In 2023, the Associated Independent Colleges (AIC) celebrated 25 years of sporting excellence and participation between the eight member Colleges. An integral part of the 25-year celebrations was the announcement of the inaugural inductees into the AIC Hall of Fame.

The caliber of athlete celebrated in the AIC Hall of Fame is incredible, with many household names of Australian sport over the last 25 years completing their schooling at one of the eight AIC member Colleges. It is particularly inspiring for current students to meet these sporting stars and it is wonderful to see the relationship that still exists between the past students and their former schools.

Grant Sorensen is an AIC Hall of Fame athlete who is currently making a significant contribution to his former school. Grant is the First VI Volleyball coach at St Edmund’s College. Grant is proud Olympian, representing Australia in the sport of Volleyball at the 2004 Olympic Games and during his international career represented the Volleyroos (Australian Men’s Volleyball Team) on 75 occasions between 2001 and 2004.

Grant in Australian Uniform.

Just a short conversation with Grant gives you a clear understanding that he has a passion to share his experiences to contribute to the young men in his care, to grow and reach their potential. Grant emphasises:

“I’m not here to identify and develop future Olympians, but I know my journey and unique experiences from a high school student, representing Australia and professional athlete to dad and coach, are valuable in supporting our young men find their feet, their confidence and motivate themselves to reach their potential in any aspect of their lives.  If, by chance, great volleyballers emerge from this involvement, then this is a fantastic bonus.  Volleyball is the most played sport on the planet and the opportunities are greater now than ever – so I love enabling athletes to become a part of this.”

Grant remembers his participation in AIC sport with great fondness. Grant participated with his twin brother in most sports at St Edmund’s. He recalls the ability to participate in so many sports, regardless of his ability. These included Cricket, Basketball, Cross Country and Rugby and recalls the AIC Track and Field Championships as “my favourite day of the year”. In fact, Grant only started playing Volleyball at St Edmund’s in Year 9 and this decision to play Volleyball would lead him to a career in the sport and take him all over the world including playing professionally in Austria. But in talking to Grant, you get the impression that one of the biggest sporting highlights came representing St Edmund’s in Year 12 with the First VI Volleyball team being crowned AIC and Queensland Schools Cup Honours Division Champions. The team would go on to finish 3^rd in the country at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup – the largest school sporting event in the southern hemisphere.

SEC First VI 2024

While being a proud St Edmund’s College graduate and fiercely competitive in his role as St Edmund’s College First VI coach, Grant is still enthusiastic in his willingness to give advice to all students in the AIC. Grant’s advice for all young athletes is:

“Firstly:  It is so important to set goals for your future.  Ask yourself what you want to achieve and then regularly and honestly reflect on your decisions, actions and progress.

Secondly, I think Dwayne Johnson said it best, “Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room”.  In other words, don’t underestimate how important practicing hard work and being your best is (at everything you do) at building strength in all aspects of sport and life.”

It is clear that Grant’s coaching is having a positive influence on the players his team. St Edmund’s First VI Captain Angus Davis enthusiastically explains this influence.

“Grant sets an incredible standard, teaches us a lot of what he has learned from playing at St Edmund’s though to playing for Australia.  Personally, he has taught me to be a good leader, stick up for others and have a positive presence on court. Grant has definitely taught me to be a better leader” Angus said.

To recognise and celebrate the achievements of Grant and his fellow AIC Hall of Fame inductees, the Association has launched the “Hall of Fame” page on the Association website. This is a wonderful addition to the website, outlining the achievements of athletes from all member Colleges across a diverse range of sports. It is hoped that by acknowledging these incredible athletes’ achievements, it will inspire our current students to reach their potential in sport. Hopefully, one day, just like Grant they will return to inspire the next generations of AIC athletes!

Please visit the AIC Hall of Fame at www.aicsport.com.au/hall-of-fame.