Glasshouse trio set to serve it up at national championships
GLASSHOUSE brothers Thomas, Jye and Charlie Turner, have all made it into the Queensland team training squads for the Beach Volleyball National Championships.
Thomas, Jye and Charlie have been selected in the U16s, U15s and U14s sides respectively in what their dad, Joel, said is a just reward for the “ridiculous amount of training” the trio undertake each week.
Thomas, 14, first started playing volleyball at his school – Glasshouse Christian College – in grade seven and was followed soon after by 13-year-old Jye.
Both Thomas and Jye have attended five volleyball national championships since first starting in the sport, winning four events.
Youngest brother Charlie, 11, caught on and was soon hooked on the sport.
Joel Turner said while the family was new to the sport, the kids brothers were not only fast learners, but committed to excelling.
“They do a ridiculous amount of training with the Bala Academy on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“Bala Academy has got some very good coaches, but they are also good mentors for the parents.
“They have been incredibly good to us and a major part of our success.”
Joel added he could not be prouder of his three boys’ achievements, and credited their success to the dedication they put in.
“It’s not uncommon for us to be doing some sort of volleyball training, at least five times a week,” he said.
“As a parent, you’re very proud, there’s nothing better than seeing the kids achieve what they set out to do, it’s pretty cool.”
As a credit to their ongoing drive and dedication, Thomas and Jye have also been invited to participate in separate week-long Volleyball Australia development camps.
“The boys will first compete at the week-long Australian Volleyball schools cup on December 3 at the Gold Coast where both Jye and Thomas will be in the Glasshouse Christian College’s year nine division one team,” Joel said.
“After the schools cup, they will go to their respective camps, Jye will stay in the Gold Coast for another week, and Thomas will go out to Toowoomba for a week.”
Other students from Glasshouse Christian College who have been picked in the beach volleyball training squads include Ashton Shaw in the U15 boys, Addison Shaw in the U18 girls, and Ryder Shaw in the U14 boys.