Phantoms premier two women’s coach Pip Hannagan was full of praise for Hemley so far this season.
“Paige has been a great contributor to our team, hence the reason why we are undefeated on top of the ladder,” she said.
“Paige deserves her chance to play in the premier one team and I’m sure she will do well.”
Hemley packed an enormous amount into those four years. She represented Victoria at under 15 and 16 level, has attended Aus Camps, was an inaugural member of the post-Covid Volleyball Horsham Academy, played with Phantoms in state league, represented Volleyball Horsham in the division-one women’s team and has been a Junior All Star Seven selection at the 2023 and 2024 Junior Country Championships.
Murtoa College coach Shaun Bray said Hemley was a leader in her school team, encouraging other students to participate.
“Paige has been a key player in her team throughout her school history, with her team making the School Sport Victoria finals in her intermediate and senior years,” he said.
“Her team has qualified again this year and we’re off to Melbourne again next week, hoping to at least make semis as the team has been playing well.”
Bray said Hemley had improved her game significantly, having progressed into playing in the A Grade competition last year, playing both her preferred centre blocking role and when her team has seven players, she pulls on her libero top.
“The move into A Grade has been good for Paige as it has given her the confidence to mix it with the best Volleyball Horsham has to offer and toughen her up,” he said.
“Paige doesn’t take a backward step and is as brave as it comes, especially when she plays her libero role, as more often than not she is first line of defense when the opposition middles attack.
“And when she does play middle and gets a block touch, her screams of delight are heard throughout the stadium and the same when she does a magnificent pancake save, we all hear about it.”
Bray said Hemley has had a big few weeks in her career, with premier one selection the icing on the cake.
“Paige successfully made it through the first round of selections for the under-18 state team, is off to the SSV state finals next week and now making her debut in premier one, all reward for the effort she puts into her training and support for both Volleyball Horsham and Phantoms.”
Hemley has games at noon and 4pm at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena.
On behalf of everyone at Volleyball Horsham we to congratulate Paige and wish her all the best for her premier one debut.
– David Berry
The entire May 7, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
