This week, LAS is thrilled to welcome Australian national volleyball player and Olympic-hopeful Phoebe Bell to campus! Phoebe has spent the week leading training sessions, workshops, and inspiring conversations designed to help our student-athletes grow both on and off the court.

Phoebe is working closely with our girls’ volleyball team as they prepare for the SGIS Girls Volleyball Tournament this weekend. She’s focusing on refining their techniques, strengthening team communication, and building mental resilience—key elements for success in competitive play. From high-energy drills to strategy sessions, Phoebe’s coaching is helping the team gain confidence and sharpen their performance ahead of the big event.

Taisiya '26 recounting her experience working with Phoebe this week:

"Phoebe's assistance with our team's practices was not only joyful but also incredibly beneficial. The biggest challenge for any volleyball team is learning rotations and positions, especially for newer players. However, with Phoebe's support, our team visibly improved and was able to perform confidently in the game the next day. Her unusual but highly effective drills helped the team pick up new tips and refine techniques for use during the game."

The boys’ volleyball team will also benefit from a dedicated training session with Phoebe, giving them the opportunity to learn from her international experience. Her visit will wrap up with a reflection session on Monday, celebrating a week of growth, teamwork, and inspiration. Phoebe’s presence reminds our athletes that with passion, focus, and teamwork, great things are within reach!

We had a chance to ask Phoebe some questions about her experience at LAS, and learn how she sees sports enhancing a student’s personal development:

What have you noticed about LAS student-athletes?

“I’ve been genuinely impressed by their openness to learning and their enthusiasm to take on new challenges. Even with volleyball being new for many of them, they show resilience, curiosity, and teamwork. Many are still learning the foundations of volleyball, so consistency and structure will really help them feel confident and excited to keep coming back.”

What do you want to impart to our students about sports, volleyball, and teamwork?

“I want them to experience sport as a place where they truly belong. Volleyball is a vehicle for growth, opportunity, and excellence—it teaches communication, shared responsibility, and trust. A single touch doesn’t make a point…but three touches working together do.

My goal is to help them build confidence in themselves, take ownership of their effort, and celebrate progress along the way. If they leave feeling more capable and proud of trying something new—that’s a win.”

What is a motto or mantra that has guided your athletic journey?

“My mantra is: ‘You are the creator of your dreams.’ Nobody can do the work for you, but nobody can take away what you build either. Confidence doesn’t just appear—it comes from showing up, being brave enough to try, learning from mistakes, and choosing every day to chase what matters to you.”

How do you see sports benefiting a student’s wellbeing?

“Sport gives young people a space to feel seen, supported, and connected. It builds confidence, emotional resilience and courage. Students learn how to communicate through challenges, care for their bodies, and be part of a team bigger than themselves. Most importantly, sport gives them joy—a place where they can express who they are and grow into who they want to become.

I see huge potential here for volleyball to become a joyful, empowering part of school life—creating a community the students feel proud to belong to. My hope is to help build a sustainable program that includes skill development, fun, leadership, and long-term wellbeing. I hope that this week is just the beginning.”