Warrnambool players to represent Phantoms Volleyball Club

He will be the first Warrnambool player since Matt Hallowell, about a decade ago, to play in the premier division of the Seaside Tournament.

Holland, who will represent Phantoms Volleyball Club in men's honours, played in the reserve division in the 2019 tournament and is looking to earn a permanent spot in the top side.

"It's pretty exciting," Holland said.

"It's something I've always wanted to do in the Warrnambool tournament, play at the highest level I can."

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The Warrnambool Volleyball Association has officially endorsed the Phantoms as the pathway for south-west athletes in 2020.

It's a Victorian Volleyball League (VVL) club based in Western Victoria and was formed in 2011 to support regional players. The group trains once a fortnight.

Horsham, Ballarat, Bendigo and Mildura have provided the talent pool in the past.

Warrnambool's Nic Kaiser, who will coach the Phantom's men's honours team, said the new affiliation was important.

"We've had a number of athletes that have played (VVL) over the years but now there's that official affiliation, there's a clear pathway for Warrnambool-based athletes to get into a state league club and progress their volleyball further," he said.

Holland, a long-time South West Pirates volleyballer, has been playing for Phantoms for the past two years.

He also played a few seasons with Victoria University Vultures and Yarra Ranges in the VVL.

The 26-year-old gained premier division experience with those clubs but not at the Seaside Tournament.

Holland, who grew up in Warrnambool, said he had improved parts of his game to reach the top grade this long-weekend.

"I just got a bit more confident in certain areas and I've learnt to hit better," he said.

The talented player is not just along for the ride, he'd also like to do well.

"We'll have a good crack at it," he said.

The Seaside tournament is considered a great hit-out ahead of the upcoming VVL season.

Holland is one of six Warrnambool players and three coaches representing the Phantoms at the tournament.

Among the group is Emma Hannigan who represented Victoria at the Australian Junior Volleyball Championships in 2019.

Warrnambool players competing for Phantoms at the Seaside Tournament:

James Holland (men's honours), Nic Kaiser (coach men's honours), Bruce Keely (coach women's division 1), Emma Hannigan (women's division 1), Monique Ahern (women's division 3), Brigid Arden (women's division 3), Rose Keldan (women's division 3), Hiliary Hannigan (women's division 3), Rachelle Casley (assistant coach women's division 3).

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