| gmva_newsletter_2017_-_2nd_edition.pdf |
| gmva_newsletter_2017_issue_1.pdf |
| gmva_2015-16_-_august_newsletter.pdf |
2015-07-09
- GMVA Full Time win the 2015 Maribyrnong Championships
- More signings to the USA and Canada for GMVA athletes
New Alliance with VolleyUSA and Sandra Brunke to help in the search for college scholarships - click here to read more
Interview with Sandra Brunke from VolleyUSA
| gmva_-_volleyusa_alliance.pdf |
If you can't see the below document please download the above file
GMVA Stars make local newspaper after massive results at National Junior Beach Volleyball Championships - click here
Breaking News: GMVA Full Time is coming:
| 2015_full_time_program_info.pdf |
In February 2015 GMVA will launch GMVA Full Time. It will be Victorias only full time training environment and will for elite junior development. To read more please click below for more information
GMVA wins Mornington Open in Mens Division 1
On the weekend of the 18th and 19th of October GMVA headed to the Mornington Open with three teams. Junior Boys, Senior Boys and Senior Girls with strong results across the board.
The Junior Boys fought hard in the Mens Division 2 and came a credible 4th with 3 wins. Our team was made up of mostly U16 athletes with a few U17s. A big thanks to Peter Rivett for coaching the Junior Boys.
The Senior Girls played in the Womens Division 1 where there were the defending champions for two years running. Unfortunately this year we couldn't pull it off and get a threepeat but none the less we put in a solid effort with a team of U17 and U19 girls. A massive thanks to Bec Walter for coaching the girls.
The Senior Boys made up of U17 and U19 athletes struggled through the first day but still chalked up a few wins. Then on the Sunday really hit their straps to win 3 consecutive games and get into the final where they played and beat, VVL Premier Team Eastisde Hawkes 3-0. The Senior Boys played an amazing day of volleyball to take the title, something we haven't done since 2011. Fantastic result from a very young team.
The Junior Boys fought hard in the Mens Division 2 and came a credible 4th with 3 wins. Our team was made up of mostly U16 athletes with a few U17s. A big thanks to Peter Rivett for coaching the Junior Boys.
The Senior Girls played in the Womens Division 1 where there were the defending champions for two years running. Unfortunately this year we couldn't pull it off and get a threepeat but none the less we put in a solid effort with a team of U17 and U19 girls. A massive thanks to Bec Walter for coaching the girls.
The Senior Boys made up of U17 and U19 athletes struggled through the first day but still chalked up a few wins. Then on the Sunday really hit their straps to win 3 consecutive games and get into the final where they played and beat, VVL Premier Team Eastisde Hawkes 3-0. The Senior Boys played an amazing day of volleyball to take the title, something we haven't done since 2011. Fantastic result from a very young team.
GMVA Athletes recent signings:
GMVA Athletes in the 2014 Volleyroos World League Squad - May 2014
It is with great honor that GMVA gets to announce that two athletes from our Academy have been selected to be permanent members of the Australian National Indoor Men Teams, the Volleyroos. Jordan Richards and Trent O'Dea have also been selected in the 22 athletes that form the World League squad for the 2014 World League season that is currently running.
Both Jordan and Trent were never selected throughout their youth or junior careers in volleyball for national selection but to their absolute credit they have both worked very hard both physically and technically to change the selectors mind and be selected. This is an important lesson for all young players, you don't have to be selected for anything as a youth or a junior, you can still make the national team in your future years.
Congratulations to Jordan and Trent, I'm very confident you two will be joined in the near future by more GMVA althletes in the National Team.
Both Jordan and Trent were never selected throughout their youth or junior careers in volleyball for national selection but to their absolute credit they have both worked very hard both physically and technically to change the selectors mind and be selected. This is an important lesson for all young players, you don't have to be selected for anything as a youth or a junior, you can still make the national team in your future years.
Congratulations to Jordan and Trent, I'm very confident you two will be joined in the near future by more GMVA althletes in the National Team.
State Team Selections
A massive congratulations to the 54 boys and girls that were selected to represent Victoria at the National Junior Volleyball Championships in Canberra in July. For those who are selected well done, it's time to train, for those that aren't, let's train harder and make it next year.
Breaking News: Junior Beach Volleyroos Named
GMVA is very proud to announce that three of our athletes have been selected in the Australian Junior Volleyroos squad to compete at the World Junior Beach Volleyball Championships. These selections are a credit to the athletes who are among some of the hardest working players we have at GMVA setting great examples for the rest of the Academy.
Congratulations to Laura Embry, Riley Parker & Alek Ryan.
Congratulations to Laura Embry, Riley Parker & Alek Ryan.
Breaking news - More USA and Canadian College Signings
Breaking News: GMVA Youth Program Launch
It was with great excitement that we can announce the start of a new GMVA program, GMVA Youth. GMVA Youth will train at the same time as GMVA Junior and Senior, which is on Monday nights at the State Volleyball Center from 6pm to 8pm.
The program is aimed at kids aged 12-15 who really want to give volleyball a shot and receive some high level technical training from a very young age. Learning the right technique from the beginning is a massive advantage for any athlete and will no doubt pay big dividends in their future performance for years to come.
Please contact Luke Campbell for more information or to join on [email protected] or on 0414 633 837.
The program is aimed at kids aged 12-15 who really want to give volleyball a shot and receive some high level technical training from a very young age. Learning the right technique from the beginning is a massive advantage for any athlete and will no doubt pay big dividends in their future performance for years to come.
Please contact Luke Campbell for more information or to join on [email protected] or on 0414 633 837.
Breaking News: Hydralyte Sports becomes GMVAs newest sponsor
GMVA in Los Angeles
We returned from our first ever international trip on Monday with some very tired boys and staff. I’m not sure we could have packed anything more into the trip as we were on the go all day everyday and absolutely loving it.
Our first stop on the trip was Anaheim in Southern California where we played in the SCVA Boys Invitational. The tournament had 6 age divisions with over 80 teams entered in each division. We played in the 18 and under age group with a team made up of four 15 year olds, three 16 year olds and four 17 year olds. The idea was that we would play against so very powerful teams and see a great deal more about the world of volleyball than we do in Australia.
We landed on New Years Eve and only a few of us made it to midnight as we were so tired from the trip. But that didn't stop us getting up and exploring the venues and then heading to the beach for lunch, a work out and then a swim. On the 2nd when the halls opened again we trained 3 times in order to prepare as best we could. Two of those trainings were again Balboa Bay Volleyball Club.
The tournament was a 3 day event held at the Anaheim Convention Center which is just across the road from Disneyland and at the American Sports Center which is where the USA national teams train. We played 8 games over 3 days and finished with 5 wins and 3 losses which was a very positive result after a slow start.
For second part of the tour we moved to Santa Monica, staying one street back from the beach in the heart of the city. That week we traveled each day to visit different college programs throughout LA and also scrimmaged with our USA partners the Los Angeles Volleyball Academy. We visited Long Beach State, UCLA, Pepperdine, UC Irvine, Pierce College and Orange Coast College throughout the trip getting some firsthand knowledge of their level by being court side at their trainings and talking with the coaching staff and players.
Our daily plan was:
1st Jan: Sleep in and then lunch at Newport Beach followed by training at Huntington Beach
2nd Jan: 8am training at Orange Coast College
Midday training at the American Sports Centre (we also ran into Aussie Sam Brisbane)
1:30pm Tour of the national team facility with Alfie Reft (USA National Team)
5pm watching Long Beach State play against a Canadian college
7:30 training at Orange Coast College against Balboa Bay Volleyball Club under 18s
3rd Jan: Tournament day 1, 3 matches and 2 duties
4th Jan: Tournament day 2, 3 matches and 2 duties followed by a walk around Disneyland
5th Jan: Tournament day 3, 2 matches and watched the gold games and then went to Disneyland for the fireworks that were cancelled
6th Jan: Long Beach State visit to watch training, meet the coaches and players followed by a tour UCLA visit including tour, watching training and talk with John Spreaw, UCLA and USA National Mens Team head coach
7th Jan: Pepperdine visit to watch training and gym and meet coaches and players
Tour of Hollywood Hills and the Walk of Fame
Training with Los Angeles Volleyball Academy
8th Jan: Morning swim followed by some shopping on the way to the see the UC Irvine program and meet the team and coaches. UC Irvine is where Thomas Hodges is playing next season.
9th Jan: Body weight gym program by the beach in the morning followed by a visit to Venice/Muscle Beach and some serious shoe shopping by the boys and evening scrimmage with LAVA at Pierce College
10th Jan: 9:15 Beach volleyball session with Hall of Famer Randy Stoklos till 1pm. Free afternoon and then we went to see Pepperdine vs UC Irvine in their season opener.
11th Jan: Visit to Manhattan Beach and walk along the Beach Volleyball Walk of Fame. Some last minutes shopping on the way to the airport and then flying home
Our first stop on the trip was Anaheim in Southern California where we played in the SCVA Boys Invitational. The tournament had 6 age divisions with over 80 teams entered in each division. We played in the 18 and under age group with a team made up of four 15 year olds, three 16 year olds and four 17 year olds. The idea was that we would play against so very powerful teams and see a great deal more about the world of volleyball than we do in Australia.
We landed on New Years Eve and only a few of us made it to midnight as we were so tired from the trip. But that didn't stop us getting up and exploring the venues and then heading to the beach for lunch, a work out and then a swim. On the 2nd when the halls opened again we trained 3 times in order to prepare as best we could. Two of those trainings were again Balboa Bay Volleyball Club.
The tournament was a 3 day event held at the Anaheim Convention Center which is just across the road from Disneyland and at the American Sports Center which is where the USA national teams train. We played 8 games over 3 days and finished with 5 wins and 3 losses which was a very positive result after a slow start.
For second part of the tour we moved to Santa Monica, staying one street back from the beach in the heart of the city. That week we traveled each day to visit different college programs throughout LA and also scrimmaged with our USA partners the Los Angeles Volleyball Academy. We visited Long Beach State, UCLA, Pepperdine, UC Irvine, Pierce College and Orange Coast College throughout the trip getting some firsthand knowledge of their level by being court side at their trainings and talking with the coaching staff and players.
Our daily plan was:
1st Jan: Sleep in and then lunch at Newport Beach followed by training at Huntington Beach
2nd Jan: 8am training at Orange Coast College
Midday training at the American Sports Centre (we also ran into Aussie Sam Brisbane)
1:30pm Tour of the national team facility with Alfie Reft (USA National Team)
5pm watching Long Beach State play against a Canadian college
7:30 training at Orange Coast College against Balboa Bay Volleyball Club under 18s
3rd Jan: Tournament day 1, 3 matches and 2 duties
4th Jan: Tournament day 2, 3 matches and 2 duties followed by a walk around Disneyland
5th Jan: Tournament day 3, 2 matches and watched the gold games and then went to Disneyland for the fireworks that were cancelled
6th Jan: Long Beach State visit to watch training, meet the coaches and players followed by a tour UCLA visit including tour, watching training and talk with John Spreaw, UCLA and USA National Mens Team head coach
7th Jan: Pepperdine visit to watch training and gym and meet coaches and players
Tour of Hollywood Hills and the Walk of Fame
Training with Los Angeles Volleyball Academy
8th Jan: Morning swim followed by some shopping on the way to the see the UC Irvine program and meet the team and coaches. UC Irvine is where Thomas Hodges is playing next season.
9th Jan: Body weight gym program by the beach in the morning followed by a visit to Venice/Muscle Beach and some serious shoe shopping by the boys and evening scrimmage with LAVA at Pierce College
10th Jan: 9:15 Beach volleyball session with Hall of Famer Randy Stoklos till 1pm. Free afternoon and then we went to see Pepperdine vs UC Irvine in their season opener.
11th Jan: Visit to Manhattan Beach and walk along the Beach Volleyball Walk of Fame. Some last minutes shopping on the way to the airport and then flying home
GMVA Heads to Los Angeles
GMVA will head to Los Angeles tomorrow to play in one of the biggest tournaments the America. After the tournament we will visit UCLA, UC Irvine and Pepperdine University along with playing matches against the Los Angeles Volleyball Academy at Harvard West Lakes. This is the first of what we hope will be an annual trip to the USA and a planned trip to Europe in 2015.
Also check out this promotion for Curtis Stockton in Canada this season - click here.
Well done Curtis on representing the GMVA uniform.
Also check out this promotion for Curtis Stockton in Canada this season - click here.
Well done Curtis on representing the GMVA uniform.
Katherine Ferris signs in the NCAA Division 1
GMVA is very proud and excited to announce that Katherine Ferris has signed to play and study in the USA in the NCAA Division 1 from June 2014. Katherine has signed a 4 year full athletic scholarship and will join female pioneer Hannah Wright in the USA in 2014.
A massive thanks to Strive 4 College and their work in placing Katherine in her college of choice.
For more information please click here
A massive thanks to Strive 4 College and their work in placing Katherine in her college of choice.
For more information please click here
GMVA takes 4 teams to the 2013 Mornington Open. Champions in the Womens top division and 2nd in the Mens top division
Congratulations to the GMVA Senior Girls squad who went back to back at the Mornington Open on the 19th and 20th of October. After dropping one match in the rounds the girls really grouped together and won an impressive final 3-0.
The Senior Boys squad came 2nd which was a massive improvement on the result 12 months earlier when we didn't win a match and finished last. This is a real credit to the squad and they way they have trained and improved this year.
Both GMVA Junior squads were very competitive against all the teams in their divisions and finished credible 4th places. The experience of playing against older players is exactly why we go to Mornington and the improvement by both teams was exceptional over the 2 days.
The Senior Boys squad came 2nd which was a massive improvement on the result 12 months earlier when we didn't win a match and finished last. This is a real credit to the squad and they way they have trained and improved this year.
Both GMVA Junior squads were very competitive against all the teams in their divisions and finished credible 4th places. The experience of playing against older players is exactly why we go to Mornington and the improvement by both teams was exceptional over the 2 days.
GMVA and LAVA Alliance
GMVA and the Los Angeles Volleyball Academy create an official working relationship for our coaches and athletes. Please read the article below for the details.
| press_release_-_gmva__lava.pdf |
Jordan Richards signs a professional contract in Zowlle, Dutch Champions in 2012
In a year that has had some great achievements for volleyballers in Victoria, GMVA is very proud to announce that Jordan Richards has signed a contract to go and play professional volleyball in Europe for the 2013-14 season.
Jordan has signed with the Dutch champions Landstede Zwolle and will play in the top division in Holland. Zwolle will also play in the European Cup during the coming season so Jordan will play home and away matches against some of the best teams in Europe.
Jordans volleyball began at Eltham High School with Greg Thomas. He has also played for Falcons and Yarra Ranges in VVL, the State Team Program and finally has been a GMVA athlete for 5 years.
It has not been as easy path for Jordan. He has battled and beaten stress fractures in his back and patella tendinopathy in the past 3 years and has come out of it on top which is a credit to his dedication to his sport and his body.
Jordan has signed with the Dutch champions Landstede Zwolle and will play in the top division in Holland. Zwolle will also play in the European Cup during the coming season so Jordan will play home and away matches against some of the best teams in Europe.
Jordans volleyball began at Eltham High School with Greg Thomas. He has also played for Falcons and Yarra Ranges in VVL, the State Team Program and finally has been a GMVA athlete for 5 years.
It has not been as easy path for Jordan. He has battled and beaten stress fractures in his back and patella tendinopathy in the past 3 years and has come out of it on top which is a credit to his dedication to his sport and his body.
State Team Announced. 54 GMVA Athletes Selected!
Congratulations to all the 54 GMVA girls and boys who were selected in the Victorian State Teams today. To those who missed out, keep on training and improving. David Beard (Australian Olympic Captain in 2000) and myself didn't get selected the first time we tried out for state team and we turned out ok.
www.facebook.com/pages/GMVA
www.facebook.com/pages/GMVA
| final_teams.pdf |
New Provider for the College pathway announced - Strive 4 College
We are very excited to announce a formal relationship between Strive 4 College and GMVA. Strive have had tremendous success placing athletes from numerous sports, most recently Hannah Wright from GMVA was placed at Louisiana Tech University on a full scholarship.
Breaking News at GMVA - Hannah Wright signs in NCAA Div 1
In a massive week for the Greater Melbourne Volleyball Academy and its athletes, we are now ecstatic to announce that Hannah Wright has accepted a full athletic scholarship at Louisiana Tech University and will play in the NCAA Division 1. Hannah joins Thomas Hodges whom we announced signed earlier this week at Pacific University.
Hannah will become the first GMVA female to go to college in the United States and is a pathway that has been in the making for the past 4 years at GMVA for her. Her scholarship was found through GMVA and its worldwide volleyball network. The offer came in about 4 weeks ago but it was only recently that Hannah and her family made the decision it was the right place for her to go.
Hannahs’ development as an athlete has been through GMVA for 4 years, the Victorian State Team Program, the Flacons volleyball club and her school Maribyrnong. Her commitment to training and her ability to balance both her schooling and volleyball is a testament to her as an athlete and is something she will need to continue to excel at when she heads to America.
So congratulations to Hannah on this massive achievement, we look forward to following your progress when you leave later this year.
To view Hannahs profile - click here
Hannah will become the first GMVA female to go to college in the United States and is a pathway that has been in the making for the past 4 years at GMVA for her. Her scholarship was found through GMVA and its worldwide volleyball network. The offer came in about 4 weeks ago but it was only recently that Hannah and her family made the decision it was the right place for her to go.
Hannahs’ development as an athlete has been through GMVA for 4 years, the Victorian State Team Program, the Flacons volleyball club and her school Maribyrnong. Her commitment to training and her ability to balance both her schooling and volleyball is a testament to her as an athlete and is something she will need to continue to excel at when she heads to America.
So congratulations to Hannah on this massive achievement, we look forward to following your progress when you leave later this year.
To view Hannahs profile - click here
Thomas Hodges signs in NCAA Div 1
Congratulations to GMVAs Thomas Hodges who on Sunday accepted a Scholarship to Pacific University in America and will play in the NCAA Division 1.
Tom will become only the 3rd Australian male to have received an athletic scholarship to the United States. His volleyball pathway also included his school team Heathdale, club team Renegades and the Victorian State Team Program.
Tom has been with GMVA for 4 years now and his dedication to his sport is first class, he deserves this massive achievement. Well done from everyone at GMVA.
Tom is following in the footsteps of 4 other GMVA athletes to recently head to America and Canada on volleyball scholarships. Linford Bennett in 2011-12 was our pioneer, then in 2012-13, Sam Alves, Curtis Stockton, Gerrard Lipscombe and Sam Brisbane headed overseas.
Thomas Hodges profile - click here
Tom will become only the 3rd Australian male to have received an athletic scholarship to the United States. His volleyball pathway also included his school team Heathdale, club team Renegades and the Victorian State Team Program.
Tom has been with GMVA for 4 years now and his dedication to his sport is first class, he deserves this massive achievement. Well done from everyone at GMVA.
Tom is following in the footsteps of 4 other GMVA athletes to recently head to America and Canada on volleyball scholarships. Linford Bennett in 2011-12 was our pioneer, then in 2012-13, Sam Alves, Curtis Stockton, Gerrard Lipscombe and Sam Brisbane headed overseas.
Thomas Hodges profile - click here
GMVA Athletes Linford Bennett & Jordan Richards win AAA
4 year GMVA players Linford Bennett and Jordan Richards have won the recent Round 4 AAA division on the Vic Beach Tour. They are the first GMVA athletes to win a nationally recognized AAA event.
Photos from GMVA 2012
Article on Thomas Hodges from GMVA
2012 GMVA U19 Girls win Mornington Open - Honors Division
Fantastic work by the Under 19 Girls training group taking out the top division at the 2012 Mornington Open. It is a real credit to the girls showing just how much they have improved after coming 5th in 2011.
GMVA Pro wins Ballarat Barnett Cup 2012
Great work by the GMVA Pro boys, taking out the Barnett cup in 5 sets vs Mazanod in a rematch of the Victorian Open in 2011.
National Beach Junior Champs
U19 Boys Sam Brisbane & Gerrard Lipscome won GOLD
Geelong Open - Australia Day
Daniel Allison came first in the U19 division with his partner Mitch Gardiner from Geelong
2011-12 Season
BEACH
Vic Tour Ranking Event 2
Womens A: Katherine Ferris 3rd place, Teigan Cloke 3rd place
Mens B: Lachlan Preece 1st place, Luke Fletcher 2nd place
Mens A: Kit Kwok 2nd place
Mens AA: Curtis Stockton 2nd place
Mens AAA: Gerrard Lipscombe 3rd place
GREENHOUSE GAMES
GMVA won the Greenhouse games, which is a fantastic result for us. Well done on being green to the families who participated. click here for info
Vic Tour Ranking Event 2
Womens A: Katherine Ferris 3rd place, Teigan Cloke 3rd place
Mens B: Lachlan Preece 1st place, Luke Fletcher 2nd place
Mens A: Kit Kwok 2nd place
Mens AA: Curtis Stockton 2nd place
Mens AAA: Gerrard Lipscombe 3rd place
GREENHOUSE GAMES
GMVA won the Greenhouse games, which is a fantastic result for us. Well done on being green to the families who participated. click here for info
2010-11 Season
INDOOR
Geelong Tournament - 1st place Honors division men, GMVA Pro
Mornington, Vic Open - 1st place Honors division men, GMVA Pro
- 1st place Div 1 men, GMVA Junior
- 4th place Honors women, GMVA girls
Lindford Bennett has moved to Canada to the College or the Rockies. Linford is the first GMVA athlete to get a volleyball and education scholarship as part of GMVA links. Good luck Linford! Below are some links to track Linfords progress in Canada so far:
Newspaper 1 - click here
Newspaper 2 - click here
Television News Interview - click here
GMVA Athletes were members of every team at the National Junior Volleyball Championships except the U21 girls as we are too young at the moment. The
GMVA athletes were part of 2 gold medals, 2 bronze and 1 silver medals.
The final of Victorian Volleyball Schools Cup was played between Billanook and Eltham in the open boys honors and both teams had at least 6 GMVA players.
BEACH 2010-11
Vic Beach Round 6, Victorian Open - Lipscombe/Brisbane played AAA
Vic Beach Round 5 - Lipscombe/Brisbane played in AAA and won a game
Vic Beach Round 4 - Lipscombe/Brisbane 1st place in AA
Geelong Tournament - 1st place Honors division men, GMVA Pro
Mornington, Vic Open - 1st place Honors division men, GMVA Pro
- 1st place Div 1 men, GMVA Junior
- 4th place Honors women, GMVA girls
Lindford Bennett has moved to Canada to the College or the Rockies. Linford is the first GMVA athlete to get a volleyball and education scholarship as part of GMVA links. Good luck Linford! Below are some links to track Linfords progress in Canada so far:
Newspaper 1 - click here
Newspaper 2 - click here
Television News Interview - click here
GMVA Athletes were members of every team at the National Junior Volleyball Championships except the U21 girls as we are too young at the moment. The
GMVA athletes were part of 2 gold medals, 2 bronze and 1 silver medals.
The final of Victorian Volleyball Schools Cup was played between Billanook and Eltham in the open boys honors and both teams had at least 6 GMVA players.
BEACH 2010-11
Vic Beach Round 6, Victorian Open - Lipscombe/Brisbane played AAA
Vic Beach Round 5 - Lipscombe/Brisbane played in AAA and won a game
Vic Beach Round 4 - Lipscombe/Brisbane 1st place in AA
2009-10 Season
Mornington Tournament Indoor - 4th place, 4 wins 3 losses
2008-09 Season
Mornington Tournament Indoor - 8th place, 0 wins 7 losses