Grocott begins his hunt for gold on opening day of Youth Championships
The action at Coolangatta went up another level today, as athletes from across Australia pulled on their state jerseys to battle it out on day one of the 2025 Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championships.
Rising star Ethan Grocott is coming off a weekend competing with Victorian James Kay in the Mahindra Australian Beach Volleyball Championships, an experience he believes will hold him in good stead ahead of this week.
“This year was my first time playing in the Elite division, and it has been such an eye-opening experience,” Grocott said.
“Being able to play at the highest level in Australia and against some people who I have looked up to has been a great learning opportunity.”
Partnering alongside Tom Bergemann for the fourth consecutive year, the pair are hunting a fourth-straight gold medal in what is to be their final year donning the maroon and white. As they head into day two undefeated after first rounds of pool play on Monday, they’re one step closer.
“It would mean a lot to win that coveted four-peat and finish on a high,” Grocott said.
“It’s been a long journey and such an amazing experience, making new friends not just within my own state but with interstate athletes too.
“And also seeing my own progression from U14 all the way to U18 and how much I’ve improved, it means a lot.
“It’s such an honour to represent your state, as always, whether it’s your first or last time.
“You aren’t just representing your state but also your family and all the people who have supported you along the way.
“This year Tom and I are looking forward to hopefully winning of course, but more importantly having fun and playing at our highest level.”
Ethan was recently selected to represent Australia at the U18 Oceania Beach Volleyball Championships in the Solomon Islands next month, which he sees as his next step forward in his pursuit of Olympic glory.
“I was over the moon when I found out I had been selected,” he said.
“I think it’s just going to be an amazing experience, to verse new teams, play with a new partner and see how I match up against other international teams my age.
“My long term goal is to become a gold medalist at the Olympics, but my more short term goals are to compete at the 2026 U19 Asian and World Championships.”
