Volleyball has continued to grow in popularity at Trident High School in recent years, with an increasing number of talented athletes taking up the sport.

Seventeen-year-old Sua Te Whetu-Lomi is one of those players making his mark.

Originally a rugby player, Sua discovered volleyball a few years ago and quickly found himself drawn to the game. Before long, it had become his primary sporting focus.

His rapid development earned him selection in the New Zealand Under-18 men’s volleyball squad following a three-day trial in Tauranga, where players from around the country competed for places.

However, changes to overseas touring plans meant the travelling squad was reduced, costing Sua his place before the team could compete internationally.

Rather than dwell on the disappointment, he has already shifted his focus to earning selection in the New Zealand Under-21 squad in 2027.

“I know making the team isn’t guaranteed, but if I keep playing and training hard, I’ll give myself the best chance,” said Sua.

Closer to home, Sua is the youngest member of his local senior club side, which recently finished fourth at the national championships, narrowly missing a place on the podium.

Although Trident High School does not currently have a dedicated volleyball development programme, the local volleyball club provides aspiring players with opportunities to continue training and competing outside the school environment.

“I play for the Bay and school representative teams, and I’ve also helped build our club’s development programme to help younger players improve their game,” he said.

Sua has also branched into beach volleyball, where the game presents a different challenge.

Recently selected for the New Zealand Under-18 men’s beach volleyball team, he believes the discipline has made him a better all-round player.

“It’s a different game because it’s only two-on-two, and playing on sand really helps build strength,” he said.

“My normal indoor position doesn’t involve a lot of passing, but beach volleyball has made me much more confident receiving the ball and helping lead the team.”

His growing list of achievements includes a gold medal at the recent Battle of the Kaimais tournament, adding to the silver medal he earned at the New Zealand Inter-Provincial Championships in Wellington last May.

Balancing representative sport with school remains one of his biggest challenges.

“I can’t really afford to fall behind, so it’s tempting to pull out the Chromebook between games, but I try to avoid that if I can.

“Usually there’s enough time between games to stay on top of my work, and my teachers are understanding if I need an extension,” said Sua.

For now, he has no intention of choosing between education and sport, preferring to give both equal attention.

His long-term ambition is to earn a sporting scholarship overseas, although he is also considering studying at a South Island university, where he hopes to pursue a degree in health or sport science.

Sua credits his family as his biggest supporters throughout his journey.

“I've got a really sporty family, but I'm the only one who plays volleyball. They were a bit unsure when I stopped playing rugby, but once they saw how serious I was and how quickly things were happening, they got right behind me. They support me 100 percent,” he said.

For now, Sua’s priority remains his education, but with his talent, work ethic and determination, there is little doubt his sporting future is bright – whether on the indoor court or the sand.

While Sua remains focused on his education, his sporting future appears full of opportunity, regardless of which direction he ultimately chooses.