State Volleyball Trials

On the 22nd of April, the under 16 NSW All Schools Volleyball team had their team trials. To say I was nervous was an understatement. Approximately 80 athletes from around the whole state would compete for a spot on the team. The tryouts started at 8am sharp at Sydney Olympic Park Netball Centre. I was quite relieved knowing I would be playing in an environment that I’m comfortable with due to regularly visiting the location in club training, state level tournaments and the state volleyball league. My trial started off by each player being given a number and entering their position they wished to trial for, my position being setter. We then began with peppering followed by some stretching and conditioning. After this, the coaches tested our ability to serve and pass. We were tested on our serve strength and consistency, as well as ability to pass accurately. We moved forward to hitting lines, in which outside, middle and opposite hitters would hit the ball set by the setter. This was the opportunity to show my setting and impress the coaches. I focused on making sure I had accurately aimed sets with minimal spin which allowed maximum efficiency for the hitters. We then began scrimmages in which the coaches split up players to test their abilities in game-like situations. This was my favourite portion of the day as it gave me a chance to meet new people as well as play with my club volleyball friends who were also present at the tryout. We did this for 2 hours, with the coaches moving different people around every so often. By this time, it was 2pm and the tryouts were officially complete. It was time to find out who made the team. My heart was pounding, I was so nervous, there were so many amazing girls, all of which were much taller than me, with some measuring up to 6’2. However, to my surprise, the coach had announced me as the first pick of the team. I was ecstatic that I was one of the 10 athletes chosen. Following these tryouts, the team will compete at the NSW Tri-Series Tournament on the 11th of June where we will compete against the open age NSWCCC, NSWCHS and NSWCIS teams. The All Schools team also had the opportunity to represent NSW later this year in the Gold Coast. There, we would compete against other states at the week long School Sport Australia National championship tournament, however this was cancelled due to COVID.

Bianca 

On Thursday the 22nd of April my entire view of volleyball changed. From the squeaks of the players shoes, to the deafening sound of players spiking the ball to the opposing court. My mindset and overall view on volleyball changed the moment I stepped into the court; my prior lack of enthusiasm may or may not have influenced my performance. Nevertheless,  this day was a good turning point for me as it opened my eyes to how professional volleyball is played among my relative age group. The day started off with a bang, literally, the serves that the nsw state volleyball team candidates had were unreal. Everything from there, hitting lines, passing control and practice games were surreal. It really was a heaven and earth difference between what I'm used to and this. I'm glad I was blessed enough to go on this trip and try out for the team, even though I did not make it, I can confidently say I know the standard on which I need to play and the fire in me for volleyball has been kindled.

Neil

Today was the day Thursday the 22nd of April was the U16 nsw All Schools state trials. The days leading up to the trial I had committed to focusing and performing 100 percent for the upcoming trials. My two teammates and myself were able to support each other for the upcoming challenge which helped me greatly.

On the day of the trials, I was able to meet up with my peers as we walked together towards the stadium located in Sydney Olympic Park. As we entered the courts the number of players I anticipated was nothing like the group I saw before me of about 80 boys all doing a stretching drill. My teammates and I quickly got our names marked off, wrote down a position and a number was written on my arm 66. The first drill we were told to do was a serving drill. The coaches we’re looking for a good consistent serve. As I served you could feel the tension and competitive energy radiating from most of the boys, which helped wash away my nervousness and allowed me to retain focus. After some time the coaches asked us to perform a spiking drill, I was enthusiastic as I enjoyed spiking as it was my strong suit. The drill mainly allowed the setters to shine and see how effective they were. I was able to land some good spikes and thought I did very well; We were rewarded with a needed break.  

As we were called back to the floor the coaches announced that two thirds of the players would be cut. As I waited on the floor I was nervous, the coaches called out names of the players that would be staying and playing in the scrimmage. I was definitely happy and relieved when the number 66 was called. After playing the scrimmage in arranged teams we were called back to the floor the selection of the 10 nsw players was about to commence. Unfortunately my name was not called in the selection of boys. I felt disappointed but overall had learnt so much that I was glad for the experience. I also gained confidence being told I was narrowly unable to make the 10 players due to my lack of transition, not my playing abilities. This gave me confidence as a transition is not as challenging to improve on. Looking back I am glad for the experience and exposure to high level volleyball. 

Lucas

Thursday 22nd of April marked the annual state volleyball trials for the U16 NSW All Schools volleyball teams. In the days leading up to the trial, I focused on keeping calm as I knew there would be many strong players from all over the state. But It was also helpful and enjoyable, knowing I had two of my teammates and friends joining me in the trial. 

On the actual day, we met up as a group right before we entered the great ‘Netball Central’ stadium in Sydney Olympic Park – home to many well known state volleyball tournaments. As we walked towards our allocated trial area, we saw groups of state netball players and the girls volleyball trial. It was time to show our skills and try to gain a spot on the team.

The first thing we noticed was a group of 80+ boys stretching along 2 volleyball courts. I could feel the pressure and intensity building up but I stayed as calm as possible. We marked our names off, got a number written on our arms and then we were off to our first activities, stretching and peppering. After that, we were tested on our serving and serve receive. It was important to show we had a strong, consistent serve and could pass and communicate well during serve receive. As I was going for the position of Libero, this was my time to show my strongest skill. I managed to pass a few tough serves pretty well, giving me confidence moving forward. Following that session, we began a spiking drill where setters could show their best ability and set to the spiking positions, outside, opposite and middle blocker. Liberos were also asked to spike which I wasn’t expecting, however I made the best of my situation. It was tough spiking over this net as it was at a higher height than I’d usually played but after almost an hour of doing this drill we were given a break.

As the number of athletes trying out for the team was of a greater number than expected, the coaches made the decision to cut half of the group. We were called up after the break and everyone sat eager to know if they made it pass the cut. Unfortunately, I did not make this cut but was still happy to know one of my teammates made it through. After this news, we sat and watched the remaining group play scrimmages. This was a great learning experience for me as I saw the great skill and intensity of the players. From each rally I learned something new. There were so many strong players with great verticals and powerful jump serves. The energy was great and everyone was very supportive and friendly. We even encountered other students and bonded over the amazing skills of the players.

After a long and well played scrimmage session, the team was announced. We patiently waited to see if our friend made it through but sadly he was just short of making the team. Overall, I was quite pleased with my time at the trial, although I was sad to be eliminated in the cut. I did gain a greater insight to the level of state volleyball and even met a few other people to share my love for this sport.

John