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UWA Volleyball Head Coach Matt Hender was last month announced as Volleyball WAs Mens Hornets coach for the 2017 Australian Volleyball League (AVL) season.

The youngest in history to coach an Australian AVL team, Hender and assistant coach Stuart Carr say they are looking forward to the challenge.

“We are really focused on developing the team this season and building a new culture in the squad. Although the team is yet to be selected, we are looking at focusing on junior development to compliment the breath of senior players in the squad”

With a playing career spanning over a decade, including professional stints in Sweden, Finland and Switzerland, Matt comes to the role a seasoned player and coach ready to take the team to the top.

After a poor 2016 season which saw the Hornets finish last on the Australian Volleyball League table, Matt says the main focus for the team will be winning the team’s first senior men's Australian premiership since the current league was formed.

“In the leagues nineteen years history we (the Hornets) have never won an AVL premiership, so we are hoping that the change of management and coaching staff will give us the exciting fresh start we’re looking for.”

With a strong focus on technical high-performance volleyball, Matt is looking to develop the team with a back to basics approach, hoping to bring fresh new insight to the role.

While coaching was never initially in his sights, Matts last two years at the helm of UWA Volleyball have culminated in the team winning the 2016 Western Australian Volleyball League (WAVL) Premiership, speaking volumes to his capabilities.

“It (coaching) was never a long term goal for me, I kind of fell into the coaching pathway with UWA Volley, and it has defiantly helped me learn what it takes manage players and help them perform at their highest level”

The WA Volleyball federation say they are extremely excited at the prospects for the season. The team will be selected in July and the Australian volleyball League (AVL) runs from October through December.

Media references

Mia Herriman

Marketing Communications and Events Officer

UWA Sport Pty Ltd

6488 4309

[email protected]