Fresh young team ready to turn up the Heat
As the 2024 Mahindra Volleyball Super League approaches, the Canberra Heat are gearing up for another competitive season, with training in full swing.
“Our preparation for Super League has largely overlapped with the second half of our club season,” captain Kimberley Vogel said.
“So we have been able to get a lot of training in, between our clubs and Heat.”
Having been with the Canberra Heat for a few seasons, Vogel has witnessed the team undergo several changes, particularly in its composition.
“We have a unique opportunity in Canberra where we are able to have a mix of AVA and Canberra athletes, so our team often changes year to year,” Vogel said.
This dynamic environment has fostered strong relationships among returning players while also bringing fresh perspectives and energy with each new addition.
“Our team has a lot of new faces this year, with only a handful returning from last year,” Vogel said.
“We have been able to build some good relationships with those who are returning and take on new perspectives with fresh legs, which gives us a strong culture.”
Among these newcomers are younger athletes who have shown great promise, making the future of Canberra volleyball bright.
Under the guidance of coach Sue Jenkins, the team has been sharpening their skills and getting the new players familiar with the league’s format.
“Sue has been preparing us well in training sessions and getting us back in the groove of the new format,” Vogel said.
“Having the new format unique to Super League, and playing traditionally the rest of the year, there isn’t much opportunity to practice with the new format outside the league. I think this year will require a similar mental shift to last year.”
Vogel is feeling confident in her own preparation, feeling strong and ready.
“I’ve been lucky this season to be injury-free, so I’ve been able to focus on developing skills instead of rehab,” she said.
“Training has been ramping up leading into Super League, so I’m feeling prepared for the season.”
The Canberra Heat will take on the NSW Phoenix in the first round of the season on Saturday 31 August at Sydney Olympic Park.
Click here for more information on the 2024 Mahindra Super League.
