Hall of Fame...

Denise Austin - International Player for England & Great Britain Beach, 1995 - 2009 🏐

What was your greatest volleyball achievement?

"It’s really difficult to pin one moment in time over almost 39 years of playing, coaching and organising events but there are a few things.

When I first started playing within one month at the North Devon College I was playing in a SW regional qualifier for the British Colleges finals. I think we had to go to Cornwall, and I remember the college from Weymouth all turned up wearing knee pads and we were rattled by then. I don’t know how we did, but we didn’t win, but inspired us and the following year both the boys and the girls qualified for the BCS finals we we both won. It was a very special moment for us and also Reg Beck our college coach.

As a coach I helped to re-establish the college programme under the community coach programme between 2006-2011 and we achieved the same result both boys and girls winning the British colleges almost thirty years later. This was a very sweet give back and I know Reg would have been very proud.

As a player taking the first medal for ENG at an FIVB event in Italy in 1999 alongside Monique Oliver. It was in Olympic qualifying and was a great result. As a coach seeing Anaya Evans and Ellie Austin take the second medal for ENG in Ios Island Greece in 2019. This was very special.

Olympic qualifying year for Sydney was very tough (we finished 25th in Olympic ranking and 24 teams went) but on reflection…

Finishing 7th in an FIVB open in Portugal in 2000. All the top teams were there and we beat USA, Portugal, Japan and Germany to acquire the finish.

It is also one of the worlds most super soft sand in Espinho so made it all the more special".

North Devon College 1986

Petroc (North Devon) College thirty years later!

Do you have a moment in volleyball that you're most proud of?

"Not such a moment but a period of time. When we first started playing for England on the World Tour we were completely self funded. Everything was paid for by ourselves. In the Olympic qualifying period 1999-2000 we competed in 18 events over two years. It was a huge effort and commitment and something which was mentally and physically exhausting. Following on from this time in 2000 when I became pregnant with Ellie, I joined Volleyball England Commissions for Beach, Coaching, Junior Development & Performance. Over the years alongside Amanda Glover, we helped form and establish the performance pathway for beach volleyball. It’s not easy being a minority sport and securing money to help change the landscape for the youth coming through. Writing the beach coach award and the Guidebook to Beach Volleyball which goes alongside the award. Was a huge step. The help I received writing this especially the support to achieve it from Richard Harrisson was incredible. Helping the long term coaching development in the sport is something I am super proud of. As without all my coaches and players who helped, I would be nowhere. There are so many to remember but my first and main beach coach Mandy Coombes from Perth taught me so much about playing in the wind which I still use to this day. She also showed me what giving to the sport really looked like".

What made you pick volleyball right at the beginning?

"I was waiting at college in North Devon for a drama practice and had. A few hours to spare. I was wandering the halls and saw people playing and stopped to watch. The volleyball coach picked me. He saw me watching and kind easily dragged me in. I don’t think I knew what it was called as I hadn't seen it played before. He then asked me to join it was a social game and that was it I was hooked. I was 16 and played almost every day at college during lunch time and after college. I was addicted immediately".

What's your favourite thing about the sport?

"Volleyball's a gift for life, once you learn & know how to play it really opens doors to in places and countries wherever you go. From going to Uni, to travelling or working on a summer camp. I get messages from players/parents sending me photos of them playing from all around the world showing how much they are enjoying themselves. I think it’s one of the most inclusive sports, especially how both men and women can play together at social levels. It really is one of the best sports to travel and meet people where ever you go".

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out in the volleyball world?

"For those wanting to play internationally. Back yourself. No one knows how far you will go. I think back to my journey through volleyball to starting to play beach to gaining over me hundred caps playing for ENG it was because I believed in myself and made it happen. I remember my first & last indoor international for England. I was sitting on the bench vs Cuba. Desperate to play but not good enough to be a starter. I hated that frustration of being benched. Walking away from indoor and discovering beach volleyball was a pivotal moment. My whole life has been blessed by beach volleyball so turning things which appear to be a negative into something which spurs you into action in other directions was crucial.

Play for the love of it. Enjoy your opponents endeavour as much as your own as it prepares you to be ready for anything & also to appreciate their ability.

You can't play with out those on the other side of the net. They matter.

Be present in the game for itself and love each point and each challenge. If you take care of the love of the game the rest takes care of itself.

Winning & losing will always be part of playing but the relationships and friendships are more important.

My whole life has constantly been about a growing family of people who have become United by the sport. That shows no sign of stopping.

The last year has been incredible working for Volleyball World & Beach Volleyball World, calling matches as an expert commentator alongside Mark Perkins at the World Championship in Rome was brilliant. Subsequently working alongside Clayton Lucas & Simon Golding has been exceptional".

One last thing....

The one thing I live by as a player is “What could I have done to improve the situation/point/play?”

Don’t look to your partners fault but how much more could YOU have done and find that challenge to rise to. Shift to self improvement.

However if your partner is struggling avoid being a negative voice but try asking “what can I do to help?”

Working together is so much more powerful than any one person leading the way. At times you will lead from the front and others from behind. But bringing a positive proactive voice to the team will 99.9% of the time bring about improved performances but also a more enjoyable atmosphere to spend what is your life playing the sport you love.

Missed name checks but Honourable mentions must go to the following.

(sincere apologies to those missed it’s been almost four decades)

Wendy Britton (Hawkins)

Ken Harvey

Sale VC

Joanne Powell

Vanessa Malone (Lucas)

Nick Austin

Sharon Browning

Melissa Coutts

Gabi Medricka

Cody Cowell

Monica Rodriguez

Jacqueline Silva

Anne Siroky

Sixto Jimmenez

Audrey Cooper

Mike Morris

Cherry Simkins

Academy of Beach Sports

Volleyball England and everyone who helped through this journey and I encountered in emails, time, meetings conversations. You know.

The SWVA.

Ron Richards and Gillian Harrisson.

FIVB

CEV

Layla Austin

Gladys and Robin Tuohey and family.