Listed: 20 South Australian sporting young guns on a path to top-level sport, wearing the green and gold and the AFL Draft
From a cricket prodigy selected in a state under-19 squad at age 12 and a baseball player already on the US’s radar, meet 20 young guns who have talent scouts excited.
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A young cricket prodigy selected in a state under-19 squad at age 12, a teenage baseball player already on the radar of US talent scouts and AFL draft prospects are among the young players identified by their sporting associations as stars of the future.
So, too, a volleyball gun who has already played on the international stage who is described by Volleyball South Australia’s head performance and talent coach Joey Yigit as a “well-rounded point-winning machine”.
Today the Advertiser profiles 20 standout young sports stars from cricket, AFL, baseball, volleyball, soccer, rugby union and netball who are aged 16 and under in 2023.
As well as being incredibly skilful and focused, each expresses gratitude of coaches and teammates that is worthy of celebration.
It is the second of a two-part series that recognises some of the state’s best young talent, with athletes playing individual sports profiled during the week.
Indi Panelli, cricket
The 14-year-old batting all-rounder first made the state female under-19 squad when she was just 12 years old, joining the team to play for the first time last season at age 13.
According to the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), Panelli “has an exciting future as a top order batter and her pace bowling which sees her as a genuine all-rounder.”
Her coaches add: “(We’re) excited for Indi and her future in South Australian, and hopefully, Australian cricket … Indi has already achieved a lot in the early stages of her cricket career.”
This includes playing first grade premier cricket for Kensington Cricket Club, “batting consistently in the top order for the past three seasons as well as being a key part of (the club’s) last two successful seasons winning first grade premierships.”
The teenager also plays for her school, all-girls Seymour College, and says she loves the tradition of her game.
“(Cricket is) in our family history and I like knowing (I am) continuing the tradition,” Panelli says.
“(I love) the great relationships and friendships I have with my teammates … and the feeling of winning … (for me), fun and the team environment is a really important part of why I play any sport … cricket, especially, challenges me physically and mentally.”
Panelli hopes to one day wear the baggy green with a series of goals en route to her dream, including playing in the national under-19 side and captaining the state U16 and U19 teams.
She currently trains twice a week, for three hours each time, with SACA’s under-19 squad, complemented by regular swimming and strength and conditioning sessions.
“I also take part in SACA athletic development sessions when available … and have additional batting skills sessions with SACA at Adelaide Oval nets on Monday mornings,” she says.
As cricket season swings around she’ll squeeze in an additional club training session while the keen young sporting star also plays football, water polo and hockey.
She lists Bridget Patterson – SA Scorpions and Adelaide Strikers – as her sporting hero.
“I love the way she plays and she is so professional and focused,” Panelli says.
“She has been a big help to me so far and she is someone I look up to a lot … seeing her success motivates me to follow how she goes about her cricket.”
Zach Altamura, baseball
It’s not hard to see why Baseball SA rates Altamura as a young star on the rise.
Voted most valuable player at the under-16 National Tournament early this year, the 16-year-old has also won U16 World Cup selection, is a US showcase invitee and also U18 World Cup invitee.
“My favourite playing highlights are playing in the Cal Ripken World Series in Branson, Missouri, and winning MVP at the Australian youth championships,” says the Sturt Baseball Club player.
“What I love most about my sport is that there are many things to learn, meaning that there is always something new to work on at each training session.
“My aspirations are to go to college in the US and play baseball at the highest level possible.”
Altamura trains throughout the year.
“In the off-season I try to practise everyday with the high performance group where I work on my skills and will then go to the gym four to five times a week where we do a mixture of strength and conditioning training,” he says.
“In season I train with the high performance group three times a week and then with Sturt Baseball Club twice a week … after high performance training, we will lift as a group at the Australian Athletic Centre.”
And his sporting hero?
“My Favourite player is (Puerto Rican professional baseballer) Fransisco Lindor because he is one of the best shortstops in the game,” Altamura says.
Cameron Zajer, volleyball
It’s hard to find better accolades than those bestowed on this star teenager by Volleyball South Australia’s head performance and talent coach Joey Yigit.
Yigit says: “Cameron is a well-rounded point-winning machine. She can perform all skills to an international level and can do so in either discipline of the sport; she is a great person, leader, teammate – and someone you hope is on the same side of the net as you.”
Zajer, who turned 17 early in the year, excels in both beach and indoor volleyball events, won silver in beach volleyball at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games and gold at the 2023 Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championship.
In 2022, she represented Australia at the 2022 14th Asian Women’s U18 Volleyball Championship.
In year 12 at Brighton Secondary School, she plays for league club, USC Lion.
“I love playing volleyball because of the amazingly loving community and all the highly talented people you get the opportunity to meet and compete against,” the down-to-earth competitor says.
“I aspire to be the best player in my sport; a big goal of mine is to compete in the 2032 Olympics in the Women’s Senior National Volleyball team.”
Despite her school commitments, Zajer trains each day for two to two-and-a-half hours and plays a match each weekend in the Australian Volleyball Super League.
“I have a strength and conditioning program that I complete twice a week which includes weight training,” she says.
“I dedicate myself to both school and volleyball and pride myself on maintaining a healthy balance … however, I put in 100 per cent effort at every training I attend to always get better.”
She lists an Adelaide Storm player as her sports hero.
“I majorly look up to Rebecca Reeve as a star player … she is someone who has been a role model to me since I first started playing in a team with her … I’ve wanted and still do, aspire to reach her level of skill in volleyball,” she says.
Dyson Sharp, AFL
After his season in 2023, this young footballer, who was awarded SANFL under-16 best and fairest during the week, needs little introduction.
The Barossa Valley and Central District gun is “stamped the state’s top future AFL draft prospect”.
“It is not surprising that Dyson Sharp models his game on Carlton Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps and Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli,” Advertiser sports writer Andrew Capel writes.
“The standout South Australian 16-year-old plays just like one, and has started to add some strings to his bow of the other.”
“The powerful, 188cm, 85kg midfielder averaged 27 disposals, including 15 contested, seven clearances, seven score involvements, six tackles and 158 SuperCoach points in SA’s three games to join an exclusive group of Croweaters to claim the under-16 competition’s highest individual honour.
“A Year 10 student at Gawler’s Xavier College, Sharp is a ball magnet … a contested ball beast, he should be in league contention next year.”
Sharp, who captained his state side, brought home the Sheehan medal following a superb Division One under-16 national championships campaign and was selected in the
AFL All Australian team for his age, just one of two South Australians awarded the honour.
He also made his under-18 debut in 2023.
Central District Football Club development manager Scott Stevens is full of praise for his club’s young star, beyond his football ability.
“He has a fantastic ability to win the ball inside and outside of the contest, he takes the ball cleanly at ground level and is strong overhead … Dyson’s leadership is a feature representing both state and club at the highest order,” he says.
Joshua Reichelt, AFL
Reichelt, also at Central District Football Club, was the other SA player named in the under-16 All-Australian team.
In 2023 he emerged as an on-field standout for his “really good ability to win the ball at ground level”.
Centrals’ Scott Stevens points to the Nuriootpa High School student’s “good leg speed”.
“Making good decisions and executing by foot are strong elements of his game,” the club’s development manager says.
For Reichelt, 16, it is “the excitement of the contest and the thrill of the game” he loves most.
“On a personal note, (I love) winning the football and using my elite skillset and athleticism to run with the ball while watching the opposition players trying to catch me,” he says.
Playing highlights to date include: SANFL U16 Talent Hub selection; SANFL U16 State Academy Squad selection; National U16 All Australian team selection; SANFL U17 Futures Squad selection.
He’s also hoping for a win this weekend, in a grand final clash with Sturt at the Adelaide Oval.
Reichelt is looking to get drafted and play professional AFL.
And his sporting heroes?
“When I was younger, my hero sports star was Rory Sloane from the Adelaide Crows … his leadership qualities and outright attack on each contest is outstanding,” he says.
“As I’ve grown older and progressed, my hero sports stars are now Lachie Neale from the Brisbane Lions and Connor Rozee from Port Adelaide … my goal is to emulate Lachie Neale’s clean ground ball ability and to match Connor Rozee’s class and elite skillset.”
Feyzo Kasumovic, soccer
Aged just 15, this rising star soccer player is already part of Adelaide United’s Reserves and has represented South Australia as part of the Football South Australia (FSA) under-18 side.
The Australian Islamic College student says there is plenty to love about his sport of choice.
“The thing I love most about football is the hard work and determination you have to put in throughout every training session and game in order to become the best version of yourself,” he says.
“(I’ve had a) love for football since a very young age … being able to express myself on and off the pitch through football (and) able to meet new friends. (It allows me) to show leadership on and off the pitch.”
Kasumovic lists his soccer playing highlights to date, beyond three finals, as: attending the under-14 National Youth Championships, 2022; selection in the under-15 National Youth Championships, 2023; playing for Adelaide United Reserves and being the under-15 league winner, 2022.
For now, the young player who rates former Serbian professional footballer Nemanja Vidic as his sporting hero, attends four training sessions a week.
“In every training session I give it my all … on some days, I also do a bit of hard work training with my dad in the mornings before school,” he says.
Luke Szabo, cricket
With a top score of 147 not-out during a grand final in the state’s top school competition, this young batsman is already well regarded in the cricket fraternity.
Szabo, who turns 17 this month, was 16 when he made the impressive run tally for Prince Alfred College’s First XI in the March Sports Association for Adelaide Schools (SAAS) Division One clash with St Peter’s College.
He also plays at premier cricket side East Torrens District Cricket Club, where he made his A-grade debut in round one last season.
In January the teenager represented his state early as part of the under-17 squad.
“I love the technical and strategic parts of the game … I enjoy getting better through speaking to other players, mentors and coaches,” Szabo says.
“(But I also) love playing with a team and playing with a group of mates.”
Szabo aspires to “play for South Australia and Australia in all three formats”.
“In the winter off-season, I attend formal training sessions five times per week (before and after school) … I do personal fitness training – running, gym – two times a week,” he says.
“While during the summer ‘in-season’, I attend four formal training sessions a week as well as personal fitness training.”
The teenager considers Marcus Stoinis his sporting hero.
“I admire how he goes about it and plays his cricket,” Szabo says.
Lillian Sterry, baseball
Not yet a teenager, this young baseball player has been described by Baseball SA as “one of the most talented up-and-coming women’s players”.
The 12-year-old has won Baseball SA’s most valued player in her division once, and been runner-up once.
She lists as a sport highlight to date being selected in the Under-13 Seahawks State Charter Team pathways program.
The youngster who plays for Southern Districts Baseball Club (SDBC) says she loves the opportunity baseball provides her to “travel and meet other kids with the same interest”.
“I love that you play as a team but have personal goals to achieve,” she says.
“My immediate goals are to improve my hitting and to throw harder (but) one day I would love to play in another country, representing Australia.”
In the off-season, Sterry does strength and conditioning training three times a week at the Australian Athletic Centre (AAC) while attending Baseball SA twice a week for pathways training.
“Now that it’s pre-season, I’ve added in club training two times a week, going up to three times a week … some days my training days will be about four hours,” she says.
She says she’s two sporting heroes.
“That would definitely have to be Aaron Judge from the NY Yankees and Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Angels – Shohei, because he’s a great pitcher and batter,” she says.
Harley Barker, AFL
Barker is fast cementing himself as a formidable force on the football field, his propensity to take big marks ensuring he stands out.
The talented 16-year-old who proudly plays for Sturt Football Club, Mount Barker Football Club, Heathfield High School has his sights set on being drafted, buoyed by his 2023 feats which include selection – and an impressive performance – in “a very talented” state under-16 SANFL side.
“I love and want a career in (AFL) … I am definitely aiming to get drafted in the 2025 but before then I am hoping to represent SA again at the under-18 level and continue to play in a leadership role at Sturt FC,” he says.
“I aim to maintain my speed and kicking efficiency which I feel are my strengths and weapons I use on the field.
“I love being pushed to learn new things and improve my skills and game play … spending time with people and making new mates training and playing the sport.”
It’s this, alongside his skills, that impress Sturt’s high performance manager David Oatey most.
“He has great game sense, is very clean below his knees and can take a big mark; he is a wonderful kick and has top end speed and agility,” Oatey says.
“(But) he is also a fine team man who cares about making the team function smoothly … from my end, it has been a great honour to coach Harley.”
The young talent lists as a career highlight to date, last year’s selection in the under-15 School Sport SA state team, which went undefeated to win gold.
“The most recent highlight would be our Sturt under-16 team getting into the SANFL grand final which will be played on Adelaide oval (on Sunday) … (it’s a) privilege to play in a team where everyone is driven to succeed,” he says.
Dedicated to achieving his dream, he currently trains three nights a week, amping up his weights and running program in the off-season.
Barker lists Marcus Bontempelli as his sporting hero.
“This is because he dominates the game by using his strength and speed … he gets lots of disposals and uses the ball efficiently; he is also a great captain of his club and is just an all-round great leader – growing up, I have admired his game play,” he says.
Lucas Doe, cricket
This 15-year-old batter, who plays for Sturt District Cricket Club and Westminster School. has long been on the radar of SACA’s talent scouts.
He doesn’t have to think too hard before answering what he loves most about cricket.
“(It’s) the feel of hitting a perfect pull shot and watching it roll over the rope … (and) playing alongside my mates and representing the clubs I play for,” the affable teenager says.
Dedicated and determined, Doe hopes to one day represent South Australia and Australia, keeping up training during cricket’s off-season.
“I am lucky enough to be part of the SACA Winter Academy and train three times a week, this gives me the opportunity to have access to a personal trainer, physio, nutritionist and some skill coaches,” he says.
“Along with this I attend training sessions for both Sturt, Westminster and Goodwood cricket Club (during the cricket season).”
And what about a sporting hero?
“Travis Head … I love the way he plays cricket,” Doe says.
Chloe Peacock, netball
For rising star netballer Chloe Peacock, representing South Australia at the under-15 School Girls Netball Tournament in Perth and selection in the All-Australian Merit Netball team are highlights of 2023.
The 15-year-old Grant High School student, who plays for the Kalangadoo Netball Club in the state’s , has been identified by Netball SA talent scouts as a player to watch.
“I play netball because I love the constant challenge it brings me every time I step out onto the court, as well as the friendships I’ve made and continue to make because of netball,” she says. “(My aspirations are) to continue to improve as a netballer, work as hard as I can, move to Adelaide and hopefully some day play in the Premier League.”
For now, Peacock is a member of the Limestone Coast Sporting Academy which oversees her twice-weekly gym program.
“I also attend weekly local netball trainings and Thunderbirds Emerging Academy Training once a month,” she says.
And who is her sporting idol?
“(Collingwood Magpies) Nyah Allen as she is incredibly hardworking, dedicated to improve and is always grateful for any opportunity that is given to her in netball,” Peacock says.
Daniel Londema, rugby union
Nominated as an emerging star by the sport’s state governing body, Rugby Union SA is this 15-year-old.
The Sacred Heart College teenager who plays for Brighton Rugby Union Football Club hopes to one day don the green and gold to represent Australia in his sport.
“(I love) that it is a team sport, the tough nature and contact of rugby, the friends you make, and that it is a global sport that you can play all around the world,” Londema says.
“(My aspirations are) to make rugby my professional career and play for the Wallabies at a World Cup.”
For now he trains with teammates twice a week and also will do “three to four solo training sessions weekly on top of three to four gym sessions”.
He cites New Zealand rugby union player Dan Carter as his sporting hero.
“He plays my favourite position of five-eighth and is one of the best players and kickers in the world,” Londema says.
“(Former Australian player) David Pocock would be my second choice as he was a fantastic player, a tough competitor and an overall great sportsman who never let his emotions get in the way.”
Miley Grigg, soccer
At just 14 year of age, this Year 9 Trinity College student is well-embedded as a player-to-watch, being part of Football South Australia’s (FSA) talent program for the past four years.
“I started the year playing with the reserves team, I have been fortunate to be given the opportunity to play with the National Training Centre (NTC) for the last part of the season which is the top team within Football South Australia,” she says.
“We play in the Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) competition in SA.
“This year has been my most successful year as I was selected to play in the FSA under-18 team … and was added to the Matildas’ junior extended squad.”
In addition, the talented youngster was hand-picked by Australian selectors to attend two national camps in Canberra, at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
“This was a fantastic experience … living like a professional athlete for the week,” she laughs.
She has also represented the state in futsal, an indoor-type of soccer, and gained selection in the National Youth Championship.
Grigg, who also plays soccer for her school, says she can’t get enough of the game.
“The thing I love most about soccer is being part of a team; working together and learning new skills, game play … and of course winning,” she says. “I am grateful for the friendships and coaches I have met along the way and opportunities that have been given to me.
“My aspiration in soccer is to continue to play well within the WNPL League, to grow and develop as a player to learn as much as possible … to be selected for more national camps, play for Adelaide United … and one day be wearing the green and gold on the world stage.”
She currently trains three days a week with Football SA, regularly runs 5km and does reformer pilates “to help with strength and conditioning”.
And her favourite sports star?
“I have many players that I look up to, especially some of the women’s Adelaide United players … I absolutely loved watching the Women’s World Cup,” she says.
“Charlie Grant is one of my favourite players; she is a South Australian and has gone through the Football South Australia program.”
Lachlan Ranaldo, cricket
At 15, Ranaldo made his debut with premier cricket side Sturt District Cricket Club in 2023 as an off-spin bowler but SACA says he is also developing as a “very handy batsmen”.
“Lachlan’s commitment to his cricket is impressive … his attention to detail in regards to his training, processes and preparation is outstanding … he is a valuable member of our squad,” SACA says.
The cricket-loving teenager who attends Pulteney Grammar School remains focused on “getting better each day and seeing where it takes me”, saying “building relationships with teammates” is one of the things he loves most about playing.
He currently trains for three hours twice a week with the SACA under-17 squad, attends SACA skills sessions at the Adelaide Oval nets on Friday mornings; does personal strength and conditioning sessions and attends SACA athletic development sessions.
In the winter he plays football to “maintain a high fitness level”.
The young cricketer lists the late, great basketball player Kobe Bryant as his sporting hero.
“He drove unbelievable standards for himself and his teammates,” Ranaldo says.
Sophie Eaton, AFL
In 2023, this young player was named SA’s most valued player.
A prolific footballer, Eaton, 16, plays for Kapunda High School, Central District Football Club as well as the Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association.
“I love the physical aspect of it and how it keeps me fit and healthy along with the social aspects of getting to play with friends,” she says.
“I want to push myself to be the best footballer I can be and see how far the sport takes me.”
Central District Football Club development manager Scott Stevens is among those who don’t doubt how far she will go.
“(She’s) a player of strong character, she is highly skilful, very calm with ball in hand and has a goal sense that very few possess,” he says. “She will be very highly sought after come the 2025 AFLW Draft.”
As well as being named state MVP in the AFL under-16 Girls National Development Championships, Eaton was captain of the SA team.
She was also a member of the SA under-18 squad that won the National Championship in 2023 and a SANFLW premiership player with Central District.
She lists Bulldogs’ Shelby Smith as her sporting hero.
Ava Gaborit, volleyball
Described by Volleyball South Australia’s (VSA) head performance and talent coach as a “point terminating weapon”, this young indoor and beach volleyball player is one to watch.
“Ava is powerful, agile and plays well above the height of the net … and is enthusiastic to keep aiming past the stars,” VSA’s Joey Yigit says.
At just 13, the talented youngster has already represented the nation as part of the under-16 women’s volleyball team.
“I love training and intensely competing in sport … it keeps me focused, challenged, fit and healthy,” she says. “I also love volleyball for the ongoing learning and development, and travel opportunities, also the potential to build a career in the sport.
“In the next several years, I hope to be part of the Australian Volleyball Academy or get a college scholarship overseas … then, play for the Volleyroos and ultimately represent Australia at the Olympics.”
The Brighton Secondary School student plays for USC Lion Volleyball Club.
In addition to national selection, this year’s sporting highlights include trialling at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
“(We) competed in the under-16 Asian Volleyball Confederation Championships in Hangzhou, China) (which is) the qualifier for the World Volleyball Cup next year,” she says.
“For Brighton Secondary School, winning gold in the SA Schools Volleyball Cup and Australian Volleyball Schools Cup (has been a highlight).”
The committed youngster trains with as many five clubs and programs up to nine times a week.
She lists Olympians Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar as her sporting heroes.
Hayden Schiller, cricket
This talented Barossa lad is cementing himself as a “very good” pace bowling all-rounder, who at the age of 16 has already played “quite a bit” of First Grade cricket.
And his sights are set even higher – with sporting hero Josh Hazlewood as inspiration.
“I would like to get a contract with the Redbacks and play Shield cricket … and hopefully from there I could end up playing cricket for Australia,” the Nuriootpa High School student says.
“I currently play for Northern Districts Cricket Club (NDCC) and I am part of the under-17 and under-19 SACA winter squads. I love the challenge of cricket and making new friendships from playing the game … I love the camaraderie of playing in a team.”
Schiller travelled to Tasmania early in the year to compete as part of SA’s under-17 side in a national carnival and was named in the “team of the tournament”.
He currently trains two to three nights a week with SACA at the Adelaide Oval.
“(In addition), I aim to go to my local gym one to two times a week,” he says.
Elouise Nordhausen-Bradley, netball
At 14, Nordhausen-Bradley is already an accomplished netballer – and a handy basketball player, by the by.
In 2023 she has represented the state in the under-15 school state side, being named an All-Australian at the end of the carnival.
Netball SA tells the Advertiser she is a young player to watch.
“I have also been playing in the Premier League netball team for school at Westminster … coached by (former Thunderbirds coach) Marg Angove and Lani Miller which has been amazing,” the talented young netballer says.
“I have also been a part of the Thunderbirds Academy for the past two years which I have learnt a lot from … (the thing I love most about netball is) making amazing friendships and seeing how far I can push myself. My goal and dream is to become a professional netballer.”
For the past three years the Westminster School student has played for Woodville-based Metro Jets Netball Club but is transitioning to Keswick’s Matrics Netball Club.
“I have had up to three sports training (sessions) a day … now that my state commitments have finished for the year, I am training at least daily,” she says.
She lists Jamaican netball player Romelda Aiken as among her sporting heroes.
“Another hero is (Adelaide’s) Lucy Austin who is a goalie like me and went on to win the Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final this year,” she says.
Also this year, Nordhausen-Bradley was selected in the under-16 state basketball team, representing SA Metro at the National Basketball Championships.
Caitlin Purton, rugby union
The 15-year-old’s 2023 season has been described by Rugby Union SA as “a standout”.
“She was selected to play in the first Girls’ under-16 state team to travel to play in Melbourne for the girls’ youth cup … she stood up for her team made some huge cover tackles, great runs and never gave up until the end whistle … (this year) she has taken her skills to the next level … (looking for) the next step in her rugby career,” a spokesman says.
Purton, who attends Brighton Secondary School and plays for Onkaparinga Rugby Union Football Club, says there is plenty to love about her sport.
“I find it more challenging than other sports … I think the fact that it has so many rules and different opportunities to get the ball in play is a big part of it and requires every player to be thinking,” she says.
“I would be honoured to represent our country in this great sport.”
Purton sees her rugby dream as a series of goals to tick off.
“My aspirations as a rugby player are to get into a high level of competition … representing my state in the girls’ league and being asked to play for other states would be a dream,” she says. “Another goal I have is to meet professional union players (to) ask them what their pathway looks like, so I can follow them to pursue my dreams.”
For now Purton is juggling rugby training with school and other sporting commitments, keeping each in perspective.
“I participate in many school sport events such as football and soccer … I also walk 30 minutes from the train to and from school daily (so) it is crucial for me to do extra running at this stage.”
When it comes to a sporting hero, Purton’s is close to home.
“(It’s the) person who watches almost everything I do … my mum,” she says. “I look up to what my mum does in her games even just getting in a simple jackal or good ruck form makes her proud … I love making her proud.”
Fergus Taylor, volleyball
He’s only recently turned 17 but has already played volleyball on the international stage, selected as part of the under-19 national development program team that competed in Thailand earlier this year.
The Heathfield High School student, who plays for the Mt Lofty Volleyball Club, has his sights set on competing at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“Volleyball has brought me an opportunity I never thought I’d have had; friendships, discipline, and enjoyment … my love for the sport lies within the nature and diversity of the game itself, where critical thinking is pivotal,” Taylor says.
“The competitiveness and aggression of the game fuels my passion as I take this into my future … in the coming years I aspire to become a part of the Australian Volleyball Academy or to potentially find a position for a college scholarship overseas.
“Playing for the Australian indoor men’s team as a middle at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics would be a dream come true.”
More immediately, he wants to help Heathfield High School secure gold at this year’s Australian Volleyball Schools Cup.
“I train for volleyball across four institutions/clubs up to 10 times a week and am focusing on my gym training in my personal time … gym strengthening and weightlifting is a huge part of my personal life and I have been hitting goals and making some real tangible progress,” he says.
Aside from playing volleyball at the highest level he is hoping to pursue a career as a paramedic.
He lists his school coach – who also coaches Adelaide Storm – Derek Slater as a sporting hero.
“(Also), Izumo Ueda, an ex Heathfield student who is on a scholarship program for the Holland Hornets in America and D’artagnan Potts (also an old scholar),” he says.
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Originally published as Listed: 20 South Australian sporting young guns on a path to top-level sport, wearing the green and gold and the AFL Draft
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