State selection shows Alexandria Smith's sky-high volleyball potential

Sixteen-year-old Smith is one of 14 athletes named in the under 19s girls squad to compete at Sydney's national junior championships from July 8-10.

Invitation in this training squad, which will be cut prior to the titles, was based on athletes who successfully nominated through the expression of interest process, coupled with each athlete's past three seasons in the sport.

"My ambition is to play volleyball at a high level for the next few years before progressing into the elite category and this selection keeps me on track to achieve that goal," Nowra High School student Smith said.

Read more: Family 'extremely happy' Boles named inaugural winner of Darcy Bond Medal

"To assist in reaching my goal, apart from my motivation, I require skilled coaching and mentoring to develop, build and enhance the volleyball skills and strategies I have developed.

"Most importantly I bring coach-ability, tenacity and an agile mindset which I regard as a foundation for sporting achievement.

"I also aim to bring up those around me and lean into the tasks required to achieve my goals."

Making the achievement more special is Smith, who recently finished equal third with fellow Illawarra Academy of Sport lonestar athlete Kaia Brienan in the 2021 NSW junior beach volleyball tour, only started playing indoor volleyball in April 2019.

"I realised how engaging, both mentally and physically, the game of volleyball was," she said.

"From then on, I decided to change my sporting and athletic focus from track and field athletics, gymnastics, taekwondo and netball to volleyball.

Read more: Atherton's Aussies withdraw from Olympic qualification tournament in Mexico

"I have worked hard at building up opportunities and networking while actively seeking out mentors and coaches to assist me to achieve my goals in both beach and indoor volleyball."

Smith is joined in the NSW squad by Anna Birke, Phoebe Hempsell, Kaia Brienan Ashleigh Meyer, Emily Ji, Holly Field, Izzy Cook, Isabella Simurinam, Lucy Palmer, Jess Hunter, Sofia Stuckmana, Chloe Hatcher and Marley McHugh.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.