts set up – one for adults and another for kids, so all that attend will be allowed to try out.
There is no cost to attend, and if interested people can’t make it, a second night will be held next Wednesday from 530pm.
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN
Team registrations are being taken for the Summer season with team entries closing on February 19 for all grades.
To register a team, visit the Volleyball Horsham website for the registration link.
Already there have been good numbers register, so teams are encouraged to get in quickly in order not to miss out.
Further enquiries can be submitted to info@volleyballhorsham.com.au