Three remarkable people who have had a major influence on the careers of Team England's beach volleyball stars have recorded special good luck messages on the eve of the Birmingham 2022 competition.
Barbara Bello, the Bello Brothers Mum; Freda Bussey, Jess Grimson's secondary school PE teacher; and Soo-Bee Appleton, Daisy Mumby's university volleyball coach, have shared heartfelt messages of support for England's medal hopefuls.
Freda Bussey is a well-known - in fact a legendary - figure in the Volleyball Family. A former international player, she has turned her hand to just about any voluntary role imaginable, and has had a profound impact on volleyball. She taught Jess PE at Durrington High School in Worthing and is credited with encouraging her to try, and keep trying, the sport in the first place.
Freda said: "Jess was an excellent sportsperson and could play football, basketball and do athletics to a really high standard. However, she found the skills of volleyball a bit harder to master and was not keen to start with. Once she really got the hang of volleyball she took off."
Soo-Bee played a major role in Daisy's development at the University of Sussex. She has many good memories coaching the now England international who was a key player in the university's successful BUCS team.
Soo-Bee said: " It's been inspirational watching Daisy just keep getting better and growing and just doing more and flying higher. And I just wish them both every success."
Barbara and her husband Luis have nurtured Javier and Joaquin's development from a very early age. Both were talented players, with Luis playing professionally indoor, and their infectious love for volleyball has passed onto their sons - all three of them.
Barbara said: "Having seen, first-hand, the evolution as young men and as players. The effort, the work, overcoming injuries, sacrifices they have made to be where they are now. It has been a privilege. We are incredibly proud, and we know they will give their all and go far."
Follow Volleyball England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates and content from Birmingham 2022.
