Contributed by Carrie Shaw, GCC Sports Teacher
GLASSHOUSE Christian College Beach Volleyballers have been making a name for themselves nationwide!
At the end of March, a number of talented students travelled to Coolangatta Beach to compete in two National competitions.
The week commenced with the National Youth Beach Volleyball Championships, where seven students were selected to compete as a part of the Queensland Representative team. Year 7 / 8 students, Ryder Shaw and Charlie Turner managed to secure the gold medal for U14 Boys, while Yr 9 student Jye Turner walked away with a Silver medal for U16 Boys and his older brother Thomas a Bronze for U17 Boys.
Following on from this tournament 20 GCC beach volleyballers competed in the Australian Beach Volleyball Schools Cup facing off against top schools from across the country.
Over three days of intense competition- battling wind, rain and scorching heat – the athletes gave it their all, which resulted in Glasshouse Christian College coming in at 3rd place Australia wide.
For the 7/8 Boys fours team (Rocky, Noah, Charlie, Hamish and Zac) and year 7/8 Girls team (Estah, Maya, Emma and Chloe) it was their first time on the sand. Both teams impressed, making it to the Bronze Medal playoffs.
The boys put up a strong fight and finished 4th, while the girls secured a Bronze Medal.
The remaining pairs teams delivered outstanding performances earning multiple podium finishes.
Year 7/8 Boys – Ryder Shaw and Charlie Turner dominated the competition remaining undefeated to claim GOLD.
Year 9 Boys – Ashton Shaw and Jye Turner, back to back champions, also going undefeated to secure GOLD.
Year 11 Boys – Thomas Turner and Kennedy Evans topped their pool and after an intense semi-final against fellow GCC teammates Ashton & Cooper took home SILVER.
Year 12 Girls, Addison Shaw and Jesse Drews and Year 11 Boys Ashton Van Straten and Cooper Maddrell battled in Bronze Medal matches finishing just outside the podium in 4th place.
This week has also been very exciting for the GCC volleyball community, with one of their teammates, Thomas Turner being selected as one of four athletes to represent Australia at the U18 Oceania Beach Volleyball Championship in the Solomon Islands.
Thomas and his partner went through the competition undefeated and walked away with the GOLD medal.
Huge congratulations to all the talented beach volleyballers for their incredible efforts on the national and international stage!
