New Zealand U-20 Men Development Teams – Australian Junior Volleyball Championships (U-23)
July 11-14
Adelaide, Australia
Squad (2023 Regional Association representation is noted)
Ben de Goeij – Waikato
Caleb van Eekelen – Canterbury
Cameron Douglas - Bay of Plenty
Charlie Brady – Canterbury
Cuba Rihari – Harbour
Davi Pacheco – WECA
Hikawera Puriri – Waikato
Isaac Weir – Canterbury
James Walker - Bay of Plenty
Jerome Julian – WECA
John Petrucci – Harbour
Jova Waqa – Canterbury
Justin To'o – WECA
Kaipo-Natanahira Ngai Tokowaru – Canterbury
Kodin Wilton – Waikato
Lancer Leilua-Tiatia – Wellington
Logan Vorster – Harbour
Mitchell Stone – Waikato
Oliver Dunphy – Harbour
Sebastian Lams – Tasman
Taiki Pou – Canterbury
Xhovante Siolo - Wellington
Management staff
Ella Carlsen – Head Coach
Seth Phork – Head Coach
Melissa Stone - Manager
Seth Phork:
"I would like to start by congratulating all the athletes and their families for their selection into the NZ Junior Development teams. These athletes have been incredibly committed over the past two years and having the opportunity to wear a silver fern commemorates their body of work so far.”
“The AJVC tournament will provide our athletes a platform for high-level competition against physical opponents that will certainly test our skills and mental toughness. We will use this tournament to advance our volleyball IQ, build a strong attacking and defensive unit and work on our transition game. I am excited to see how the group builds resiliency and responds to the challenges ahead. The coaching staff and players look forward to continuing to build upon the amazing team culture and come back home as better versions of ourselves."
Ella Carlsen:
“[It is] exciting times as our development teams gear up for the AJVC tour over in Adelaide this year. With talented young tāne eager to elevate their game, this event gives our NZ Junior Development Squads the platform for growth and competition just over the ditch.
“Our team's strength lies not only in their skills on the court but also in the camaraderie and support they offer each other. Throughout the camps, we've witnessed how these players come together, not just to excel individually, but to uplift and empower their teammates. This inclusive and encouraging environment sets the stage for success, both on and off the court.
“In this campaign, we'll focus on broadening their technical and tactical understanding of the game, while also setting high standards for our defensive skills. For many, this will mark their first volleyball experience against international competitors and abroad. It's important for our athletes to approach these challenges with a growth mindset and readiness for tough matches. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Seth on this tour and to coach such a fantastic group of volleyball players!”
