Australian Volleyball Academy Athletes Graduate to Sweden

AVA is pleased to announce the first graduates from the AVA Women’s Program for 2021. 

Caitlin Tipping and Stefanie Weiler have signed contracts to play with Linkoping Volleyball Club, in Sweden, for the 2021-2022 League Season.

Linkoping Volleyball Club (LVC) is a particularly important choice for Australian players because it re-establishes a significant potential pathway for AVA athletes who have aspirations to play for the Volleyroos. Linkoping has a long-standing relationship with the Australian development program, having contracted more than twenty male players, particularly in the Seasons 2007 to 2016. 

Many Australian players who played with LVC have gone to represent Australia in the Volleyroos at Olympic Games and World Championships. 

Linkoping VC said that the club was “Delighted to revive the relationship with Australia, after a few years without their Aussie Teammates! The club looks forward to a long association with the Australian Volleyball Academy.” 

AVA staff believe that this relationship could provide a great option for developing players over the next few years, as they prepare for what it is hoped will be, a home Olympics in 2032.

Caitie Tipping is a current indoor Volleyroos squad member. She trains with AVA in Canberra and has been a member of the National Junior program over several years. She has represented Australia in National Teams at the Junior level. 

“I am excited to sign my first professional contract for the 2021/2022 season”, said Caitie on her signing. “Thank you, AVA, for the past 3 years for the continuous support, opportunities and allowing me to develop my volleyball career”. 

Stef Weiler is a current indoor Volleyroos squad member. Stef briefly began her career as an indoor player, but quickly switched to beach volleyball, where she has had success on the Australian circuit. Stef moved to the Australian Volleyball Academy in January and now successfully competes in both disciplines. 

After working hard and learning about the world of indoor volleyball at the Australian Volleyball Academy this year, I have successfully been able to transfer my beach experience onto the floorboards”. 

The Australian Volleyball Academy has taught me how the disciplines in our sport complement each other, so I’m very much looking forward to this new opportunity and to continue my development as a player. I hope through my efforts and commitment in Europe I help re-establish a pathway for female athletes in Australia and also encourage others to be open minded in their pursuit for success on the international stage”. 

National Pathways Manager and AVA Program Director, Paul Smith said, “We’re really pleased for Caitlin and Stef to be graduating from the AVA program and starting their pro careers in Europe. 

Whilst, the AVA plays a significant role in the continuing development of young athletes progressing along an integrated Beach and Indoor Volleyball pathway, it’s also an opportune time to recognise the contributions made by the girl’s former coaches and supporters along their journey to date. 

We wish Caitlin and Stef all the best as we continue to follow their international careers with interest and look forward to welcoming them back to senior Volleyroo’s squads in the future.” 

Both players will depart for Sweden later in the year. 

The Australian Volleyball Academy (AVA) is a national volleyball development program and was created with the purpose of coaching exceptional individuals to identify and pursue their sporting goals whilst also supporting them with their personal development.