Team Announcement – 2025 ParaVolley Asia Oceania Zonal Championships
Congratulations to the athletes and staff selected to represent Australia at the upcoming ParaVolley Asia Oceania Zonal Championships, taking place from 9–14 June in Hangzhou, China!
This marks the first time in two decades that Australia will compete at this level – a huge milestone for our national sitting volleyball program. This event is a critical step on the road to the Paralympics, with the top two teams from each division qualifying for the 2026 World Championships. The World Champions will secure a direct spot at the 2028 Paralympic Games.
Nam Pham, VA General Manager Disability Sport and Technical Development said: “Our athletes and staff are excited about the progress we’ve made.”
“This will be Australia’s first official international event in over 20 years. It’s a vital opportunity to gain experience as we look ahead to LA 2028 and ultimately Brisbane 2032.
“The athletes have been training hard in their local state hubs, and this competition is a chance to bring all that work together on the international stage.”
“Let’s get behind our teams as they proudly wear the green and gold on the international stage!” he said.
Volleyball Australia would like to congratulate the following athletes on their selection:
Australian Women’s Team
- Joanna Argaet (VIC)
- Eliza Ault-Connell (ACT)
- Charlotte Bellsmith (VIC)
- Natalie Horobin (WA)
- Bronwyn McColl (NSW)
- Megan McKee (NSW)
- Evie Ruffle (QLD)
- Carly Salmon (ACT)
- Mikayla Tuppurainen (NSW)
- Rachael Williams (WA)
Staff
- Head Coach: Sonia Stamenkovic (QLD)
- Assistant Coach: John Howard (SA)
- Performance Analyst: Myles Roantree (ACT)
Australian Men’s Team
- Simon Albury (SA)
- Bradley Barclay (WA)
- Damian Byrnes (QLD)
- Matthew Cameron (QLD)
- Jayden Coffey (TAS)
- Japhy Duldig (NSW)
- Nicholas Kaiser (ACT)
- Glenn Pyne (QLD)
- Adam Smark (VIC)
- Shannan Sykes (VIC)
Staff
- Head Coach: Scott Handley (VIC)
- Assistant Coach: Phil Im (SA)
- Performance Analyst: Max Vollebergh (VIC)
Squad Support Staff
- Head of Delegation: Nam Pham (ACT)
- Therapist: Saara Stevenson (ACT)
- Athlete Wellbeing: Tatiana Ray (WA)
Teams Competing
Men’s Division (8): China, Kazakhstan, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Saudi Arabia , Mongolia
Women’s Division (7): China, Iran, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Mongolia, Australia
Exciting Announcement
The Australian Sitting Volleyball Championships return on 6–7 December at Carrara on the Gold Coast!
Last year’s championships were a huge success, featuring teams from across the country and welcoming a visiting team from Japan, creating an exciting international atmosphere.
More details on team entry coming soon — get your teams ready!
