Aussies Abroad #6 – Chloe Walker
In this installment of the Aussies Abroad Series, Volleyball Australia caught up with Chloe Walker who is currently playing internationally in Slovenia with the TPV Volley Novo Mesto.
Despite only celebrating her 20th birthday in February, Chloe is dominating the international scene as a middle blocker since relocating to Slovenia towards the end of 2024.
“I was born and raised in South Brisbane and I first got involved in volleyball in Grade 8 through Stretton State College in 2018,” Walker said.
“My coach initially poached me from the netball team because I was tall, but at first I was so uncoordinated and didn’t know the first thing about volleyball, but I ended up falling in love with the sport.
“Being involved in the Volleyball Queensland Schools Cups, allowed me to join the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) squad as well as state teams for indoor and beach volleyball.
“I also played in Queensland’s Premier Volleyball League (PVL), before representing Australia in the Junior Australian squads, Australian Volleyball Academy and the Volleyroos before signing my first professional contract with the TPV in Slovenia.”
Alongside her Volleyroos debut in New Zealand, Chloe’s biggest achievement to date is the opportunity to play internationally in Slovenia.
“My proudest moment definitely is both my Volleyroos debut and being able to play internationally,” she said.
“I didn’t initially know what I wanted out of volleyball until I started at the AVA and realised it was my goal to try and pursue volleyball professionally.
“When I first moved overseas it was challenging to pack up and move within two weeks of getting a contract.
“It was also the first time I had flown internationally alone for the first time by myself.
“But my teammates and coaches made the transition quite easy so I was able to get settled here in Slovenia.
“Something I enjoy most about playing volleyball abroad is all the connections you make with the team, as well as the different styles of volleyball.”
With her family back home a big influence on her career, Chloe has aspirations of representing Australia at her hometown Olympics in Brisbane 2032.
“My mum is my biggest influence in sport,” Walker said.
“She has always been there with her support and has helped to give me an opportunity to do what I love.
“Beyond performance, for me, being an athlete helps me travel to different places and make new friendships as I develop my volleyball skills.
“Something I am really aspiring to in my career is the opportunity to represent Australia at the 2032 Olympics in my hometown, as well as continue to compete internationally in Europe or Asia.”
Slovenian volleyball has Chloe training five times a week to prepare for weekend games, along with gym sessions four times a week – but it is her mental preparation that ensures she is ready to go when the time comes.
“In Slovenia, we train five nights a week, go to the gym four times a week and then compete in our games on the weekend,” she said.
“To help me prepare mentally for big games or competitions I always listen to hype music to help keep my mind focused on the positives.
“But a bit of a ritual I have that helps too, is I always put my left shoe on first, and make sure I have the same hairstyle for every game.”
