Four athletes selected for 2023 Pacific Games
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has announced the selection of two Beach Volleyball pairs to represent Australia at the 2023 Pacific Games.
Twenty-one-year-old Jana Milutinovic (SA) and 18-year-old Stefanie Fejes (NSW) will contest the women’s tournament, while 19-year-old Benjamin Hood (QLD) and 20-year-old D’Artagnan Potts (SA) will take on the men’s competition.
Fejes won the Under 21 Asian Beach Volleyball Championships (with Jasmine Fleming), claiming the title in July this year, while Potts and Hood are a new partnership looking to make the most of the Pacific Games opportunity.
Chef de Mission for the Australian Team at the Pacific Games, Olympian kayaker Kenny Wallace welcomed the team’s selection.
“Congratulations to the four beach volleyballers on your selection to the Australia Team for Solomons 2023,” Mr Wallace said.
“Beach Volleyball is a growing sport across the Pacific and competition on the sand in the Solomons will be fierce.
“To represent Australia is such an honour and I look forward to seeing Stefanie, Jana, Ben and D’Artagnan make the most of this opportunity.”
Fejes is excited to continue the strong form she and Milutinovic have demonstrated on the sand throughout 2023.
“Jana and I are so excited for this amazing opportunity to represent our country at the Pacific Games,” Fejes said.
“It’s an honour and we can’t wait to compete and make Australia proud!”
Hood said he was keen to be part of a strong Australian multi-sport team at the Pacific Games.
“D’Artagnan and I are thrilled about the opportunity to represent our country at the 2023 Pacific Games,” Hood said.
“As a new partnership late this year we are eager to build both our game and gain valuable experience together.
“Thank you to Volleyball Australia and all the coaches that have helped us get to this stage. Proud to play and grateful for the opportunity – go Australia!”
Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee commended the athletes.
“Volleyball Australia congratulates Stefie, Jana, Ben and D’Artagnan on their selection to the 2023 Australian Pacific Games Team,” Mr Dee said
“These developing Volleyroos are becoming regular faces on the international beach volleyball circuit, and the Pacific Games will provide an incredible opportunity to be part of a larger multi-sport team environment.
“Our beach volleyballers are excited about the opportunity to compete at the Pacific Games, and we know these four young athletes will represent their sport and country with pride. We wish them the very best of luck in Solomon Islands and look forward to following their journey.”
