Elise Cooper’s involvement began when her daughter, Sophia, joined the Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers at age 12. Her dedication and support towards her daughter’s water polo career inspired Elise to shift from the stands to the club rooms, volunteering her time behind the scenes.

Now in her third season as team manager, she continues to support the team out of her deep appreciation for the club and the sport.

“The ladies prior to me being manager had done such a great job, that I thought it was my turn to step up and be manager. This is my third season of being team manager and I really love it,” Elise said.

“There’s so many great people that I’ve met through the club that I’ve really become friends with,” she said.

The growth of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships since its inception is a testament to the popularity and participation at a grassroots level. 

“The first year we were at nationals, it was a much smaller pool of teams and clubs playing,” Elise said.

“Now there’s a team from Pilbara, how amazing is that? Such a small community and they’ve got a water polo club here representing. And I think that is a testament to how amazing the sport is,” she said.

Stressing the importance of volunteers, Elise acknowledged the vital roles they play within the water polo community. She urged greater involvement to ensure the sport continues to grow, particularly in youth pathways.

“Clubs don’t exist without volunteers from the committee level, all the way through to tour managers and booking accommodation. The kids don’t get to play if it doesn’t exist, so I think it’s really important,” Elise said.

“You can do as much, or as little as your life and time allows. If you love water polo as much as I do, step in and give it a go,” she said.

The Bermuda Volleyball Association is sending teams to compete at the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship in Denver this month.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Volleyball Assocation is please to announce the two teams who will be competing in the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship. The teams will compete in their respective competitive BB Divisions of the tournament from May 26 to 28, held this year in Denver, Colorado. The BVA will be streaming matches on their Facebook Page: “Bermuda Volleyball National Team”. Alternatively, people can watch via BallerTV.

Women’s Team: Devil’s Isle VC

• Kayley Hamilton [1]
• Kate Marcotte [2]
• Caitlin Bento [3]
• Demetria Hollis [4]
• Kayla Grant [6]
• Sharri Weldon [7]
• Anna Marcotte [8]
• Olivia Taylor [11]
• Amber Simons [24]

• Head Coach: Braedon Madeiros-Cooke
• Assistant Coaches: Kyle Hamilton and Stacey Madeiros Cooke

“Devil’s Isle VC, Bermuda’s Women’s National Volleyball Club, proudly announces its participation in the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship. The team will compete in the competitive BB Division of the tournament, held this year in Denver, Colorado.

“The U.S. Open is a prestigious annual event that brings together elite adult volleyball teams from across the United States and around the world. Representing Bermuda, the Devil’s Isle VC squad will showcase its talent and determination on a national stage, competing against top-level clubs and athletes in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.”

“We’re incredibly proud of this group of athletes and all the hard work they’ve put in,” said Kyle Hamilton, Coach of Devil’s Isle VC. “This is a great opportunity to test ourselves against strong competition and represent Bermuda on the international volleyball scene.”

The spokesperson said, “The tournament will take place from May 24–29, 2025, and promises an exciting lineup of matches and a valuable development experience for all participants.

“Follow us on social media [@bdavolleyball] for live updates and results throughout the competition.

Ace Boyz VC

• Jake Roberts [1]
• Braedon Madeiros-Cooke [2]
• Tyler Siese [4]
• Connor Somerville [5]
• Dylan Somerville [6]
• Benjamin Barnett [7]
• Eron Woods [8]
• Tiago Morais Ferreira [9]
• Tristan Mullan [11]
• Brandon Sousa [13]

• Head Coach: Mike Smith
• Assistant Coaches: Juanita Blee, Chad Stoddard and Robert Saraiva

“The coaching staff are very excited about our upcoming tournament in Denver. The team we are bringing to Colorado is strong, and ready to compete. There are a few new faces this year, and they complement the rest of the team well. We have added depth on the court and the bench, and a bigger arsenal of tools to work with.

“After an incredible showing at the ECVA’s in October, we realized that we have the potential to be a very technically sound team and have spent this season tightening that up. We have focused a lot of time dialling in our ball control, blocking, and coverage on defence. We’ve also spent a considerable amount of time working with our Middle and Pin Hitters, on offensive transition, and strengthening our setter-hitter connection. We’re happy to report that the tedious work has paid off. With our passing percentage much higher, we are able to run a more well-rounded offence. The Middles are getting into the game more and our Pin Hitters are as effective as ever.

“I want to give a quick shout out to the entire Men’s National Team. They have all worked very hard to get us to where we are. Due to the nature of our practices, and really honing in on the technical part of the game, its taken a tremendous amount of discipline to stay present and dedicated. We believe their hard work will pay off and that will be proven in Denver.

“Finally, one last shout out to Olek Rymon-Lipinski. His dedication and hard work throughout the year have been inspiring for the entire team. Unfortunately, due to an ACL injury he can no longer travel with us. We all wish him a speedy recovery, and his presence in Denver will be missed.”

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(KMAland) — Regional sports news updates are posted throughout the day. Continue to refresh for all of the latest from regional schools listed below.

Iowa State 

-Men’s basketball to play home and home exhibitions with Northwestern: https://cyclones.com/news/2025/5/21/mens-basketball-iowa-state-to-face-northwestern-in-home-and-home-exhibition-games

Iowa

-Field hockey finalizes 2025 schedule: https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2025/5/21/hawkeyes-release-2025-schedule-fh

Northern Iowa 

-Qualifiers set for West Preliminary meet: https://unipanthers.com/news/2025/5/21/track-and-field-uni-track-and-field-qualifiers-set-for-ncaa-west-preliminary-meet

Creighton

-Izzy Ashburn hired as assistant volleyball coach: https://gocreighton.com/news/2025/5/21/ashburn-named-volleyball-assistant-coach

-Women’s soccer signs Jalen Chaney: https://gocreighton.com/news/2025/5/21/womens-soccer-womens-soccer-signs-jalen-chaney

Missouri

-Jason Gwyn joins softball coaching staff: https://mutigers.com/news/2025/5/21/softball-announces-addition-of-assistant-coach-jason-gwyn.aspx

Kansas City  

-Tory Lanham named Most Outstanding Performer: https://kcroos.com/news/2025/5/21/track-and-field-lanham-named-most-outstanding-performer-six-roos-earn-all-league-designations

Kansas 

-Men’s basketball hires Jacque Vaughn as assistant: https://kuathletics.com/news/2025/5/21/mens-basketball-kansas-great-jacque-vaughn-named-mens-basketball-assistant-coach.aspx

Kansas State

-Bowling Green transfer Marcus Johnson commits to Kansas State: https://x.com/TiptonEdits/status/1925235206010630603 

The Winter Park High School boys volleyball team has cemented its place as a powerhouse in Florida, winning its second straight state title and third in four seasons. The Wildcats captured the championship by sweeping Miami Southwest in straight sets, closing out a flawless postseason in which they didn’t drop a single set — going 21-0.