During 2005, a chance meeting between Nicole Hannan (nee Sanderson) and LM's Peter Drake set in motion the concept of Team LM.

After months of intensive behind the scenes planning, Team LM was born in September 2005, after which Nicole proudly represented Team LM on beach volleyball's International and Australian tours for almost two years.

With 16 years experience representing Australia internationally under her belt, in February 2007 Nicole announced her retirement on a career high, as 2006/2007 Australian Tour Champion with team mate and fellow Athens 2004 Olympian, Summer Lochowicz.

Nicole immediately made the transition from Team LM athlete to Team LM Manager, primarily responsible for travel arrangements, training, competition and travel apparel/equipment, Team LM communications, LM staff training days and workshops.

Playing History

After a successful indoor volleyball career, including a 4-year stint at Pepperdine University in the United States to complete a BSc Sports Medicine, Nicole pursued her real passion, Beach Volleyball.

Nicole started competing on the FIVB International Beach Volleyball World Tour in 1998 where she and her partner, Tania Gooley achieved a number of top 5 results in the world.

Nicole was on track to achieve her dream of participating in the Olympic Games in 2000, until an injury forced her out of competing in June 2000. After undergoing 11 months' reconstructive surgery on both knees, Nicole took 18 months off to rekindle her passion for the game, strengthening her resolve to win at Athens in 2004.

With her new partner, Sydney Olympic Gold medallist Natalie Cook, Nicole finished the 2003 World Tour with numerous podium finishes and ranked 4th in the world.

Nicole and Natalie also won a Bronze medal at the 2003 World Championships in Rio de Janeiro and claimed the Australian Open and National Titles in 2003/2004.

Nat and Nic then went on to finish 4th at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games after a gallant effort from both in the bronze medal match despite both sustaining serious shoulder injuries.

Nicole was also named as the 2004/2005 AVF Most Outstanding Female Beach Volleyball Player.

back to team profiles