Volleyball star visits Newhaven College

NEWHAVEN College students were recently treated to a volleyball clinic with international professional player Chaine Staelens from The Netherlands.
Chaine’s 19 year career included 365 games representing The Netherlands National Team from 1997 to 2011 and then she went on to play for clubs in Brazil, Italy and Japan.
During her impressive career, Chaine also competed in three World and seven European Championships.
Volleyball has been enjoying a higher profile at Newhaven College.
Students compete in interschool tournaments and the Year 11 PE class recently organised a lunch time tournament. Volleyball nets are a regular feature on the grounds so that students can play recreationally at recess and lunch.
Chaine shared her love of the sport and what it takes to be a professional athlete to Newhaven’s volleyballers.
“Volleyball is my work, and how lucky am I to do the work I love.
‘It did not come easy for me, but I had my goal and worked very hard to achieve it – it took me three years to master just the overarm serve.
“I train hard, I work hard, and I look after my body.
‘I do not smoke, drink or do drugs as this will all affect my health and therefore my performance.
“To do my job I have to be fit and healthy and these things would get in the way of me reaching my peak.”
Although her achievements have required long term dedication and hard work, Chaine loves her job and feels fortunate she has had such wonderful opportunities.
“If you set your mind to something, and work hard, you can get there,” was the advice she left with her Newhaven friends.

International: volleyball star Chaine Staelens towers over the Newhaven students who benefitted from her expertise at their recent clinic. Back row from left, Joel Piera, Jack Korlaki, Xavier Hughes, James Fowler, Aaron Edwards, Daniel Ferguson, Jack Taylor, Nick Anderson, Chris McCoy, Nathan Tomkins, Jacob Methven, Ashley Grieve, Sophie Scott, Jason Ng, Blake Insall, Katelyn Jones, Geoff White (coach) and Catherine Mercer. Front row from left, Kyle Brickhill, Matt Naskopoulos, Tarni McDonald and Carly Formosa.

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Posted by Sarah Vella on Nov 25 2014. Filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry