More AVA graduates set to head abroad
The Australian Volleyball Academy (AVA) is excited to announce two more graduates from the AVA Program.
Korben Phillips and Billy Greber will be headed abroad for the upcoming season.
Phillips has secured a scholarship with the University of Jamestown Volleyball program, based in North Dakota, where he will pursue his volleyball career, as well as his studies.
Phillips joined the AVA in 2020, relocating to Canberra from his hometown of Perth, Western Australia.
Through hard work and commitment, Phillips has achieved success on both the court and the beach, his most recent achievement being winning the U21 National Beach Championships with fellow AVA athlete Tom Dempsey.
Men’s AVA Program Head Coach Brendan Garlick said: “We are all very proud of Korben and what he has been able to achieve during his time at the AVA.”“He graduates as the Australian U21 Beach Volleyball champion, also having spent time with the Developing Beach Volleyroos program and with the Volleyroos men’s program on the court.
“With his strong work ethic and passion, he has developed into a tremendous leader, showing that he has the ability to make those around him better.
“He will be a big asset to the University of Jamestown program and we will follow his journey with a lot of pride,” Garlick said.
Fellow AVA athlete Bill Greber will also be headed to the northern hemisphere for the upcoming season, having signed a contract with Danish team, Nordenskov UIF.
Greber has been with the AVA since 2019, a time highlighted by having the opportunity to be selected as part of the Men’s Volleyroos squad throughout their 2021 VNL campaign in Italy.
“I’d like to thank Brendan and all the coaching staff, as well as my teammates for supporting and mentoring me at the AVA,” Greber said.
“This two and a half year journey in Canberra at the AVA has led me to an exciting step forward in my professional career in Denmark,” he said.
Head Coach Brendan Garlick shared his well wishes for Greber before he heads overseas.
“Billy graduating from the AVA and heading overseas to play professionally showcases the determination he has to continually pursue success at a higher level,” Garlick said.
“He thrives inside the competitive arena, has a high level ability to read the game and a skill set that puts him on a path to represent Australia at a senior level in the future,” he said.
The AVA would like to wish Korben and Billy the best of luck with their new teams, and look forward to seeing them compete.
The Australian Volleyball Academy (AVA) is a national volleyball development program and was created with the purpose of coaching exceptional individuals to identify and pursue their sporting goals whilst also supporting them with their personal development.
