This media release is courtesy of Volleyball Australia.

Volleyball Australia are pleased to announce that dual Olympian David Beard will be joining the Australian Volleyball Academy (AVA) coaching team from 2022.

Former captain of the Indoor Men’s Volleyroos, Beard played 368 international games for Australia from 1992 to 2004. Beard’s career highlight was representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

During his playing career, Beard also spent time abroad, playing professionally in Germany, Italy and Japan. His vast range of experiences have helped Beard develop a wealth of knowledge that he will bring to the AVA coaching staff.

AVA Program Director Paul Smith said he is looking forward to welcoming Beard to the team.

“There is no doubt that Dave’s experience in the sport speaks for itself – he is a fantastic role model and inspiration for the next generation of volleyballers,” Smith said

“As an athlete he was a driving force behind the success of our men’s Indoor Volleyroos during the successful Sydney and Athens Olympic campaigns.

“Not in the role of coach, his presence commands respect, not only as one of our country’s most experienced Volleyball players but more importantly for his humble, respectful nature which projects onto everyone he works with,” he said.

Having already spent time with the AVA earlier this year as a guest coach, the AVA program are looking forward to welcoming him back.

“Dave spent six weeks with the AVA program earlier in the year and left a great impression on the athletes and staff,” Smith said.

“Based on this experience, we’re very much looking forward to the impact he will have on our program into the future,” he said.

Beard is a teacher by trade, and since finishing his playing career has held coaching and mentoring roles, working with young athletes from a variety of sports through a school based Talented Athlete Program.

He has also been part of the coaching teams with the Volleyball NSW Indoor and Beach Youth Phoenix programs since 2019.

Beard is excited to commence in his new role, and working with the next generation of Australian representatives.

“I am super excited to be a part of the awesome team of coaches and staff leading the AVA and Pathways Programs,” Beard said.

“It’s a real privilege and honour to be a part of helping the next generation of beach and indoor volleyballers in this country and I hope I can bring some of my past experiences and enthusiasm to inspire great things in them,” he said.

Volleyball Australia is excited to welcome Dave to the team and look forward to the impact he will have on the next generation of elite junior talent as they continue their journeys through the high performance pathways.