Aussies Abroad #2 – Tara Maland
Volleyball is the key to the world.
In this edition of Aussies Abroad, Volleyball Australia caught up with Tara Maland – a former South Australian local whose volleyball journey has enabled her to play in multiple countries across Europe – including Sweden, Belgium, France and Bosnia.
Tara was first introduced to the sport in Grade 6 at Glenelg Primary when her friends encouraged her to participate, then as she moved into Brighton Secondary School, she continued to fall in love with the sport.
As she progressed through the Australian system, representing South Australia, the Adelaide Storm and the Australian team, Tara’s international move was the opportunity to take her career to the next level.
“I have been playing abroad for four seasons now, making the move in 2021,” Maland said.
“I was ready to take the next step in my volleyball career and knew I couldn’t do that within Australia, so I went abroad!
“It was a whole new world for me that I was excited to explore.
“When I first moved overseas, it was tough, that’s for sure, and I had no idea what I was walking into.
“But, I had lots of great support from my partner, Ethan Garrett, who had played two seasons abroad at that point, as well as my family and friends.
“I also knew of 4 other Aussies playing in Sweden at the time, so it was awesome to see them every now and again, and compete against one another.
“There were a lot of challenges that most athletes go through, including going into another winter, lack of sunlight, language barriers, performance pressure, loneliness, sickness and niggles, COVID, and then also missing out on everything happening back home in Australia.
“The list of challenges is long, and sacrifices too, but it’s all a part of this journey.
“So yes, it was a huge transition for sure, basically stepping into the unknown, but I wouldn’t change that experience, I learnt a lot, have great memories and found a drive to do it all again the following seasons!”
But despite these challenges, Tara’s passion and dedication to the sport makes it difficult for her to pick one moment from her volleyball career that she is most proud of.
“It’s tough to pick one, but I’d say most of the ‘firsts’ were pretty cool,” she said.
“Signing my first pro contract, the first time I was told I was in the National Team, my first international game as a professional.
“I also have great memories on court at the Asia Challenge Cup in Indonesia with the National Team in 2023, as I had some of my best on court performances, and played alongside some of my best friends.
“And to now say I’ve also been to an Olympic Qualifiers event in 2020 is also incredibly special.”
Having been involved with volleyball since she was in Grade 6, Tara shared that being an athlete has meant so much more to her than the on court performances.
“To me, it’s following a dream I never even knew I had, and allowing myself to live completely in the moment,” Maland said.
“Most of the mental and emotional growth I’ve had has come from volleyball the last 13 years.
“Even though getting to live and work overseas was never on my agenda, being an athlete is such a unique experience, and there is only a small percentage of pro athletes in the world, so to be in that small percentage, while experiencing both the good and bad parts of this experience is something I’m very grateful for.”
Throughout her journey, Tara has had many people influence her volleyball career, but it is the culmination of everyone along the way that has helped her become the person and player she is today.
“There have been a lot of influences honestly,” she said.
“I love looking up to big inspirations like Kelsey Robinson from the USA, or watching my partner Ethan play, and my Aussie teammates following their dreams.
“But it has also been the words my sports psychologist Matt tells me, and new friends I make overseas who have very different ways of playing or thinking to me
“But I find that from each person I admire, there is something different I get to take away.
“For anyone who is just starting out in their volleyball career, i encourage you to take every opportunity you can to play, whether its competition or social, beach or indoor,
school or club, it’s all valuable touches as you’re learning!
“I would also say don’t get stuck into a position too early, learn all the skills and have fun with it.”
