VOLLEYBALL is more than just a sport for Brooke Symes.
It’s something she lives and breathes, and coaching has been an important part of that alongside being a gun player.
It still came as somewhat of a surprise to the Mildura athlete, however, when she was recently awarded a gong for the Volleyball Victoria 2023 Affiliates excellence in coaching award.
“You have to be nominated for the award – I actually have no idea who put my name forward,” she laughed.
“I knew I was receiving something at this awards night but wasn’t sure what it was so to find out it was for excellence in coaching was really surreal.
“Coming from a country town, having to do those extra things to ensure athletes get access to coaching and can compete is something they took notice of.
“For me it’s just what I do and don’t think too much of it, but it’s nice to be recognised.”
Symes (née Freckleton) has been involved in coaching at multiple levels, including with Phantoms in the Victorian state league and Sunraysia sides who competed in country championships, as well running the Mildura Volleyball Academy.
As a player, Symes has also been selected in the Melbourne Vipers squad that will compete in the Australian Volleyball Super League later this year.
