SUCCESS STORIES

BROOKLYN RIWAKA

Brooklyn Riwaka of Year 12 has been playing softball since the age of 7, before transitioning into baseball. He has now represented New Zealand in baseball and Victoria in softball.

This year, he was selected as captain of the SSV U18 Softball team, where he demonstrated strong leadership and provided valuable guidance to younger players. In May he spent time in Sydney, representing School Softball Victoria. The team went on to win a bronze medal.

Brooklyn’s primary position is infield pivot but is often used as a utility as he can play in every position.

Brooklyn is pictured here with his team and with Bobbie, who coached him in both his first SSV U12 selection in 2019 and his most recent, and final, U18 selection in 2026. 

Congratulations Brooklyn. Your talent and evident dedication to your sport shows great future promise.

ZOE ZHANG

Year 7 student Zoe Zhang has been making some incredible progress in her chosen sport of karate in recent times.

Zoe has been studying martial arts since the age of seven at Kimekai Karate, working her way from a white to a black belt.

In the past six months, Zoe has won the Silver Medal for Female Kata and the Gold Medal for Female Kumite at the Melbourne Open Development Division back in February 2026.

In March 2026, she was selected as a Victorian State team member and will represent the VIC Team in the National Championship to be held in Hobart Tasmania this coming July. 

Zoe also won a Bronze Medal for Female Kumite at Shukokai Cup Elite Division last Sunday 14 June 2026. In this tournament, Zoe won three rounds amongst 13 competitors and lost one. In her final round she beat the podium veteran and favorite opponent, securing the win in the last two seconds!

We are very proud of Zoe’s dedication and achievements and look forward to hearing how the Championship goes in Hobart.  

Best of luck Zoe.

Kelly Payne

Publicity