A name that is so closely associated with the sport of volleyball in the ACT, David Flatt’s involvement in volleyball coaching began in 1976 at Melrose High School. Since guiding the school teams into the ACT Volleyball senior competitions, David has led a long and successful coaching career.
In a long and successful career, David has coached teams at the Australian Volleyball Schools Competition (AVSC) and the National Schools Cup, receiving the highest recognition for his coaching success with many different teams.
This is highlighted by the time he spent at Wanniassa High School where after co-founding the Panthers Volleyball Club, teams coached by David won a total of 24 ACT championships over a 10 year period. This included gold for the Open Men’s 2nd division on two occasions and silver for Intermediate Honours Girls in 1990 at the National Schools Cup. Similarly,
David’s time at Calwell High School resulted in 10 ACT Championships over five years, with more medals at the National Schools Cup. David also guided teams to five ACT Championships while at Erindale College.
A number of players coached under David’s guiding hand went on to achieve representative honours with both the AIS and Australian Volleyball teams. Most notably, Rowan Turner, Avril Wentworth, Laurel Wentworth, Robyn Wentworth and Rachel White were selected to play with the national team, Laurel as captain. Rachel White went on to represent Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Further representative triumphs include being named the Assistant Coach/Manager for the Australian Under 21 Men’s team for a USA tour and in 2002, being named head Coach of the Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, returning with a rare gold medal success from the FSM games.
Administrative achievements include being an active member of the ACT Volleyball Board with various responsibilities from 1977 to 1981. David has also been the secretary of the ACT Secondary Schools Sports Association (ACTSSA), from 1993 to 2003, the ACTSSA Volleyball convener, and the National Volleyball Secretary for School Sport Australia from 1996 to 2004.
In 2001 David was awarded a 15 year Achievement Award, along with being awarded Life Membership to ACT Volleyball, the Australian Secondary School Volleyball Association, and the ACT Secondary School Sports Association. In recognition of his contribution to sport, David was awarded the Sport Australia Medal in 2000.
VOLLEYBALL
Born: 29 July 1949
Inducted: 2004
Associate Member