Sanderson eager to take Vipers to the top
With a powerful mix of youth and experience, Melbourne Vipers captain, Paul Sanderson is confident that his team has what it takes to go all the way when the Mahindra Super League gets underway at the end of August.
“The 2024 Vipers team is a group of extremely experienced players who have competed at this level for many years with great success,” Sanderson said.
“This year, we have added highly skilled players to the squad in all positions and are looking forward to showcasing our depth, talent and abilities at Australia’s highest level of competition volleyball.”
Sanderson’s huge serve wreaks havoc on the competition, but what is key is having the skills to capitalise on the pressure this puts on the competition.
“The men’s game revolves around power and this begins with the first touch,” he said.
“By putting strong service pressure on opposing teams we are able to move the setter away from the net and limit their options. Through this, we are able to utilise one of our major strengths which is our block and defence. This year we have some amazing young athletes who are extremely imposing on block.”
At 38 years of age, Sanderson not only brings his own wealth of talent, but he is able to offer technical and strategic advice to the younger players.
“I have had the luck of working with some very high-level coaches and athletes in my time as a professional and now I am able to pass that knowledge on to the younger generation wherever possible,” he said.
“I have no doubt that one, if not several of our athletes will make the 2032 Olympic games in Brisbane and I hope that I can have had just a small amount of influence in their success and journey along the way.”
The other thing exciting Sanderson ahead of the League getting started is the team culture of the Vipers, which he describes as extremely positive with a fantastic energy.
Head coach Josh Cowan has created an “all-in” approach to training, including as many top athletes in the training squad as possible which has made for high level practices of a competitive nature. Sanderson says that the competitiveness creates a winning culture amongst the team, imperative to the development of the younger athletes and the overall level of the team.
The first Melbourne Vipers game of the season will take place on Sunday 1 September against the Queensland Pirates at Iona College in Brisbane.
Click here for more information on the 2024 Mahindra Super League.
