Testimonials
Please take some time to read about how GMVA has helped it's past and current players both on and off the court.
Katherine Ferris
GMVA is a program that I am proud to be a part of. It is a program that I owe so much of my success to as it has aided my volleyball career immensely.
The reputation that Luke Campbell has created as an elite development program is second to none in Melbourne. After joining the GMVA program 5 years ago, it has provided a nurturing environment for athletes to grow not only as team athletes but also as individuals. From the outstanding facilities such as providing the best indoor courts for the athletes to train on as well as beach courts, GMVA goes above and beyond to ensure that that it provides a professional environment for the athletes. It provides the best and most experienced coaching staff, Myotherapy sessions, strength and conditioning sessions as well as the connections to pursue a career in volleyball overseas, all of which are key elements in ensuring the development of young athletes.
GMVA is a name I have carried throughout my career. It is the support of the coaches as well as the belief they have in every athlete that has helped me to achieve my goal of playing for Australia and it is through the GMVA program that I was able to achieve a scholarship to play at a college in America. It is through the opportunities that GMVA provides, as well as the experienced coaches and exceptional training sessions that I am able to play at the level I am today. The entire coaching staff at GMVA are dedicated, supporting and highly experienced in the field of volleyball and assist you every step of the way to achieving your goals. The knowledge that each coach contains ensures that the athletes are constantly adding to their volleyball repertoire and improving their skills.
If you wish to improve your volleyball, pursue a professional career or even begin volleyball, look no further than GMVA, because no matter what goals you have, GMVA will aid you in achieve them.
The reputation that Luke Campbell has created as an elite development program is second to none in Melbourne. After joining the GMVA program 5 years ago, it has provided a nurturing environment for athletes to grow not only as team athletes but also as individuals. From the outstanding facilities such as providing the best indoor courts for the athletes to train on as well as beach courts, GMVA goes above and beyond to ensure that that it provides a professional environment for the athletes. It provides the best and most experienced coaching staff, Myotherapy sessions, strength and conditioning sessions as well as the connections to pursue a career in volleyball overseas, all of which are key elements in ensuring the development of young athletes.
GMVA is a name I have carried throughout my career. It is the support of the coaches as well as the belief they have in every athlete that has helped me to achieve my goal of playing for Australia and it is through the GMVA program that I was able to achieve a scholarship to play at a college in America. It is through the opportunities that GMVA provides, as well as the experienced coaches and exceptional training sessions that I am able to play at the level I am today. The entire coaching staff at GMVA are dedicated, supporting and highly experienced in the field of volleyball and assist you every step of the way to achieving your goals. The knowledge that each coach contains ensures that the athletes are constantly adding to their volleyball repertoire and improving their skills.
If you wish to improve your volleyball, pursue a professional career or even begin volleyball, look no further than GMVA, because no matter what goals you have, GMVA will aid you in achieve them.
Linford Bennett
GMVA has meant a lot to me over the course of volleyball career, and life. I first joined GMVA when I first started playing volleyball around 9 years ago. Ever since then, it has helped me in so many ways. I had only been playing for around 3 months when I first joined, and was welcomed with open arms. Since then, it has given me great support. Lectures on strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition and hydration are all just some of the ways that GMVA has helped me become a better athlete.
As I progressed through the Academy, my opportunities to play volleyball grew and grew. From playing tournaments all around Victoria, when the time came that I wanted to head overseas to play College in Canada, Luke Campbell was right there to help me along the way in securing a scholarship to help chase my dream of playing overseas. On top of the constant support to improve my playing side of volleyball, Luke Campbell and GMVA assisted me to see the game from a different part of the court: as a coach.
Being able to coach junior athletes at GMVA has really helped open my eyes to different aspects of the game, and has helped my own game. Luke has also found me chances to coach in high schools, such as St. Michaels Grammar as well. Without GMVA, and Luke Campbell I would have not have any of these opportunities, but more importantly I would not be part of a great community. GMVA is designed for athletes of varying levels, but one thing that it has always prided itself on is being full of ‘good people’. From the athletes to the parents to the coaches; everyone involved strives to make GMVA a great environment to excel in.
I can gladly say that by being around such an atmosphere has helped me become the person I am today. I look forward to remaining a part of such a great program, and will hopefully be able to contribute to the great atmosphere and feel that is GMVA.
As I progressed through the Academy, my opportunities to play volleyball grew and grew. From playing tournaments all around Victoria, when the time came that I wanted to head overseas to play College in Canada, Luke Campbell was right there to help me along the way in securing a scholarship to help chase my dream of playing overseas. On top of the constant support to improve my playing side of volleyball, Luke Campbell and GMVA assisted me to see the game from a different part of the court: as a coach.
Being able to coach junior athletes at GMVA has really helped open my eyes to different aspects of the game, and has helped my own game. Luke has also found me chances to coach in high schools, such as St. Michaels Grammar as well. Without GMVA, and Luke Campbell I would have not have any of these opportunities, but more importantly I would not be part of a great community. GMVA is designed for athletes of varying levels, but one thing that it has always prided itself on is being full of ‘good people’. From the athletes to the parents to the coaches; everyone involved strives to make GMVA a great environment to excel in.
I can gladly say that by being around such an atmosphere has helped me become the person I am today. I look forward to remaining a part of such a great program, and will hopefully be able to contribute to the great atmosphere and feel that is GMVA.
Kelly Lean
Within a year of playing for Luke and GMVA my volleyball aspirations have come true. Within a year of joining the Senior Women’s squad for GMVA I as a person and as a player have grown so much.
The program not only offers a huge amount of support and encouragement for players to achieve their volleyball goals and to reach their full potential as a player but through the experience of the coaches the support extends a lot further from just the sidelines of the court. Luke, Bec and the other coaches believe in every athlete that is willing to work and has been a huge support to me which has led me to continue to strive for bigger and better things. Their belief in my ability has allowed me to continue growing confidence within myself and what I am capable of achieving. Not only having someone to look up to as a volleyball player but to be able to communicate, learn and work with someone so easily is what I have loved about having Luke and Bec Walter as coaches. I could never thank him enough for the support he has given me and only hope to do him proud as I move onto college.
The environment at GMVA is something that I hope I will have while I am away or something that is in whatever volleyball team I may be playing for. Although it is for individuals to improve their skills and achieve their own individual goals, trainings and the structure of the program still require every athlete to work together and with the experience of the coaches, every athlete still learns what it takes to be a part of a successful team and the importance of supporting each other through every drill, punishment or game.
I have loved being a GMVA athlete and only regret that I wasn't a part of it sooner.
The program not only offers a huge amount of support and encouragement for players to achieve their volleyball goals and to reach their full potential as a player but through the experience of the coaches the support extends a lot further from just the sidelines of the court. Luke, Bec and the other coaches believe in every athlete that is willing to work and has been a huge support to me which has led me to continue to strive for bigger and better things. Their belief in my ability has allowed me to continue growing confidence within myself and what I am capable of achieving. Not only having someone to look up to as a volleyball player but to be able to communicate, learn and work with someone so easily is what I have loved about having Luke and Bec Walter as coaches. I could never thank him enough for the support he has given me and only hope to do him proud as I move onto college.
The environment at GMVA is something that I hope I will have while I am away or something that is in whatever volleyball team I may be playing for. Although it is for individuals to improve their skills and achieve their own individual goals, trainings and the structure of the program still require every athlete to work together and with the experience of the coaches, every athlete still learns what it takes to be a part of a successful team and the importance of supporting each other through every drill, punishment or game.
I have loved being a GMVA athlete and only regret that I wasn't a part of it sooner.
Gerrard Lipscombe
The GMVA logo is one that I will wear with pride wherever volleyball takes me. Luke has guided my development as an athlete from a young age; I am fortunate in being able to say this.
Admittedly, it was the title ‘Luke Campbell – Olympian’ that grabbed my attention at first, but after spending a session with him you will understand how he achieved such a title. While experience and knowledge can say a lot for a coach, it takes a special breed to invest these tools whole-heartedly and consistently. This requires a love of the game that Luke certainly has; he is always learning about volleyball and he is dedicated to passing on what he discovers. The GMVA program is a reflection of Luke’s dedication to the sport of volleyball, if you are a volleyball-loving athlete; it’s where you want to be.
Admittedly, it was the title ‘Luke Campbell – Olympian’ that grabbed my attention at first, but after spending a session with him you will understand how he achieved such a title. While experience and knowledge can say a lot for a coach, it takes a special breed to invest these tools whole-heartedly and consistently. This requires a love of the game that Luke certainly has; he is always learning about volleyball and he is dedicated to passing on what he discovers. The GMVA program is a reflection of Luke’s dedication to the sport of volleyball, if you are a volleyball-loving athlete; it’s where you want to be.
The Embry Family
GMVA is an outstanding organization! Luke and his team provide everything a parent could wish for in a sporting academy. All the coaches bring with them a wealth of playing and coaching expertise, on a local, national and international level.
The athletes are given the opportunity to develop all aspects of their sporting lives from fitness and skills to nutrition and injury management. The academy supports each individual athlete, nurturing their talents and encouraging them to be the best they can be on and off the court.
Luke and his team are passionate about volleyball and are deeply committed to the development of fine young athletes. We consider ourselves very fortunate that our child is a GMVA athlete.
Leigh-Anne & Garry Embry
The athletes are given the opportunity to develop all aspects of their sporting lives from fitness and skills to nutrition and injury management. The academy supports each individual athlete, nurturing their talents and encouraging them to be the best they can be on and off the court.
Luke and his team are passionate about volleyball and are deeply committed to the development of fine young athletes. We consider ourselves very fortunate that our child is a GMVA athlete.
Leigh-Anne & Garry Embry
Nic Ryan, father of Alek Ryan
Hi Luke,
I wanted to write to you and your team of coaches to thank you for all that you have done for Alek.
It has been a big week in volleyball for Alek. On Monday he was named in the Australian Youth Indoor team to tour Thailand in April, two days later he was invited to the Australian U17 Beach Volleyball selection camp to be considered for the team to represent Australia at the World Beach Volleyball Championships to be held in Mexico in July. Then on the weekend he made his debut in the Heidelberg Honours team starting 6, playing both Middle and Passer/Hitter.
I have no doubt that Alek being able to access the high level coaching provided by your team and regularly training with high level players every week at GMVA has made a significant contribution to his development. As you will recall, Alek started at GMVA as a 13 year old, with an interest in volleyball, but no access to coaching due to him attending a school without a volleyball program and living in the country. Being invited to train at GMVA and always being supported by the other athletes at GMVA despite their obvious differences in age and ability gave Alek the confidence to set himself high goals and the opportunity to work towards achieving them.
The diverse and inclusive program at GMVA, of technical skill development, game play strategy, and strength and conditioning training for both indoor and beach volleyball has shaped him as an volleyball athlete. Your philosophy of developing the skills for all positions rather than specialising as a junior has been a great approach for Alek. In the last 12 months he has played as passer hitter, middle, opposite and back up setter as well as playing beach volleyball with several different partners. In a less holistic program a player like Alek would have been specialised and not developed the flexibility or confidence to attempt this.
As a parent, I take great confidence in the positive culture within the GMVA. Your obvious concern for player welfare is exhibited when working with all players in the GMVA squad and extends beyond their involvement at GMVA for both volleyball as well as other aspects of their life. This vital element is often missing in programs attempting to cater for both developing and high level athletes.
Over the past three years of Alek's involvement, I have witnessed GMVA grow from an enthusiastic volleyball coaching program for juniors to a professional academy that is able to support and develop athletes of abilities ranging from raw beginners to elite athletes playing professionally or attending overseas colleges on scholarship. It is exciting to watch GMVA grow and see the possibilities for the athletes involved.
Please pass on my thanks to all involved at GMVA and coaches who have supported and inspired Alek over the past three years and those currently working so hard to help him achieve his volleyball dreams.
Sincerely,
Nic Ryan
I wanted to write to you and your team of coaches to thank you for all that you have done for Alek.
It has been a big week in volleyball for Alek. On Monday he was named in the Australian Youth Indoor team to tour Thailand in April, two days later he was invited to the Australian U17 Beach Volleyball selection camp to be considered for the team to represent Australia at the World Beach Volleyball Championships to be held in Mexico in July. Then on the weekend he made his debut in the Heidelberg Honours team starting 6, playing both Middle and Passer/Hitter.
I have no doubt that Alek being able to access the high level coaching provided by your team and regularly training with high level players every week at GMVA has made a significant contribution to his development. As you will recall, Alek started at GMVA as a 13 year old, with an interest in volleyball, but no access to coaching due to him attending a school without a volleyball program and living in the country. Being invited to train at GMVA and always being supported by the other athletes at GMVA despite their obvious differences in age and ability gave Alek the confidence to set himself high goals and the opportunity to work towards achieving them.
The diverse and inclusive program at GMVA, of technical skill development, game play strategy, and strength and conditioning training for both indoor and beach volleyball has shaped him as an volleyball athlete. Your philosophy of developing the skills for all positions rather than specialising as a junior has been a great approach for Alek. In the last 12 months he has played as passer hitter, middle, opposite and back up setter as well as playing beach volleyball with several different partners. In a less holistic program a player like Alek would have been specialised and not developed the flexibility or confidence to attempt this.
As a parent, I take great confidence in the positive culture within the GMVA. Your obvious concern for player welfare is exhibited when working with all players in the GMVA squad and extends beyond their involvement at GMVA for both volleyball as well as other aspects of their life. This vital element is often missing in programs attempting to cater for both developing and high level athletes.
Over the past three years of Alek's involvement, I have witnessed GMVA grow from an enthusiastic volleyball coaching program for juniors to a professional academy that is able to support and develop athletes of abilities ranging from raw beginners to elite athletes playing professionally or attending overseas colleges on scholarship. It is exciting to watch GMVA grow and see the possibilities for the athletes involved.
Please pass on my thanks to all involved at GMVA and coaches who have supported and inspired Alek over the past three years and those currently working so hard to help him achieve his volleyball dreams.
Sincerely,
Nic Ryan
Curtis Stockton
I am a college volleyball player and a GMVA member. Luke made my dreams a reality with the opportunities he has given me on and off the court through volleyball. Luke took over as Head of the GMVA program four years ago, but before then I had him as my high school volleyball coach.
He acts in a very professional manner, He has been someone I can always talk to when I seem to struggle. He has done everything from providing nutritionist to work out programs and checks in with us to see if we are doing it! Luke has gone out of his way to get sponsors for GMVA. He has helped me study to get a coaching certificate which was provided through GMVA, further more found me coaching work from numerous companies and teams.
He is a very accepting and genuine person who always sees the potential and not the negative in people and players. Luke has always found a way to push me in the right direction in volleyball and when my head starts to veer in the wrong direction Lukes very quick to notice it and not afraid to let me know.
Luke had contacted Canadian college coaches on my behalf and provided advice and structure into what I need to do next. I will never forget the challenge, skills and places I have gone and learn with the GMVA program. Thank you Luke Campbell and the GMVA program, you have done more than just teach me how to play volleyball.
Curtis Stockton
He acts in a very professional manner, He has been someone I can always talk to when I seem to struggle. He has done everything from providing nutritionist to work out programs and checks in with us to see if we are doing it! Luke has gone out of his way to get sponsors for GMVA. He has helped me study to get a coaching certificate which was provided through GMVA, further more found me coaching work from numerous companies and teams.
He is a very accepting and genuine person who always sees the potential and not the negative in people and players. Luke has always found a way to push me in the right direction in volleyball and when my head starts to veer in the wrong direction Lukes very quick to notice it and not afraid to let me know.
Luke had contacted Canadian college coaches on my behalf and provided advice and structure into what I need to do next. I will never forget the challenge, skills and places I have gone and learn with the GMVA program. Thank you Luke Campbell and the GMVA program, you have done more than just teach me how to play volleyball.
Curtis Stockton
Dianne Lean - Mother of Kelly Lean
It is with great pleasure that I write this testimonial in favour of Greater Melbourne Volleyball Academy, and more specifically Luke Campbell. My daughter is currently playing her seventh year of volleyball, and her career has been comprised of school teams, state league, state representation, and more recently GMVA.
Volleyball is no different to any other sport once the athlete starts playing at a higher and more serious level – it requires a high level of commitment from both athlete and family, and as a parent, navigating my way through a sport I know next to nothing about was at times daunting.
GMVA is most obviously a place where the skills of volleyball are taught, but it is so much more than this. In my experience it is an organisation where Luke and his coaches strive to bring the best out in young people, both on and off the court. It provides a holistic approach and includes education about health and wellbeing, both physical and psychological, with access to people with expertise and knowledge in a number of areas.
GMVA also presents opportunities and possibilities to players about where their sport can take them. The coaches have a wealth of experience playing at the highest level, and many have played overseas either professionally or in the U.S. colleges. The Academy has partnerships with other organisations who can guide the players and their families through what is sometimes a complex and confusing process of U.S. college scholarship applications. Many opportunities exist, and we could not be happier with the opportunity my daughter has been given to live, study, and play volleyball in the United States.
Any young player who is serious about his or her volleyball should consider GMVA. I recommend it wholeheartedly. It has been a pleasure to see my daughter grow in confidence as a player since joining, and I thank Luke and his team for their commitment to nurturing new talent and helping all their players reach their potential.
Volleyball is no different to any other sport once the athlete starts playing at a higher and more serious level – it requires a high level of commitment from both athlete and family, and as a parent, navigating my way through a sport I know next to nothing about was at times daunting.
GMVA is most obviously a place where the skills of volleyball are taught, but it is so much more than this. In my experience it is an organisation where Luke and his coaches strive to bring the best out in young people, both on and off the court. It provides a holistic approach and includes education about health and wellbeing, both physical and psychological, with access to people with expertise and knowledge in a number of areas.
GMVA also presents opportunities and possibilities to players about where their sport can take them. The coaches have a wealth of experience playing at the highest level, and many have played overseas either professionally or in the U.S. colleges. The Academy has partnerships with other organisations who can guide the players and their families through what is sometimes a complex and confusing process of U.S. college scholarship applications. Many opportunities exist, and we could not be happier with the opportunity my daughter has been given to live, study, and play volleyball in the United States.
Any young player who is serious about his or her volleyball should consider GMVA. I recommend it wholeheartedly. It has been a pleasure to see my daughter grow in confidence as a player since joining, and I thank Luke and his team for their commitment to nurturing new talent and helping all their players reach their potential.