EMERGING Volleyball star Gabby Lougheed knows her most recent team selection is a step forward in her promising career.
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The 16-year-old Warrnambool Volleyball Association member was selected by Volleyball Australia to participate in a tour of Thailand between April 23 and May 7, which includes the under 21 Thailand National Volleyball Championships.
The Emmanuel College student said it was the first step in her dream of an international career.
"I'd love to go to an American college and I think it (the Thailand tour) would be a good step," Lougheed said.
"I'm looking forward to getting the chance to represent Australia and play a much higher level of volleyball than I am used to."
Lougheed, who plays in the pass hitter position on a volleyball team, could get the chance following the Thailand tour to head over to the the States for the USA High Performance Championships in Fort Lauderdale, July 11-23.
I'd love to go to an American college and I think it (the Thailand tour) would be a good step.
- Gabby Lougheed
The South West Academy of Sport member went through a long selection process to earn her green and gold colours.
After three successful campaigns with Victoria at the Australian Junior Volleyball Championships - netting two bronze, a silver and two MVP awards (2017-18) - was invited by national selectors to attend a development camp.
She joined 60 other budding volleyballers for a week of training with the national coaches before she was selected in the 24-player squad.
Lougheed said she was over the moon when she found out her selection.
"I found out a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't really believe it," she said.
"But now I am really excited about it. I think my parents were just as excited as I was."
The three-time Volleyball Victoria representative said her continued improvement and part of her selection was thanks to the help she received from her state coach Dave Berry.
"Dave has been very supportive of me the last few years," she said.
"He has given me lots of advice and helped me to improve my games heaps."
Lougheed said she was eager to jump forward into the next chapter of her volleyball career.
“I’ve made lots of friends through volleyball. It has helped me to develop my skills and confidence," she said.
"I’m passionate about playing volleyball and am looking forward to representing Warrnambool, Victoria and Australia for many years to come.”
South West Pirates President Craig Gibbs said the whole volleyball community was very proud of Lougheed's achievements so far.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
