Whakatāne High School vollyeballers Kendall McKane and Monique Prasad have every reason to be sporting massive smiles as the year nears an end.

The duo have been named in the 18-strong New Zealand Junior Women’s Squad to prepare for the 2025 Asian Championships.

Their selection in the side is well deserved as both players put in a large amount of training to perfect their skills and become the best players they can. There were more than 200 people trialling for the four teams.

Kendall said there were plenty of nerves around whether she’d make the side or not.

“It was a very scary feeling opening up the email but then when I read that I had made it into the team, I was super excited.”

Earlier in the year, Kendall was part of a New Zealand Development side and said she learned a tonne from the experience, which she felt put her in good shape when the trials took place.

“The trials were good; it was to reconnect and play with some of the girls that were in my New Zealand development team this year, although it was still nerve-racking, as any trial is.”

She hopes to learn as much as possible while in camp with the side.

“I’m expecting to learn lots of new skills and learn more about myself and my ability to play at a high level.

“Making this team has always been a goal of mine especially because this year I was in the development team so making the Asian champs squad is super-awesome.”

Kendall and Monique were both part of Bay of Plenty representative teams this year and also met up in the Whakatāne High School senior A girls’ volleyball side.

“This year’s volleyball season has been good; Monique and I have played with each other in our school team and also our Bay of Plenty team. It’s so cool to have another opportunity to play together again for New Zealand.”

Recently, Kendall played for Tauranga at the club nationals.

“That was a great experience for me as I played in the Tauranga women’s A team. It was so cool to play with different girls who I haven’t played with before and I also learnt lots from the older and more experienced players,” she said.

Monique admits to being surprised when she read her name in the team via email.

“I was very overwhelmed and happy. I was quite surprised that I made the Asian champs squad as the competition was very strong and so many talented girls trialled.

“It definitely was my goal to make this squad, so I’m so grateful I did, however, I was quite surprised when I found out.”

The year 12 student said it had been a busy season on the volleyball court and she had learned loads.

“Volleyball for me has been going very well this year. This season was great as I learned so many new skills and got to experience playing at such a high level at club nationals.    

“The trials were pretty hard as they were right after a week of playing at club nationals. However, the coaches were very mindful of this as most of the girls trialling played as well. It was so cool playing with girls I’ve always played against in school and IPC competitions.”

Like Kendall, she expects plenty of support from the coaching team.

“I’m expecting to get great and helpful feedback as I know the New Zealand coaches are amazing for both teams.”

The venue for the Asian Cham-pionships is yet to be announced.