A major part of my college experience has been having the opportunity to be involved in the volleyball programme here at Rangitoto College. The dedicated staff at this school made my experience unforgettable. The college provides constant opportunities from the beginning of the school journey in Year 9 to your graduating year to get involved in, develop your skills, and build strong connections within the volleyball community.

From the start of my Rangitoto journey in Year 9, I had an interest in volleyball and knew I wanted to get involved somehow. My journey began with trialling and signing up for the SPA (Sports Performance Academy) volleyball programme. This is specifically for junior students, running twice a week before school to help them develop and grow as athletes while getting to know the staff and older athletes from premier teams. In the junior years of school, weekly leagues and team trainings are available to take part in, as well as tournaments such as Auckland Champs and North Island Champs, both held at the Bruce Pulman Arena. These tournaments are essential ways to develop and grow while connecting with teammates and coaches. Through the senior years of school come many more tournaments and weekly leagues at very high standards. We are lucky enough to have very committed, knowledgeable staff and coaches who create an intense yet valuable environment that welcomes everyone with a passion for volleyball.

The volleyball programme has been very successful, winning three national titles and being in four national finals. I have been lucky enough to be a part of two national finals, which is an experience I will never forget. Through my years of playing for Rangitoto College, I have built many friendships and connections that make this experience so special. Thankfully, the volleyball community has been one of the most supportive, special environments I have been in, which has been a huge part of my journey and why the growth and development in this programme are so strong. Through this programme, I have developed both physically and mentally, and my volleyball skills have improved significantly, which has had a huge impact on my recent selection for the U20 New Zealand indoor squad.

The opportunities don’t just stop with indoor volleyball; they continue through the summer playing beach volleyball. From more social and competitive weekly leagues and training opportunities, the college offers experienced coaches and opportunities to get sandy and develop your skills.

Through taking part in these experiences from Year 9 onwards, the constant support and learnings have led me to being selected for the U18 New Zealand beach volleyball squad, along with being selected as one of the top five members of this squad, where I was the non-travelling reserve for a California campaign. The programme at the college identifies potential and is willing to support all athletes as much as they can. I have been lucky enough to achieve three national medals for beach volleyball, representing both the school and North Harbour at national competitions. But I couldn’t have done it without the college’s support and commitment to both the coaching and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a high-performing volleyball programme.

Another experience I got to take part in was travelling to the Gold Coast in Australia to compete at the Australian Secondary Schools Cup. Both Rangitoto Premier teams travelled together and had an amazing week. This experience was one of the highlights of my volleyball journey at the school. Playing international teams and competing in new environments against different teams helped improve my development massively, while enjoying Australian life with some of my closest friends.

Overall, the constant support and incredible opportunities the college has provided me have improved not only my skills and potential to travel to the US for a sports scholarship for university, but have also made me a better person overall. I will always remember the support and culture at Rangitoto, and I’m grateful to have been part of this programme.

Special thanks to Mr Kerr, Adam Watson, and Miss Sowter for all they have done for me and for making my experience one I will never forget.