By LIAM TWOMEY
ZAC Anthony returned home from the National Volleyball Championships with a slightly heavier suitcase than when he left.
After a week of intense competition, the 15-year-old had to find room in his luggage for a bronze medal.
Anthony and his Victorian team mates took third place honours in the under 15 division.
Playing as a middle hitter throughout the championships, the Heathdale Christian College student was rapt with the tournament from both an individual and team perspective.
“It went really well,” he said.
“We ended up coming third out of all the states.
“I was happy with how I played. I think I did really well. In one of the first games, I got best on court which was great.”
His exploits throughout the tournament didn’t go unnoticed with Anthony’s performance earning him a call up to the Victorian Volleyball Academy.
“I wasn’t expecting it, but it was great that I got into that,” he said.
“On the 20th of September, I am going to Thailand for some specialised training.
“I am going over there for 10 days, and I am being trained by some of the best coaches in the world, so it is going to be great.
“I just want to learn as much as I can from the experience and better my game as much as I can.”
Bringing his best to the big stage appears second nature for Anthony, who was also a member of the Western Jets development squad in the TAC Cup competition.
However, he has now chosen to focus all his energy on volleyball, putting football on the backburner for the moment.
“Unfortunately, I had to give away the Western Jets because I wanted to pursue the volleyball direction,” he said.
“It was a really hard decision. It was something that I needed to do.
“I would love to represent Victoria for a long time to come. That would be great. Representing Australia is definitely on my wish list as well, if I can get that far.”
