Vanuatu secured a historic bronze medal at the Beach Pro Tour Futures in Wuhan, China, overcoming the host nation in a dramatic 2-1 playoff victory. This achievement marks the country's second-ever podium finish in the Pro Tour and serves as a significant milestone in the coaching career of Miller Pata.
A seasoned beach volleyball athlete with two Commonwealth Games bronze medals, Pata guided players Majabelle Lawac and Sherysyn Toko to victory over China's Lin MeiMei and Xie Hong with set scores of 21-15, 7-21, 15-10. This win not only highlights her effectiveness as a coach but also underscores her successful transition from elite player to inspiring mentor.
Pata’s coaching journey has been supported by the FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment program, which aims to elevate technical skills and foster leadership—especially among women—in beach volleyball. Since 2023, the initiative has driven growth in national teams by developing coaching capabilities and investing in local expertise.
The Significance of this Achievement
- Only Vanuatu’s second Pro Tour medal.
- First major coaching success for Miller Pata.
- Validation of the Empowerment program’s impact.
- Raised profile for women coaches in global beach volleyball.
Beyond this event, Pata also contributes her experience to youth development programs in Vanuatu, helping to ensure a strong pipeline of future athletes ready for international play. Her role is shaping not just current competitors, but also nurturing the next generation.
This bronze medal represents more than a tournament success—it signals growing momentum for Vanuatu in international beach volleyball, driven by empowered leadership and targeted support.
