Indoor Volleyball

2026

Applications for the 2025/26 intake are now CLOSED

To be notified when the next intake opens, click here to register your interest

The Hunter Academy of Sport (HAS) Indoor Volleyball Program plays a vital role in the VNSW pathway by identifying, monitoring, and developing the skills of young volleyball players.

Working closely with our neighbouring academies as part of Regional Academies of Sport (RAS), members of the squad will be exposed to expert coaching services, and sport specific education in areas such as strength and conditioning and nutrition.

We have worked closely with the State Sporting Organisation, Volleyball NSW, and the Hunter Volleyball Association (HVA), to develop the HAS Indoor Volleyball Program. This program will assist our athletes in taking the next step in their sporting careers.

The main objective is to prepare and provide an opportunity for athletes to progress into the Youth Phoenix Program, including:

Provide localised quality training for athletes and coaches across Sydney Metro and Regional NSW (previously delivered only through the centralised State Team program)
Increase the education level of athletes through access to strength & conditioning services and sports education (e.g. nutrition, psychology)
Increase the education level of coaches through the development of a combined coaching cohort, with State-wide content led by VNSW
Provide a regional level representative championship opportunity within NSW
Provide an opportunity for talent identification throughout NSW and therefore engage with more individuals

Athlete Benefits

There will be a Volleyball levy which includes all training sessions, education sessions, strength and conditioning and uniform.

Camps and Tournaments will have an additional levy

Athletes will undertake strength and conditioning and education, delivered by RAS endorsed and accredited coaches and presenters. Athletes will be educated based on a curriculum developed by the Hunter Academy of Sport.

Topics to be delivered will include (but are not limited to):

Injury Prevention & Management
Drugs in Sport
Nutrition
Cyber Safety
Sports Psychology

The schedule of education will be communicated through the Hunter Academy of Sport upon selection.

Eligibility

Suitable athletes must fit the following criteria to trial for the 2025/26 program:

Hold a valid VNSW Membership
Attend a trial for the Academy
Born 2009- 2014
- U14 (12-13 years old)
- U16 (14-15 years old)
- U18 (16-17 years old) – Athletes can’t turn 18 in 2026

Selection Process

A trial will be held for selections into the 2025/26 HAS Volleyball Squad

Trial date: Sunday 7th of December at Hunter Sports High

Program Staff

Program Head Coach: Danielle Tansu

Danielle Tansu is a dynamic volleyball coach and leader with over 20 years’ experience as a player, mentor, and coach in the U.S. and Australia. A former collegiate and USAV player, she is an Australian Level 2 Accredited Coach and Head Coach of the Hunter Academy of Sport Volleyball Program. Dani also serves as President and Head Coach of Hunter Volleyball, driving junior and senior development across the region. Known for her high-energy, fundamentals-focused style, she develops confident, resilient athletes with strong character and technical skill. Her leadership and passion have made her a cornerstone of the Hunter volleyball community, inspiring the next generation to excel on and off the court.

Coaching Staff: Caitlin Doran, Marcus Ma & Arman Zolfaghari

Squad

Girls Team:

Abby Gordon

Arunocha Rakyat

Eva Hanrahan

Fianna Neary

Joan Rafferty

Lucy Ha

Sierra Boyd

Sondor Gankhuyag

Sophie Mccormack