“`html
In a different reality, perhaps Nadia Siuda would be found with a pencil in hand, creating visual masterpieces. Blessed with a notable talent for drawing, her artistic inclinations are undeniable. Yet, as fate, or perhaps a well-placed volleyball, would have it, her creative energy is currently channeled into a different, dynamic form: orchestrating the Polish national volleyball team`s offense from the setter position. Drawing is now a cherished pastime, while volleyball is the canvas where she truly shines.
Leading the Unbeaten Charge
At this year`s World Championship, Siuda has distinguished herself as Poland`s setter extraordinaire. Her unique skill set and inventive play-making have been pivotal to the team`s remarkable, undefeated journey. Acting as the primary architect, she has guided Poland to significant victories, triumphing over volleyball powerhouses including the defending champions USA, the 2023 silver medalists Türkiye, and the formidable European champions Bulgaria.
This dominant form saw Poland comfortably finish atop Pool C without dropping a match. Their momentum continued into the knockout stages, where they efficiently swept aside Thailand in the Round of 16, securing their place in the quarterfinals. Their next challenge? A clash with Asian silver medalists Japan, a match anticipated with both respect for the opponent and confidence built from their winning streak.
Insights from the Court Leader
Beyond her technical prowess, Siuda, who recently turned 18, carries the significant responsibility of captaining the squad. She speaks with genuine appreciation for her teammates and their collective spirit. “I think we have a great team,” she notes, highlighting the twelve players` shared passion and commitment. “We try to have fun as much as possible when we play together on the court.” This enjoyment, she suggests, fuels their performance.
Her role as captain and setter places her at the heart of the action, a position she embraces. “Being the captain of this team is a big pleasure for me. I feel great when I can support my team both as their leader and setter because I have to be involved in every action.” It`s a clear understanding of the setter`s crucial, all-encompassing role on the court.
While acknowledging the difficulty of the competition, especially after seeing the draw, Siuda emphasizes the team`s growing self-belief. “Every game that we’ve played has made us more confident.” Their eyes are firmly fixed on the ultimate prize, but they remain grounded, understanding that “every match is important” on the path to potentially achieving their goal of the gold medal, a redemption arc perhaps after reaching the Round of 16 in the 2023 edition.
A Foundation Built on Sport
Siuda`s immersion in sports was almost inevitable, thanks to her family. With a father who coaches football and a mother who played professional volleyball in Poland, she was introduced to the athletic world from a young age. “They showed me the sports route, and I loved it from the beginning. I’ve never thought of doing something different,” she reflects, acknowledging the significant influence her parents had.
Her mother, in particular, was instrumental in her early volleyball journey, serving as her initial coach. This early guidance fostered her talent, though she notes her mother`s support now comes more in the capacity of a parent than a coach.
Interestingly, her journey to setter wasn`t direct. Starting out, her stature led her to play as a libero, a defensive specialist. This early experience proved beneficial. As she grew, she transitioned to the setter position, where she has remained. She believes playing both roles has granted her a deeper tactical understanding of the game. “Reception is of course the most important aspect of volleyball, and being a setter, everything in the team depends on your execution.” This background, interacting with every play and player, has undeniably contributed to her development as both a player and a leader.
Inspiration on the Global Stage
Even rising stars look to the established greats for inspiration. Siuda cites a compelling list of role models, particularly focusing on renowned setters like Alessia Orro (Italy), Maja Ognjenović (Serbia), and Polish veteran Joanna Wołosz. She admires Orro`s powerful demeanor and court intelligence, while Wołosz serves as a Polish icon and a benchmark for young setters, particularly for her success in the elite Italian league.
And then there`s Maja Ognjenović, the Serbian maestro. Siuda describes her as “a crazy setter,” adding with a hint of playful admiration, “When she sets the ball, you never know where it’s going.” It`s clear she appreciates the sheer unpredictability and flair Ognjenović brings to the game. Beyond setters, she also draws inspiration from Brazil`s dynamic outside hitter Gabriela Guimarães, respecting her immense passion and competitive spirit, describing her as akin to “a tiger on the court.”
Setting Sights on International Heights
Currently refining her skills with Polish club PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź, Siuda is focused on her progression. A key aspiration is a call-up to the senior national team, a natural next step in her career trajectory.
Looking further ahead, her ambitions extend internationally. Playing in the prestigious Italian and Turkish leagues is a major goal. “The Italian and Turkish leagues are one of the best in the world, and it’s my dream to play there in future,” she states, recognizing the high level of competition and development these leagues offer.
Intriguingly, she also harbours a desire to explore volleyball in Asia later in her career, perhaps in countries like China or Japan. “I am interested in how they work, it’s different from in Europe. Even in this World Championship, it’s different how they prepare their teams.” This curiosity speaks to a thoughtful approach, seeking to learn from diverse strategies and cultures within the sport.
Perhaps her upcoming match against Japan offers a small preview of this future interest. And maybe, just maybe, a successful trip to Japan could eventually combine her love for the game, an appreciation for different cultures, and a chance to enjoy some of her favorite sushi – a fitting end to a career that began with the careful strokes of an artist, now translated into the precise, creative sets of a volleyball orchestrator.
“`
Rupert Caldwell