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St. Joseph's 15-Year-Old Venkatesh Reddy Earns a Spot on Andhra Pradesh's Volleyball Dream Team

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 22:06 GMT by The Hans India

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St. Joseph’s Student Earns a Spot on the Andhra Pradesh Volleyball Dream Team

A bright young athlete from St. Joseph’s High School in the Andhra Pradesh town of Tirupati has made headlines by securing a place on the state’s elite volleyball squad that will represent the region at the upcoming National Junior Volleyball Championship. The story, reported by The Hans India, chronicles the journey of 15‑year‑old Venkatesh Reddy, his relentless dedication, the support system that has propelled him forward, and the broader significance of the event for local sports development.

The Rising Star: Venkatesh Reddy

Venkatesh, whose full name is Venkatesh Reddy Reddy, is a junior in the 10th grade at St. Joseph’s. Known among his classmates for his height (5’10”) and natural agility, he has been a staple of the school’s volleyball team for the past two years. Coaches note that his “quick reflexes, disciplined footwork, and a surprisingly mature understanding of game strategy” set him apart from his peers.

The article opens with a snapshot of Venkatesh on the sand‑covered court during a recent practice session, the coach shouting tactical cues while the other team members practice serves. Venkatesh himself admits that volleyball has become his passion in the last three years, citing a moment when he was inspired by a televised match of India’s senior national team.

The Selection Process

The selection for the Andhra Pradesh junior team was not a simple “pick‑me” decision. According to the news piece, the All India Volleyball Federation (AIVF) has instituted a multi‑stage screening process, beginning with district-level trials, followed by state-level qualifiers and final selection by a panel of seasoned coaches.

St. Joseph’s coach, Mr. S. Prasad, explains that the district trials were held in Visakhapatnam earlier this month. Venkatesh’s performance there—where he posted a 5‑point spike, 3 successful blocks, and 7 assists in a single game—earned him a place on the “watchlist.” In the state qualifiers, held in Hyderabad, he faced competition from 12 other district champions. He managed to maintain an average of 4.5 points per set and was noted for his consistent serving, which the selectors flagged as a key strength.

Ultimately, the panel of coaches from the Andhra Pradesh Volleyball Association (APVA) approved his inclusion in the squad slated for the National Junior Championship in Goa. The article emphasizes that the final call came from Coach Anil Kumar, a former national player, who highlighted Venkatesh’s “unwavering determination and leadership potential.”

Community and Institutional Support

One of the most striking aspects of the story is the role of St. Joseph’s in nurturing local talent. The school has recently upgraded its sports facilities, adding a new indoor court and a dedicated weight‑training zone. In the piece, Principal Mrs. Radhika Devi expresses pride in how the institution balances academics with sports. “We believe that sports education is essential for a well‑rounded personality,” she says.

The article also touches upon a broader trend: the Andhra Pradesh government’s increased investment in sports infrastructure and coaching camps. A link within the article leads to a press release from the Department of Sports, detailing a budget of ₹5 crore earmarked for state‑wide youth training programs. This includes scholarships for promising athletes, specialized coaching, and partnership with national academies.

The National Junior Volleyball Championship

The event, scheduled to commence in early December, will see 20 teams from across India competing for the coveted junior title. According to the article, the championship serves as a talent pipeline for India’s senior national squad. By participating, athletes like Venkatesh not only gain international exposure but also attract attention from sports clubs and potential sponsors.

The article notes that the tournament will be held at the Sardar Patel Indoor Stadium in Goa, with the matches broadcast live on national sports channels. “It’s an opportunity for young players to test themselves against the best in the country,” says Coach Kumar. “We expect our team to bring not only skill but also the spirit and discipline that our state prides itself on.”

A Personal Story of Perseverance

Beyond the statistics, the news piece paints a vivid portrait of a young man who has balanced school, training, and personal commitments. Venkatesh’s mother, Mrs. Anuradha Reddy, shares that the family has made sacrifices: a new diet plan, early morning practices, and an evening session for mental conditioning. “We’ve learned that success is a marathon, not a sprint,” she says, tears glistening in her eyes.

Venkatesh himself reflects on his journey with humility. “I was just a kid who loved the game,” he says. “Now I have a chance to represent Andhra Pradesh, and I promise to give my best.” His statement resonates with the article’s overall message: that talent, when coupled with community support and institutional backing, can rise to national prominence.

Broader Implications for Sports in Andhra Pradesh

The story, while focused on one individual, underscores a larger narrative about sports development in the region. The article cites the state’s previous achievements in badminton and athletics but notes that volleyball has lagged. The success of Venkatesh and his teammates is being seen as a turning point.

A link within the piece directs readers to a statistical report from the Indian Olympic Association, highlighting the incremental growth of volleyball participation in Andhra Pradesh over the last decade. According to the report, the number of registered players increased by 30% in 2022 alone, largely due to government initiatives and school‑level programs.

Conclusion

In summarizing the article, it is clear that St. Joseph’s student Venkatesh Reddy’s selection to the Andhra Pradesh junior volleyball squad is more than a personal triumph; it is a testament to the growing ecosystem of sports in the state. The combination of dedicated coaching, improved facilities, governmental support, and the unwavering determination of the athlete creates a narrative that inspires aspiring sportspeople across the region.

The piece closes with an optimistic note: as the National Junior Volleyball Championship approaches, the community will rally behind their representative, hoping for a strong performance that could spark further interest and investment in the sport. For now, all eyes will be on the courts in Goa, where a 15‑year‑old from a small Andhra town could carve a path toward national and even international recognition.