The Gippsland Sports Academy develops the sports skills, and personal skills, of talented young athletes through its sports programs.
Our pages provide information about these young athletes and their sports. We also acknowledge the individuals and sponsoring organisations whose support has enabled their high achievements.
7 May 2012 - Volleyball teams successful
The Academy's SP AusNet Volleyball teams had successful results at the recent National Under 15 titles in Albury.
The girls' team recorded the best result of any of the Victorian teams, coming sixth out of 14 teams. They had finished third in their pool, beaten only by Queensland and NSW, the two teams which ultimately won the gold and silver medals.
The boys' team also had a great showing taking the Queensland and New South Wales to close five set matches. They also performed well against Mazenod, the eventual tournament winners.
Head Coach Dan Higgins praised the players for their individual performances and their team achievements.
2 May 2012 – Young stars combine sports and study
An extension to the Academy's program, made possible by its association with GippsTAFE, will enable this year's young athletes to add a formal educational qualification as well as improving their sporting prowess.
Athletes will be able to undertake additional components of the program that will earn them a Certificate II or Certificate III in a sports related course.
The goal is to develop pathways for Gippsland athletes to state and national levels, by providing exposure to expert coaching, optimising fitness and skill development and delivering a variety of sports science programs.
The Academy's Chief Executive Officer, Judi Buhagiar, has welcomed the arrangement.
“The ability to add another qualification provides a significant value add for those who want to take part,” Ms Buhagiar said.
27 April 2012 – Hard work pays for badminton youngsters
Improving results for Academy badminton Squad members was apparent at the recent SEBA tournament at Keysborough.
Ryan Venpin won the U11 boys' singles and doubles while Academy newcomer, Blair Rooney, in the same age group, had significant gains.
Katelyn Madsen and Trevor Flack (both U15) and Doug Evans (U19) were also improved performers and showed the benefits of their training.
Grace Hanratty (U19) was eliminated in the singles quarter finals after a great showing against national second-ranked player Louisa Ma. With partner James Audley she was also runner up in the mixed doubles.
For all players the Keysborough results were both impressive and promising.
26 April 2012 – Darcie takes on World Junior Circuit
Former Academy table tennis athlete, Darcie Morton, recently represented in the Cadet U15 World Series Table Tennis Event in New Zealand.
Darcie, aged 12, represented Australia B which finished in 4th place.
In the U15 Girls Singles Darcie caused an upset by beating Samantha Ong of Malaysia who made the last 16 in both the U15 and U18 singles. Darcie was unfortunately eliminated in the quarter finals by the eventual tournament winner.
Darcie also recently competed in the Victorian Junior Championships and was runner up in 4 events including the U13 Girls Singles and Mixed Doubles, the latter which she partnered with Sports Academy athlete Josh Street.
17 April 2012 - Diamond's Coach will Sparkle
The Academy will host its annual Awards evening on May 25.
The evening celebrates the successes of the Academy's young athletes. Past winners include those who have successfully competed in international events.
This year the guest speaker will be Lisa Alexander, the Australian Netball Diamonds Head Coach. Formerly from Leongatha, Ms Alexander is anticipated to make connections between Gippsland and international achievement.
16 April 2012 - Tennis squad ranges far and wide
Members of the Quality Inn Latrobe Convention Centre Tennis Program travelled far and wide over the holiday period to compete at a number of tournaments throughout Victoria.
Head Coach Doug Hill was delighted with his young squad and their progress.
Also two new members recently joined the squad, Daniel Board (from Yarragon) and Lorenzo Santucci (Crossover).
9 April 2012 – Badminton athletes continue to impress
At the recent Altona Junior and Geelong State Selection tournaments, athletes from the Badminton squad played extremely well.
Ryan Venpin was most impressive at Altona with wins in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events. Grace Hanratty and Blair Rooney were prizes winners in other events.
At Geelong, Doug Evans was the top performer, but new squad members Trevor Flack, Kaitlyn Madsen and Maleah Travers also performed well in their introduction to state-level competition.
The next major tournament will be the South East Badminton Association tournament in two weeks' time.
The Paralympics will start a further 13 days later.
The Academy honours its past Olympic and Paralympic achievers:
Ashley Delaney (Beijing 2008),
Amanda Drennan (Athens, 2004),
Lichelle Clarke (Athens, 2004).
Phillips wins April's Senior Award
Lisa Phillips' selection for the Senior bankmecu Gippstar Award follows several months of successful lawn bowling in which she won the Victorian under-25 Singles Champion and was runner up in the Australian Open Singles.
Phillips had also been a member of successful Australian under-25 team in New Zealand.
The Junior Award was split between Mia Ross and Aoife Coughlan. Ross is the current Australian and Victorian track and field champion over 800-metres. Ross, just 16, is now ranked 8th in the Australian open women’s open division.
Coughlan had wins in her age group in judo's 63kg class at the Queensland International Open and ACT International Open events. In both championships she was second in the open event. Coughlan has also been selected to represent Australia at the Oceania Judo Union Championships in both junior and senior women's under 63kg events.
Link to bankmecu Gippstar page
Link to all bankmecu Gippstar News stories
Volleyball Head Coach vacancy
The Academy seeks applications from persons wishing to fill the Head Coach position for the 2012-13 SP AusNet Volleyball Program.
More details are provided in the position description.
Places available in the 2012 Golf Program
The Academy is calling for applications from committed junior golfers for the 2012 intake into the Credit Collect Golf Program.
Download more information.
Application forms are available from our downloads page.
Golf Head Coach - position vacancy
The Academy is seeking applications from interested persons to fill the current vacancy.
More information is available from the position description.
Academy's Annual Report available
The Academy's 2010-11 Annual Report is now available for download from this link.