Aussies Abroad #8 – Mikaela Stevens
In the latest installment of the Aussies Abroad series, Volleyball Australia catches up with Mikaela Stevens, the talented setter who has just wrapped up a successful season in the German 2nd Bundesliga Division. Known for her dedication and passion, Mikaela has made a name for herself both in Australia and internationally, representing the Volleyroos with pride while pursuing a professional career overseas. Her journey from Sydney to international volleyball stardom is a testament to her hard work, determination, and love for the game.
Early Life: A Competitive Spirit Fueled by Family
Mikaela Stevens’ story begins in Sydney, where she was born into a sporty family. With two older brothers, competition was always at the heart of her upbringing, and sports became a natural outlet for her boundless energy. Growing up, Mikaela was encouraged to pursue a variety of sports, and it was at Santa Sabina College that she first discovered her love for volleyball.
“I grew up in a sporty family, with two older brothers, and I was always taken to their sports, and they always made sure that whatever we were doing, it was a competition,” Mikaela recalls. “And I, as their little sister, was determined to show them I was always going to be the winner, naturally.”
The competitive spirit that ran through her family soon translated into a love for volleyball. It wasn’t long before Mikaela became involved in her school’s volleyball program, and her talent quickly shone through. It was a fateful encounter with the school’s sports coordinator that helped her take her first steps into serious volleyball competition.
“Our school sports coordinator was looking for a few extra players to fill up a Year 7 team in our school’s competition, and from there I played in every Schools Cup from Year 7 to Year 12,” she says. “Through this, I was able to join the NSW state teams as well as be selected for the Junior Australian program.”
From 2011 to 2016, Mikaela immersed herself in the sport, taking part in Schools Cups, Development Camps, and international tours. This period of growth and dedication laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable volleyball career. Mikaela’s commitment to volleyball and her growing skill set did not go unnoticed. In 2017, she was invited to join the Centre of Excellence women’s program at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), a pivotal moment in her volleyball journey.
From Sweden to Germany: The Path to Professional Volleyball
Mikaela’s journey took her overseas in 2022, when she signed her first professional contract with Linkoping Volleyball in Sweden for the 2022/23 season. Her move to Europe marked a significant step in her career, allowing her to experience the high level of competition that comes with playing in professional leagues.
“Moving overseas to play my first professional season in Sweden was a big step for me,” Mikaela shares. “It was an incredible experience, learning and growing as a player while adjusting to a completely different environment both on and off the court.” Building on her success in Sweden, Mikaela signed with ProWin Volleyball TV Holz for the 2024/25 season in the German 2nd Bundesliga Division. Playing in one of Europe’s top volleyball leagues has been an exciting new chapter in Mikaela’s career, and the challenges that come with professional volleyball have only fueled her desire to continue improving.
“Now I’m playing in the German 2nd Bundesliga with ProWin Volleyball TV Holz,” she says. “It’s been a great opportunity to continue developing as a player, and the level of competition here is incredibly high.”
For Mikaela, every experience, whether in Australia or abroad, has been an opportunity to grow, learn, and refine her craft. She credits her time in Europe as one of the most enriching phases of her career, as it has not only provided her with the chance to play at a high level but has also given her the opportunity to learn from some of the best players and coaches in the world. Looking ahead, Mikaela remains committed to both her personal growth and the continued success of the Volleyroos. Having represented her country on numerous occasions, she is determined to help elevate the Australian women’s volleyball team to new heights.