Bronzed Vipers ready to strike
The Mahindra Super League season is just weeks away and the Melbourne Vipers are not taking last year’s bronze medal for granted.
“Reflecting on last year’s performance, I felt confident with my team’s level of skill and commitment on and off court, and we are definitely excited for the 2024 season,” Vipers captain Rochelle Sison Lim said.
“Last year was the inaugural year for the rebrand of the Australian Volleyball league to a ‘Super League’. This is exciting times for the sport and for athletes in general.”
With a mix of seasoned players and new talents from developmental programs across the states, the Vipers are poised for a promising 2024 season.
“We have started preparation earlier this year with more intense and technical training sessions to help our team improve collectively for top performance,” Sison Lim said.
The team dynamic has seen some changes, with a focus on integrating junior players to provide them with national-level experience. This strategic move not only strengthens the current squad but also builds a robust pipeline for future seasons.
“We are training with a lot more juniors to develop them and provide more opportunity to experience the higher level of competition at a national level,” the captain explained.
Since the end of the 2023 season, Sison Lim has been active in various competitions across Australia. From the Australian Championships in Bendigo to the Warrnambool Seaside Cup and the VIC State League, she’s been keeping her skills sharp.
Sison Lim has also had the opportunity to play an exhibition match at a multicultural league and been selected for an upcoming overseas volleyball camp in Vietnam where she will train and compete against top professional teams. This international exposure is expected to bring valuable experience to the Vipers’ lineup.
With bronze already in the trophy cabinet, the Vipers’ aspirations for this season are clear.
“I believe that our team is capable of achieving victory,” Sison Lim said. “We are always looking for the next great thing.”
This victory, however, goes beyond just winning matches. It encompasses the growth of the sport, the development of players, and the creation of memorable moments for fans.
For the captain, the role of leader is not just about tactics and strategy; it’s about fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the team.
“As a libero and a former international student, it was definitely an honour to be selected as the captain to play amongst the best athletes in the country,” she said.
“Each dive and defense I do, I do it for my team, my state, and the people that believe in me.”
Outside of volleyball, Sison Lim balances her time between family, friends, work, and community engagements. This well-rounded lifestyle not only recharges her energy but also keeps her grounded. As the Vipers prepare for the upcoming season and a dedicated captain at the helm, the Vipers are ready to soar to new heights.
The first Melbourne Vipers game of the season will take place on Sunday 1 September against the Queensland Pirates at Iona College in Brisbane.
Click here for more information on the 2024 Mahindra Super League.
