Vanuatu secured a bronze medal at the Beach Pro Tour Futures event in Wuhan, China, celebrating both a podium finish and a coaching milestone for Miller Pata. This achievement marks the Pacific nation’s second top-three finish at this competition level and represents Pata’s first medal as a coach after retiring from her distinguished playing career.
Under Pata’s guidance, athletes Majabelle Lawac and Sherysyn Toko overcame the Chinese duo of Lin MeiMei and Xie Hong in a 2-1 battle (21-15, 7-21, 15-10) to secure third place. This success signals Pata's smooth transition from elite athlete to national team coach.
Coaching Supported by FIVB Empowerment Program
Appointed in 2023, Miller Pata has been backed by the FIVB Empowerment Program. This initiative helps national federations strengthen their competitive and technical frameworks through:
- Provision of expert knowledge and training tools
- Development programs for female leadership in volleyball
- Support for age-group coaching and scouting
Pata’s leadership also extends to youth development—she mentors Vanuatu’s junior national teams and coaches her daughter in the under-18 category. This aligns with efforts to create inclusive and sustainable progress in the sport throughout Oceania.
Strategic Growth for Oceania Volleyball
Vanuatu’s performance in Wuhan reflects a broader, forward-looking strategy aimed at raising the region’s volleyball profile. Key goals include:
- Empowering women to take on leadership roles in coaching
- Developing structured pathways from junior to elite levels
- Increasing international competitiveness through targeted support
With experienced athletes like Pata taking the reins, Vanuatu is showcasing how strategic investment and leadership can convert potential into podium success.