South Australian Powerhouse Heathfield High School heads to the Gold Coast for the 41st Australian Volleyball Schools Cup
The countdown is on to the 2025 Australian Volleyball Schools Cup, with Heathfield High School preparing to make another significant mark on the event when it returns to the Gold Coast from 7-13 December.
Now in its 41st year, Schools Cup will welcome a record 543 teams from across Australia and New Zealand, among them, an impressive 22 teams from Heathfield alone.
For the South Australian volleyball powerhouse, the annual trip to Schools Cup is more than a competition, it’s a tradition built on decades of commitment, community, and an enduring love for the sport.
Year 10 setter Aubrey is preparing for her fourth Schools Cup and is entering the tournament with confidence.
“I feel very confident heading into this competition because our team is in a strong place right now,” Aubrey said.
“We have been together for a while and have grown a lot over the past couple of years.”
Aubrey’s volleyball journey began in Year 5 through the Mt Lofty Spikezone program at Stirling East Primary School, following in the footsteps of her siblings, who all played through Heathfield.
Originally a pass hitter, she stepped into the setter role last year when her team needed one, and has since embraced the challenge.
Although she has competed in many tournaments, nothing compares to the atmosphere of the Schools Cup.
“I really enjoy the variety of teams at the tournament, it’s exciting to play against schools from other states,” she said.
“Being surrounded by so many schools at the opening ceremony makes the event feel real, and it’s a moment I like to fully soak in before the competition begins.
“With the tournament just around the corner, everyone is giving their all, and it’s made us even more excited for AVSC.”
For Lachy Abbott, Heathfield Volleyball Manager and coach, Schools Cup is a part of the school’s identity.
Abbott first joined the Heathfield Volleyball program as a Year 8 student in 1996 and has now spent 22 years coaching at the school, 2025 marks his 20th Schools Cup.
“It is remarkable that the program has been able to uphold its standards, expectations, and quality for more than 40 years,” Abbott said.
“This enduring success is a testament to all those who have contributed to preserving the values and culture on which the program was built.”
That legacy is set to continue in 2025, with the school bringing 206 students, 22 teams, and 56 staff to the Gold Coast.
“Our philosophy is to bring every player in our squad to the event,” he said.
“For our Year 7 students, this is a brand-new experience and the most important development is their resilience and personal growth.”
Throughout the year, Heathfield players compete in the Volleyball SA State League Junior Competition, beach tournaments, knockout events and the South Australian Schools Cup, but nothing compares to the excitement of Schools Cup, and for students, the chance to travel interstate and continue the school’s legacy means everything.
“AVSC remains the highlight of our season. It’s what keeps our students motivated through the cold winters of the Adelaide Hills,” Abbott said.
“The excitement of this tournament is what keeps them pushing forward.
“Our teams have worked incredibly hard in the lead-up to this event, they train a lot, but this tournament is what inspires them to keep pushing.
“The event brings real value to our core principles, giving students the opportunity to showcase their skills, work together as a team, and contribute to something bigger within the squad.”
With strong preparation, a deep sense of tradition, and an athlete group eager to compete on the national stage, Heathfield High School is set for another impactful week at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup.
