Australian Volleyball Schools Cup – Day 4 Wednesday December 10 

As the tournament pushed into day four, the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup continued to deliver high-stakes matches, energetic crowds and plenty of tension across every venue. With finals fast approaching, every set and every point mattered, and teams rose to the challenge with some of their best volleyball yet.

Behind that intensity are the coaches guiding, motivating and shaping their athletes throughout the week. From long-time leaders to new mentors stepping into the role for the first time, their impact is felt well beyond the scoreboard.

Brighton High School’s Matt Fuss is leading the Year 8 Girls Honours team, bringing over a decade of Schools Cup coaching experience to this year’s event.

“This is my 13th year coaching at Schools Cup,” Matt said. 

“I’ve coached a range of different teams from Year 8 Div, Year 9 Div, Year 8 Honours, Year 9 Honours – so mixing it up, but still really loving it.

“Schools Cup is special because as a teacher, who is also a coach in our volleyball program, it’s just being able to be part of a bigger team –  the team within the team and the camaraderie that we develop coming to these events. 

“Also as a teacher, you get to know your players or students a lot better and develop really stronger relationships.”

Ryde Secondary College coach Sophie Lam is back for her second year on the Schools Cup sidelines after transitioning straight from student athlete to coach.

“This is my second year coaching. I started straight out of high school, after playing since Year 7,” Sophie said.

“What I love most about coaching at Schools Cup is being able to pass on my knowledge to the girls and then seeing them apply it on court – things like hitting those deep corner balls are some of the most satisfying moments.”

“I love watching them grow and improve as players.”

For all results from Day 4 and tomorrow’s draws, click here.