Australian Women’s U16 Team experience AVC competition in Jordan

The Australian Women’s U16 volleyball team showcased their emerging talent at the 2nd Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship in Jordan from 1-8 November 2025, gaining invaluable international experience against some of Asia’s strongest junior programs.

Led by captain Taylah Tulloch-Juleff, the team delivered standout performances throughout the week, securing impressive wins over India and host nation Jordan, demonstrating their skill, cohesion, and growing confidence on the international stage.

“It felt so rewarding, it’s a very different competition from the ones we play back home, but the games were filled with such a high level of gameplay from both sides,” Tulloch-Juleff said. 

“I’m so proud of the team for how far we’ve come and the level we played over the tournament.

“My biggest highlight was definitely our five-setter against Iran. Even with taking the loss, the gameplay was still amazing and such a great experience.”

Head Coach Bradley Merson praised the team’s development and resilience over the tournament.

“The AVC experience provided the team with an invaluable opportunity to compete against some of Asia’s strongest junior programs,” Merson said. 

“Early in the tournament, the match against Chinese Taipei was a turning point, with the team pushing the eventual runners-up to 25-19 in the first set, showing they belonged on the international stage. 

“Throughout the week, the athletes developed their tactical understanding, technical execution, and on-court maturity, which are key measures of progress at this stage.

“Watching the team compete against Asia’s top programs was highly rewarding. The wins against Jordan and India reflected the team’s cohesion, discipline, and ability to execute under pressure. 

“These performances demonstrated that the athletes can apply their skills confidently against more experienced international opponents and highlighted the progress achieved through their preparation and training.”

From a staff perspective, Merson said the most memorable moments were watching the team’s growth and resilience, particularly in the five-set match against Iran, and the first victory against India, which reflected the team’s collective effort and the positive culture developed throughout the tournament.

The Australian Women’s U16 team returned home with valuable international experience, strengthened skills, and an exciting foundation for future competitions on the continental and global stage.

Team: Adele Curtis (VIC),  Amaani Joosab (QLD), Ellie Turner (SA), Isabella Franklin (QLD), Jorja Grocott (QLD), Juliet Clarke (QLD), Mackenzie Vincent (QLD), Mayra Pacioni (VIC), Ruby Murfield (QLD), Sana Bajwa (ACT), Sibona Beckitt (QLD), Taylah Tulloch-Juleff (QLD).

Head Coach: Bradley Merson (QLD)

Assistant Coach: Stephanie Acraman (QLD)

Physiotherapist: Deepa Herft (ACT)

Manager: Boris Georgieff (QLD)

Results:
Australia beat India 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-18)
Chinese Taipei beat Australia 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-14)
Thailand beat Australia 3-0 (25-12, 25-10, 25-11)
Iran beat Australia 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 25-17, 22-25, 17-15)
Kazakhstan beat Australia 3-0 (26-24, 25-12, 25-14)
Australia beat Jordan 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-15)
Click here for more details and full results.