On the volleyball court, Leilani Slacanin is a presence that commands attention. Beyond her considerable height and engaging smile lies a formidable outside hitter whose recent performances have been instrumental in Germany`s progress in a significant tournament, securing a coveted spot in the knockout stages.
Germany concluded the preliminary phase strongly, finishing second in their pool with a 4-1 record. Their next challenge pits them against the defending champions, a true test of their capabilities.
Leilani arrived at the tournament not as a guaranteed starter, but as a reserve player ready to contribute. However, circumstances, specifically an ankle injury to a teammate early in the competition, rapidly elevated her role. What could have been a setback for the team became a pivotal opportunity for the young player. To her credit, the 192cm hitter grasped this chance with both hands, or perhaps more accurately, with powerful swings and disciplined defense.
Her statistical trajectory tells the story: from a modest 6 points in the opening match loss, her output soared to 15 points in a crucial win, a similar tally in the next victory, and an impressive 12 points in the final preliminary round match. She transformed from a backup option to an undeniable key contributor, becoming something of an unlikely hero for the German squad.
On being asked about stepping into a starting role, Leilani stated her consistent mindset: “I thought my opportunities would come as a substitute but it didn’t really matter because I was ready to support my teammates from inside or outside. It doesn’t make a difference for me if I start or come in because I always give my best to help my team.” This readiness, she explains, is a principle instilled by her mother: “My mum taught me to always be ready and to show what I have in me so if I get a chance, I always want to use it and do my best.”
Considering her family background, perhaps Leilani was always destined for the volleyball court. Her father played beach volleyball for Germany, her elder brother competes at the club level, and her mother, Tonya Williams, was a highly accomplished player for the USA national team, including appearances at the 1992 (bronze medalist) and 1996 Olympic Games. While she explored other activities like ballet and judo as a child, volleyball was the one that stuck, largely due to the sheer enjoyment she found in it, often alongside her mother.
“I tried other sports but I didn’t really like it. When I went to my mum, it was so much fun so it was an easy choice,” she recalls. Her early volleyball education was a unique apprenticeship under her mother, who coached her at TV Hörde. This dynamic meant no special treatment on the court; she was held to the same standards as everyone else. Even now, her mother remains a vital source of guidance, offering tips before games and reviews afterward, though with an understanding born of personal experience that differs slightly from her father`s more direct critiques.
At just 16, Leilani has already signed with German Bundesliga club Allianz MTV Stuttgart, a significant step in her burgeoning career. Despite this rapid ascent, she maintains a remarkably grounded perspective. Her focus remains dual: contributing to her new professional team and completing her high school education over the next three years. This pragmatic approach highlights a maturity beyond her years.
Her evolving game is reflected not just in points, but in her developing all-around skill set. Her tournament tally includes a healthy mix of spikes, blocks, and aces. She finds particular satisfaction in passing, recognizing its foundational importance. Her long arms, she notes, provide a distinct advantage both in attacking over blocks and executing effective passes. While blocking was initially a challenge, dedicated training has brought significant improvement, and she embraces taking calculated risks with her serve.
As Germany enters the demanding knockout phase, Leilani is undoubtedly a player the coaching staff will rely on. The team`s chemistry is strong, she observes, and they possess ample talent. Having achieved their initial goal of advancing from the group, they are now focused on adapting to the increasing intensity of the competition. The belief is present: “We know what we can do and what other teams can do and if the games get even tougher then we can adjust to the level. We can win even against tougher teams if we give our best.”
The ultimate aspiration is clear, and perhaps inevitable given her lineage: representing Germany at the Olympic Games. Her primary inspiration and “role model” remains her mother, the Olympic medalist. The dream is not just about the competition, but about experiencing the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Her mother`s simple, consistent advice guides her: train hard and take care of your body.
As Leilani Slacanin continues her journey, striving towards that Olympic goal, one characteristic will likely remain constant: her smile. It`s not a performance; it`s an expression of her fundamental approach to the sport. “I’m always a happy and positive person so it just comes naturally,” she explains. For Leilani, the joy of playing and having fun are not peripheral elements, but core components of her success. “It’s important that I keep this because if I don’t have fun then nothing will work!”
Rupert Caldwell