Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in the Philippines, played not only in the big stadiums of Manila but also in the most remote villages. It is part of our culture’s fun-loving nature to cheer noisily for our teams. Here in Australia, Filipinos are understandably drawn to the sport, playing both socially and competitively.
This September 21-26, six Filipino Australian young athletes from Victoria will be representing their state in the yearly Australian Youth Volleyball Championship (AYVC). It is the premier national championship for youth volleyball athletes from all over Australia in the U14-U18 age categories and will this year take place in Perth.
The young athletes are experienced players, having competed not just in AYVC, but in beach volleyball, schools cup and state league tournaments. Their medals attest to their talents and athletic skills and to their commitment and discipline, both in and out of the courts.
Come September, these Fil-Aus volleyballers will be playing for their squads against the best Volleyball youth athletes in the country. They proudly carry the banner of Victoria and the heart of a Filipino who strives to excel, contributing their absolute best for their teams.
Q&A with two young athletes
The Philippine Times (PT) interviewed two of the players: Mackenzie Reynes, a 15-year-old setter playing for the U16 Blue team; and Elessar Creo, a 14-year-old outside hitter playing for the U15 Blue team.
Support these young athletes’ campaigns to compete in Perth:
PT: How did your volleyball journey start?
Mackenzie: I started playing in grade 5 or 6 with my friends and for interschool sports, then I went to my new high school and played with the year 7A team. The year after that the head of volleyball at my school told me that I should try out for the Victoria state team and I got selected and ever since then I’ve been playing for my club Volley Friends United Melbourne, representing Victoria at nationals, and just playing for the love of the game.
Elessar: I started playing for a local club in the west when I was in year 6. Before volleyball I was interested in martial arts so my parents signed me up for Taekwondo when I was in Year 2. But I ended up choosing volleyball over Taekwondo because I liked the idea of a team sport. I ended my Taekwondo training in year 7 after I achieved First Dan in Blackbelt. Since then I have been committed to playing volleyball, training with the Greater Melbourne Volleyball Academy (GMVA) and my clubs.
PT: As a young athlete, how do you balance your sport and study?
Elessar: I try my best to excel not just in sports but also in my academic studies. For the years 2024 and 2025 my school Caroline Chisholm Catholic College gave me an Academic Excellence Award which is a merit scholarship. It is not always easy to balance sports and study as I have to travel far to training and games at least 4x a week, but I can only try with my best intentions. It helps to have a supportive school and family.
Mackenzie: I’m usually doing one or the other. If I’m not playing, I’m studying. If I’m not studying, I’m playing. Being at a very academic school like Haileybury College, my grades are definitely important, and I know just how much value they present as they are what will help me, even through my volleyball journey. Afterall, most NCAA colleges in America have a grade requirement of some sort, and regardless my studies will also help me find jobs, make connections etc.
PT: What are your top 3 priorities as a young athlete?
Mackenzie: As an athlete, my top 3 are my training, recovery, and study. Training of course, to improve and get better; recovery so that my body can perform to the best of its ability every single time I step onto the court; and lastly study because it will allow me to further my opportunities both on and off the court. It can take me to prestigious universities renowned for their volleyball programs such as many American NCAA colleges as well as setting up a life for me after I’ve hung up my jersey, making sure I can still support myself after all the setting, serving, and hitting has caught up to my body.
Elessar: My top 3 priorities as an athlete are consistent training, managing nutrition and balancing sports with my everyday life as a teenager. I make sure I can balance with rest, study and have fun by hanging out with my non-volleyball friends. I have good mates in volleyball, but also school friends who are into other things like music, academics and other sports – we keep each other grounded.
PT: What does playing for AYVC mean for you and your parents?
Elessar: I am proud and happy to be an athlete to represent Victoria for the 3rd year now and winning gold for the AYVC in 2024 with my U14 blue team. It is a huge part of my identity being a volleyball player and I am sure my parents are very proud of me. It will contribute to my goal to play professionally in the future, and gain a stable job in the field of sports. I would like to possibly contribute my talents to inspire other young people to take up sports and be active.
Mackenzie: Being selected to represent Victoria for the AYVC means a lot to me. It’s a reflection of the hard work, commitment, and love I’ve developed for volleyball over the years. I feel proud to be recognised at this level, and excited for the opportunity to challenge myself against some of the best players in the country. It’s also a big step toward my future goals in the sport like making an Australian team. It is a recognition of my parents’ sacrifices to help get me here, driving to training, paying for uniforms, and encouraging me through every win and loss. I hope this achievement makes them feel that it’s all been worth it, and that they’re just as much a part of this success as I am.
PT: What would you say to other young athletes who also want to achieve like you?
Mackenzie: I’d say that the most important thing is to love what you’re doing. It’s easier to work hard, show up, and stay motivated when you genuinely enjoy the sport. Don’t just chase achievements but chase improvement. Set small goals, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to fail along the way. I’d also say be patient with yourself. Progress takes time, and every athlete’s journey is different. Stay consistent, listen to your coaches, and back yourself, even on the tough days. If you keep putting in the effort, the results will come.
Elessar: To love the sport you play, to play with 100% and work hard for your goals. But to remember that being an athlete is not your only identity, and to others, you are just like anybody else. You are more than your sport. I learned in Volleyball it is important to ‘Hustle hard, stay humble.’ I learned in Taekwondo to ‘Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.’ Both of these apply not just in sports but also in life.
As our athletes prepare to compete for the AYVC, the Fil-Aus community wish them all the best and congratulations for everything they’ve already achieved.
