Ashton and Thomas selected for international development tour
By Kirra Livingstone
THE accolades keep coming for Glasshouse Christian College students in the junior volleyball scene, with two boys selected to represent Australia at an international development tour.
Thomas Turner and Ashton Van Straten will compete in Thailand on in a few weeks against Thai teams aged 15 to 17 years old, with GCC praising the students’ athletic efforts.
“Their dedication and talent have earned them this prestigious opportunity, and we couldn’t be prouder!” the school said on Facebook.
Ashton’s mum, Jennifer, said the Year 10 student had played throughout his high school years and was determined to go to the highest levels of the sport.
“Ashton is extremely driven, volleyball is basically his life so if he’s not playing it he’s watching it and if he’s not watching it he’s reading about it,” she said.
“He started out doing it for fun and not even a year in he was asked to trial for the state team and he made it and has made states every year since.
“He’s also played states for beach volleyball.
“Both boys are both amazing at volleyball and they are best friends, it’s crazy they are like twins they might look different but they’re exactly the same child. It’s crazy.”
Ashton would like to go on and play professionally after he finishes school, with his mum saying he’s been making a life plan since he was 12-years-old.
“He wants to study overseas in Florida for volleyball, and then would like to represent Australia internationally, such as playing in Italy for the country or staying local,” Jennifer said.
“He just wants to make it all the way, he doesn’t want to be famous but he just wants to be an athlete.”
The young volleyball star found his first love for sport at the Glasshouse Little Athletics Club, where he excelled in track and high jump.
Ashton decided after a few years, that he wanted to play a team sport, instead of competing solo.
“He just loves sport, I think because all his mates were playing it, it started as a friendship thing, it started because all his friends played volleyball so he went into it,” Jennifer said.
kirra@gcnews.com.au
