Louise Bawden appointed to FIVB Board of Administration
The FIVB Executive Committee is currently convening in Lausanne for the first time under new President Fabio Azevedo to address key matters and proposals aimed at strengthening and empowering the Global Volleyball Movement.
In attendance and performing important and influential roles are Volleyball Australia President, AVC Chair and FIVB President of their Beach Volleyball Commissions, Craig Carracher AM, together with three-time Australian Olympian and President of FIVB Athletes’ Commission Louise Bawden.
Australia is well-placed at FIVB level with Steve Tutton in his new role as FIVB General Sports Director, in addition to new Commission members Dean Turner (Rules and Referees), Jenny Mann (Communications), Kerri Pottharst (Heritage and Legacy) and Cassandra Heilbronn (Legal).
On the opening day, the FIVB announced the appointment of Louise Bawden to its Board of Administration for the 2024-2028 Olympic cycle, bringing fresh perspectives and athlete representation to the organisation’s highest levels.
Bawden, a three-time Olympian and the President of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, was chosen by her fellow commission members to join the FIVB Board. A dual Olympian in both indoor and beach volleyball, Bawden has served on the Athletes’ Commission since 2021 and was elected President in 2024 for a four-year term. Her deep commitment to championing athletes’ voices, combined with her elite sporting experience, brings invaluable insight to the Board.
“It is exciting to see a substantially new and dynamic board motivated to drive our sport forward,” said Craig Carracher AM. “Particularly important is the focus in the FIVB Strategic Plan agenda #2 to turn around Beach Volleyball.
“As Chair of the FIVB Beach Volleyball Commission to LA2028 I am excited by the new initiatives being trialled on and off the court including the increase of team numbers on the Pro Beach Tour and the increase in prize money.
“Stay tuned for more initiatives.”
We thank President Azevedo and the FIVB for inviting our representatives to the table and trusting Volleyball Australia with the responsibility of hosting the Beach Volleyball Championships in Adelaide later this year.
