“I just loved it; there was a good teamwork dynamic.”— Ben Hood, Developing Beach Volleyroo
Ben Hood (2011–2021) represents Australia in beach volleyball and is a 2024 Developing Beach Volleyroo.
Ben’s sport takes him to the best beaches on the planet, but his love of volleyball began back at Toowoomba Grammar School, inspired after seeing his older brother play. As Ben explains, he was hooked:
Over time, his skills became more obvious. By Year 10, he had begun focusing on volleyball more seriously. He counts this period as a turning point in his young sporting career, one that prompted his decision to put all his effort into training and playing volleyball. Around this time, Ben and his family decided to move him into boarding at TGS, allowing him to easily get to early and late training sessions. He’s very quick to acknowledge and thank his parents, particularly his mum, for ferrying him to all his commitments during his early playing years.
In Year 12, he made the decision to leave Toowoomba Grammar School and attend the Australian Institute of Sport. His invitation to the Australian Volleyball Academy in Canberra saw him begin to develop as an athlete through their centralised and integrated program. Reminiscing about TGS, he credits Mr Eric Smith as a long-time mentor and someone he has stayed connected with. He especially likes running into Mr Smith at the bigger competitions, “We both have a similar passion for the game.”
At the end of 2022, Ben had to make a choice between indoor and beach volleyball. He chose the version of the sport which sees him playing on Earth’s most beautiful beaches. Ben’s inclusion in the South Australian Sports Institute’s elite performance squad has led to him joining the Developing Volleyroos, a key part of the national beach volleyball program.
Last year, Ben was part of the winning pair that claimed the Asian Volleyball Confederation’s U21 Beach Volleyball Championships in Thailand and another pair that won the Pacific Championships held in the Solomon Islands. Earlier this year, he and partner D’Artagnan Potts took home a bronze medal from the Nuvali Open Men’s Competition in Laguna in the Philippines.
Ben says finding balance as an elite athlete is challenging.
“Switching off from the game is sometimes tricky, but I like going camping and enjoying that part of my life.”— Ben Hood, 2024 Developing Beach Volleyroo
He always loves coming home to his family, who are involved in horticulture in the Lockyer Valley, “I get to work on the farm; I’m very lucky in that aspect.”
Ben wants to encourage current TGS students to give unexpected things a go and “make a different sporting choice.” Following this advice is what put him on his current path to success. Keep an eye out for Ben — he is again heading overseas to commence a European campaign.
Latest Blog
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.
Women of Grammar Luncheon
A Tribute to the Heart of the School Originally scheduled for International Women's Day but rescheduled (thanks, Cyclone Alfred!) to the eve of Mother's Day, the timing felt serendipitous. It was a day to honour the women—past and present—whose quiet strength, tireless support and enduring love have shaped the School's legacy and the lives of its boys for 150 years. The marquee was beautifully appointed for a day of merriment
