Gleed and Star Shine on New Zealand Beach Volleyball Tour

Niko Gleed has enjoyed a strong start of the 2025 beach season, winning back-to-back national tour events alongside New Zealand international Ben O’Dea.

They claimed the men’s gold for the second time on the tour this season. In the final, the top-seeded duo came back from a set down to celebrate a 2-1 (11-21, 21-17, 15-11) victory over second-seeded John McManaway & Thomas Hartles.

“I’ve played two national tour events here with Ben O'Dea, and we won both tournaments,” he said. “In the first one, we played Jack McManaway and Tom Hartles in the final and won in three sets. In the second, we played André, a Brazilian world champion and Olympian, in the semis and then again in the final, winning both in three sets.” Looking ahead, Gleed will team up with German player Martin Kaufer for the next tournament, starting this Friday.

Star has also been competing on the national tour, with a best finish of 5th place so far. “I’m playing the upcoming tournament with a new partner, an Australian international, and looking to get a medal!” she said. After the national tour, she will turn her focus to the FIVB Futures events in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, and Coolangatta, Australia. “I’ll be playing with Daisy Mumby for those events, and I’m looking forward to training with her again,” she added.

Reflecting on her time in New Zealand, Star said, “I’ve loved my time out here training and enjoying the southern hemisphere sun.”

Both players are gaining valuable experience against high-level competition as they continue their beach volleyball journeys.

Photos by @nzbeachtour