Introducing HV's New Staff Members for 2026

HV is pleased to welcome Tanith Harley (Operations Coordinator) and Vicente Rubina (Competitions Coordinator) to the HV staff, commencing this week!

We recently advertised for a Competitions Coordinator to assist with the delivery of the 2026 calendar of programs and competitions alongside Michelle Slack-Smith. However during the interview process we identified the tremendous experiences that both Tanith and Vicente have developed in previous operational, production, sporting and community roles, and the value they could both offer in the service of Hunter's community of volleyballers. So we committed to employing both, to consolidate our activities in 2026 and build on our vision for the future. Tanith and Vicente have started onboarding with HV this week and will be heading to our venues in the coming weeks to meet everyone and see how captivating volleyball is for players, supporters and spectators alike!

Tanith - Operations Coordinator

With a background in the events and arts industry, and experience working with companies such as Disney Theatrical Group and Crossroads Live, Tanith brings valuable expertise in coordination, teamwork, and delivering engaging experiences for audiences. Having played sport from a young age, Tanith has developed a deep appreciation for the power of collaboration and competition. She is particularly passionate about the history of baseball, especially the evolution of women’s baseball and is excited to bring her skills and enthusiasm to her new role with Hunter Volleyball as she continues building her career within the sports industry. HV is drawing on Tanith's leadership experience to ensure the successful delivery of our current programs, investigation of inclusive and adaptive programs, and opportunities to raise the profile of volleyball throughout the region.

Vicente - Competitions Coordinator

Originally from Peru, Vicente holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport & Recreation Management from Hannibal-LaGrange University (USA) and a Master of Sport Management from the University of Technology Sydney. He has also completed certifications in Sports Marketing (Northwestern University). Vicente brings diverse experience from roles across three countries: managing soccer events and social media in Chile, coaching youth and college teams in the USA, supervising store operations at Hibbett Sports, and delivering sports programs in Sydney with the Australian International Sports Organisation. A former university men’s soccer team captain and always an enthusiastic team player, Vicente is known for his positive energy, cultural adaptability, and punctuality. HV is excited to see how Vicente's eye for detail will elevate the Junior and Hunter Volleyball Leagues, streamline the portfolio of competitions, boost participation, and help build stronger community connections through your great volleyball experiences.

HV also wishes to advise that our Operations Manager Michelle Slack-Smith, will be stepping down from her part-time position with HV, to pursue a full-time corporate role. Over the next four weeks she will continue the onboarding process with Tanith and Vicente as they learn all about Hunter Volleyball, and transition into their respective planning and delivery roles ahead of Michelle's departure on 30th March 2026. Michelle has been a volunteer Coach, Committee Member and former President, and part-time employee of Hunter Volleyball since 2019. She has helped shape a Vision for our regional Association, and helped us achieve numerous strategic goals over the past 7 years. HV is on a path for continued growth and success under the new leadership of Tanith and Vicente, and we look forward to seeing Michelle around the court enjoying games with her Cheetahs and Panthers teams throughout 2026.