Will Brennan, Aidan O’Connor, Noah Brennan, John Kearns, Cleo Baker and coach Kara Johnson will be representing Victoria at the championships.

Noah Brennan aside, the other five are returning after playing and coaching in the same championships last year.

Unfortunately for Murtoa College’s Lealah Robertson, injury has curtailed her chance of playing in this year’s competition.

Robertson suffered a serious finger injury at the State Schools Cup in July and has not recovered in time to play in the championships.

Volleyball Horsham Academy coach Kara Johnson said that Laelah did everything she could to get her finger right, but time just wasn’t on her side.  

“It was disappointing for her especially after gaining selection in the elite Blue team,” Johnson said.

“But she is not letting it get her down and she has already started her preparations for next year.”

The championships will be the culmination of four months of solid training all over the countryside for the players.

All players survived three weeks of trials in May before heading into an extensive training campaign.

“You can see the improvement all the players have made over the course of their training underlying just how dedicated the athletes are.”

“Not only have the athletes improved, they have also bought new skills and helped develop their domestic teammates as well in this time,” Johnson said.

Joining this group will be Jo Baker and Fern Brennan who have taken on managerial roles with their teams.

“It’s great to have parents on board and offering their assistance. It is a big week for everyone and the more help you can get both on and off the court the easier it becomes for all,” Johnson said.

“Jo missed out on watching Cleo play last year and I know deep down she is looking forward to seeing her play this year, even though she won’t say that to Cleo!”

They will fly to the Gold Coast on Saturday morning in time to train on Saturday night.

On Sunday afternoon they will participate in the opening ceremony, while Cleo Baker will play her first game of the tournament against South Australia at 5pm.

Matches continue throughout the week with the championship finals to be held on Friday.