The relentless pace of elite youth sports rarely accommodates a moment`s rest. For Ezel Balık and Begum Kacmaz, Türkiye’s rising stars in women`s volleyball, the concept of a `break` appears to be a mere theoretical construct. Having recently concluded a rigorous campaign at the U19 World Championship in Croatia, these formidable middle blockers promptly exchanged European courts for Indonesian ones, diving headfirst into the U21 World Championship. This demanding itinerary is not merely a test of endurance but an accelerated masterclass in competitive volleyball, offering a unique dual perspective on high-level play.
The Croatian Crucible: Lessons Forged in Fire
Their intense summer began in Osijek, Croatia, at the U19 World Championship. Türkiye’s valiant efforts there culminated in a fourth-place finish, a whisker away from a coveted podium spot. For Begum Kacmaz, a more seasoned competitor already familiar with the U19 battleground, it was a valuable, albeit challenging, experience. She reflected on the campaign:
“That was my second time playing U19 in Croatia. We fought well and we could not get the medal, but we learned a lot of lessons from that tournament.”
The sting of coming so close undeniably lingered, yet it served a crucial purpose. This near-miss was not a failure but a robust calibration exercise, transforming disappointment into a sharpened resolve for future endeavors. It provided an early, potent dose of the competitive reality: sometimes, the greatest lessons are learned just shy of victory.
The Indonesian Arena: Building Momentum in Surabaya
Barely having time to reset, the duo transitioned to Surabaya, Indonesia, for the U21 tournament – a significant elevation in the competitive landscape. For Ezel Balık, at just 15 years old, the U19 experience was particularly challenging, often placing her against opponents several years her senior. It was a baptism by fire, compelling her beyond her established comfort zone:
“I always played with my own age group, but in the World Championship there were players two years older than me. It was a long tournament, and we had many matches where we learned and took away a lot.”
Now, in Indonesia, the atmosphere feels distinctly different. Kacmaz has lauded the “excellent” venues and the “friendly and welcoming” local reception, elements that undoubtedly infuse energy into a team pushing for new heights. A pivotal moment in Surabaya was Türkiye’s hard-fought comeback victory against Italy, a win Balık credits for significantly bolstering their collective confidence. “This is important for us to keep improving,” she noted, underscoring a daily commitment to progress, match by match.
A Partnership Forged at the Net: The Power of Communication
Their remarkable efficacy at the net is not coincidental; it is the direct product of constant, candid communication. Ezel Balık openly acknowledges Begum Kacmaz`s invaluable mentorship, particularly in refining her blocking technique. Balık stated:
“When I made mistakes in blocking, like going back too much, she talked to me about them so I could improve, like moving more inside. She also motivates me and gives me confidence.”
Kacmaz, in turn, describes their dynamic as akin to a sisterly bond, highlighting the absolute necessity of open dialogue, especially for maintaining their intricate block system. Her technical assessment is direct and clear:
“Sometimes it can be hard for younger players to talk with older ones, but you have to communicate on court. We have played together for about two months this year, and we talk and share a lot about the match because when we do not talk, our block system does not work.”
This synergy, bridging a two-year age gap with professional precision, is a testament to their shared objectives and burgeoning maturity.
Unseen Demands, Unwavering Spirit
To navigate two World Championships in such rapid succession is an extraordinary feat, demanding immense physical and mental fortitude. It is a challenge most players might never encounter, let alone conquer. Yet, Balık and Kacmaz have not merely participated; they have adapted, competed, and significantly contributed to Türkiye’s efforts on the global stage. This unique double-engagement has, perhaps ironically, granted them the “best of both worlds”—an unparalleled breadth of high-level competitive experience within a single summer. For Türkiye’s volleyball future, their performances affirm that the pivotal middle-block positions are undeniably in safe, exceptionally talented hands.
The “unfinished business” from Osijek still resonates, a quiet but potent motivator. As they continue their relentless upward trajectory, Ezel Balık and Begum Kacmaz embody not just individual talent, but the collective ambition of a nation striving for volleyball prominence. Their journey, marked by rapid transitions and profound learning, is a compelling narrative of youth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Rupert Caldwell