Petra Manderson has built an extensive and decorated career in volleyball, competing internationally while excelling academically. A standout at Burnside High School, she helped her team claim the NZSS National Championship in 2015 before earning a scholarship to play in the United States.

She began her collegiate career at Hillsborough Community College before transferring to the University of Texas at Arlington, where she competed in the NCAA DI Sun Belt Conference. After completing her degree in Psychology, she returned to New Zealand to earn a Master of Science in Industrial and Organisational Psychology from the University of Canterbury.

Petra has been a long-time member of the Volley Ferns, representing the country in events such as the Tahiti and Australia tours, and she is currently preparing for the 2025 Aussie Test Series. She has also contributed to the sport as a coach, working with St Andrew’s College and Burnside High School. As a VNZ Athletic Leadership Group (ALG) Member, Petra continues to make a significant impact on and off the court.