Volleyball community celebrates successful year

Busselton’s volleyball community has continued its success within the sport, bringing home a number of accolades at the recent 2023 WA Volleyball Awards held at Optus Stadium.

The Busselton Volleyball Association was recognised for its continued growth and development in both indoor and beach volleyball competitions, named WA Regional Volleyball Club of the Year for its efforts.

“Entering five local teams in the WA Volleyball League was a major achievement,” an association spokesperson said.

Busselton’s State League Reserves men won their division, the women’s State League Reserves team were runners-up and the association’s other teams were competitive in their grades.

“The local association’s involvement in local, regional and metropolitan tournaments, and in referee and coach development were other contributors.”

Long-serving committee member and player Stuart Luff was awarded VWA Life Membership for his ongoing and unwavering support of the development and growth of the sport, while David Hutchins received an Order of Merit for his distinguished service to volleyball.

Former Busselton-based players have also continued to shine in the Volleyball WA competitions.

Gabriel Abbott, who has recently been honing his beach volleyball skills on the East Coast after starring in local competitions, was part of the WA Male Beach Team of the year.

Talented player Jessabby Drown was named the WA Volleyball League State Reserves Division 3 Female Most Valuable Player.

Meanwhile, locals have been readying themselves for the South West’s beach volleyball season, which commences this week on the sand at the Busselton Jetty foreshore.

Social teams, and more serious pairs and fours team places have been snapped up to full capacity in the competitions.