In these first words, Irene Verdino summed up what she is experiencing in the States.

When did you decide to embark on this experience and what did the Sportlinx360 staff support you in?

I decided to start this experience during my fourth year of high school and we immediately turned to Sportlinx360 to better understand what it was and if so what the first steps would be. The staff was crucial because they were able to explain perfectly to me what I was supposed to do and assisted me with everything, especially with the documentation which can be tricky. At the same time, I appreciated the fact that they were always very transparent with me and never hid the difficult parts of this experience so that I could make an informed decision. They directed me towards the Showcase which was pivotal in my decision and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of doing this experience to attend one of the showcases because it is very well organized and is a taste of what to expect from a volleyball point of view. Even after I left they were very present and were instrumental when I moved to the school I am in now.

What was your first impact as soon as you arrived in America. What surprised you the most and what were the main difficulties?

The first few weeks in America were complicated, especially because I had never been so far from home and I didn’t know English well. For a moment I thought about going home but I decided to give myself the first semester of trial and in the end I didn’t want to go back. I’m going to be very honest because I was very scared at first and I thought I had made a mistake, and in those moments the support of my parents was crucial because they helped me and pushed me to continue and I will thank them forever. Then I started to get used to the routine, English became easier and easier to understand and speak and I made real friends, and I realized that in the end it was the right choice I could make. The hardest thing to deal with was missing my family to whom I am very close, luckily I met some wonderful people who treated me as if I were part of their family making me feel at home.

If you had to choose three reasons to convince someone to take this path, which ones would you use?

Three reasons to convince someone to come to America I would say: first of all the wonderful friendships you form with people from all over the world that make you a richer person from all points of view. Then it’s the best way to really learn English and more (I speak English fluently, I understand and start speaking Portuguese, and I’m starting with Spanish too). And finally, playing at a collegiate level because it’s a completely different experience from what we’re used to. There are other reasons, of course, but these are the three main ones, in my opinion.

From when you left to today. How have you changed as a person? What did your experience as a student-athlete give you?

I’ve changed a lot as a person, I’m less shy and I have less trouble expressing my opinion in front of more people. I am more independent and I have learned what it means to live alone and have to take care of many things: the washing machine, shopping, traveling. I’m also more confident in myself, as a person and as a volleyball player. As I said before, being in contact with so many people who are different from me has enriched my cultural background and made me open my eyes to how many different realities exist around us. I’ve faced a lot of my fears and I feel more mature and happier.

Tell us about two opposite moments: the most complicated moment and the most beautiful one?

The most complicated moment was definitely the first weeks of my first year, in which, as I explained before, I had some second thoughts and I had some difficulty settling in right away. The best moment I don’t know if I’m able to choose so I’ll tell you a few: the trip to New York with my friends for Spring Break last year, seeing my friends again in August after being away for the summer (and that’s when I realized how important these friendships were to me), and winning the championship for the season that has just ended. There would be many more, but these are the first ones I thought of.

What characteristics must a student-athlete who wants to embark on this path have?

To undertake this experience a person must be 100% sure that he wants to do it because it can be difficult and – if you are not convinced – it is easy to give up at the first difficulty. I think it’s important to be aware of what you’re doing and have both the pros and cons in mind. You have to be open-minded because it’s very different from what you’re used to, and you have to be ready to step out of your comfort zone. It is important to accept making mistakes, especially in speaking English and in general if you have never been alone in such a situation because it is normal to be unconfident and make mistakes. To conclude, you have to love the sport you are starting for a lot because it becomes like a job here and it is important to be very motivated and have passion, otherwise you risk finding great difficulties due to the amount of work that is put into the sport.

To conclude, who were the most important people for you in the States who helped you in the integration and in all your experience?

The most important people were first and foremost my parents and my family, without whom I would probably have returned to Italy after the first month and I would have regretted it a lot. They have always supported me in my choice, despite the fact that it was difficult for them to let me leave and stay so far away for all this time. They have shared victories and failures with me and have always been close to me in everything. Then the friends I made here at Park University (and a girl from my other school with whom I am still very close) were fundamental in making my experience so beautiful. They are also the reason why returning home at the end of my studies will be very difficult.

What skills does a student-athlete need to have to embark on this path?

Here’s the answer.

A successful student-athlete must possess a combination of academic skills, sporting skills, and personal qualities. Here are some key features:

Academic Excellence: A good student-athlete should have a consistent commitment to study and achieve solid academic results. It’s important to balance sporting and academic commitments to ensure success both in the classroom and on the field.

Discipline: Discipline is essential to manage the intense schedules required by training and academic commitments. A student-athlete must be able to organize their time efficiently to be effective in both sports and study.

Determination and commitment: Success in sports requires consistent determination and commitment. Obstacles can emerge both on the playing field and in the classroom, and a successful student-athlete is willing to overcome them with commitment and resilience.

Team work: Many sports require a good ability to work in a team. The ability to collaborate with others is an important skill in both sports and academic life.

Effective communication: The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial, whether working with teammates or interacting with teachers and classmates.

Balancing: A successful student-athlete is able to balance sporting and academic commitments without neglecting either. A good balance is key to success in both areas.

Resilience: Ups and downs are part of both the sport and the academic environment. A successful student-athlete is able to face challenges with resilience, learning from failures and using them as opportunities for growth.

Self-control and focus: The ability to stay calm under pressure and stay focused on goals, both on the court and in the classroom, is crucial for success.

Health and well-being: A student-athlete must take care of their physical and mental health. This includes a balanced diet, adequate rest, and stress management.

Work ethic: Success in sports and studies requires hard work and consistent dedication. A successful student-athlete is willing to practice a solid work ethic to achieve their goals.

Remember that these characteristics can vary depending on the sport and level of competition, but in general, they are traits that contribute to both academic and sporting success.

A long history

Founded in 1875 in Parkville, Missouri, it is a bastion of higher education in the United States. Initially named Park College, the university has a rich history and an enduring commitment to providing quality educational opportunities.

The university’s main location is in Parkville, Missouri, but the reach extends – with campuses and learning centers – to different locations in the United States. The educational offer is wide between bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral courses. One of the focuses is certainly the innovation and tech sector, with several specialization courses that reflect current market and job trends. Other popular majors are Business, Social Psychology, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement.

The main campus is Parkville. Park University Graduate School is located in downtown Kansas City. There are 41 campuses in 22 U.S. states including four campuses in the Kansas City area (downtown Kansas City, Independence, Lenexa, and Parkville) and one university center in Austin, Texas. A curiosity about the venues? Most satellite campuses are located in or near U.S. military bases.

A multicultural community

Park University’s community is inclusive and global, welcoming students from diverse cultural backgrounds that form a multicultural learning environment enriched by diversity.

Sports-wise, Park is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes primarily in the Heart of America Athletic Conference since 2020/2021. There are 18 different disciplines within the sports program distributed between the men’s and women’s sectors. At the men’s level we find the volleyball, baseball, basketball, cross-country running, golf, football, athletics (indoor and outdoor) teams; while women’s sports include volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, cross-country running, golf, soccer, softball, track and field (indoor and outdoor); and mixed sports include esports.

Both women’s and men’s volleyball are among the most successful and followed programs in the history of the university under the orders of coach Talamantes who has been at the helm of both teams for more than 10 years.

In particular, at the volleyball level, the Pirates and the Pirates – in order – have won several NAIA national titles as well as having always gained access to the NAIA national finals.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL:
National Champions 2018
National Champions 2014

VOLLEYBALL:
National Champions 2017
National Champions 2014
National Champions 2012

The link with Sportlinx360

Park University presents itself as an institution of higher learning that blends tradition with innovation. Its long history, flexibility of studies, social commitment and diversity all contribute to shaping a well-rounded educational environment.

An environment where many of our Sportlinx360 student-athletes have grown, studied, and won on the field and become part of the Pirates’ history.

Our athletes @Park: Arianna Marino (WVB): 2023 – Irene Verdino (WVB): 2022 – Michele Bascapè (MVB): 2022 – 2023 Alessandro Tolin (MVB): 2022 – Vera Beltrame (WVB): 2020 – 2023 – Margherita Marconi (WVB): 2018 – 2022 – Luciano Bucci (MVB): 2018 – 2022 -Andrea Maggio (MVB): 2017 – 2019.

In addition to Danna Gomes and Rodrigo Ribeiro, current Sportlinx360 collaborators and both former student-athletes of Park University.

What are the most important and must-see national parks in the United States? Among our notes we have marked five, probably the most famous, the most well-known that you have certainly heard (and even seen) between movies and TV series.

Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho – is the oldest in the United States and covers a vast and spectacular area that spans three different states. What is it famous for? Certainly for its geysers, including the famous Old Faithful, hot springs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and packs of bison. A place to mark on the list of places to visit absolutely.

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park (California) is known for its incredible rock formations, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, spectacular waterfalls, dense groves of giant sequoias, and variety of unique flora and fauna. Place that will blow your mind!

One of America’s most iconic parks, Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) offers breathtaking views of the majestic gorge carved out by the Colorado River. It is a place of extraordinary beauty, with sheer cliff faces, incredible shades of color, and a vast diversity of ecosystems. Unmissable and, we repeat, iconic. For many, visiting it could mean a dream come true.

Known for its spectacular mountain scenery and glaciers, Glacier National Park borders Canadian territory. Its mountains, valleys and glacial lakes create a unique scenery. It is also the “home” for many species of wildlife, such as bears, moose, and roe deer.

To conclude, we move to Florida, to one of the largest ecosystems of subtropical swamps in the world. Located in the southern part of Florida, Everglades National Park is a preserve for a wide range of species, including alligators, manatees, otters, and an almost endless variety of birds. The Everglades are also important for ecosystem conservation and the protection of endangered species.

This is the essential information about five of the most important parks in the United States of America, but we would like to add a few more to the list that has nothing to envy to the previous ones. So let’s continue with…

Traveling to southwest Utah is Zion National Park, known for its spectacular red sandstone canyons, towering vertical walls, and breathtaking hiking trails. Attractions such as the Angels Landing and the Narrows attract visitors from all over the world.

Known for its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and rich forests, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife spotting. This national park is located in the eastern part of the United States and is famous for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity

Dominated by the majestic Denali Mountain (formerly known as Mount McKinley), the eponymous national park offers spectacular scenery and incredible wildlife. It is home to many species, including bears, moose, wolves, and caribou. Denali is a paradise for adventure and exploration lovers in one of Alaska’s most remote and untouched regions.

If you are passionate about nature and hiking, these are notes that you should keep with you.

A UEFA Champions League scenario, the vibes of a FIFA World Cup final, the excitement of an NBA game. Yet we have not witnessed any of this. The sporting event that attracted more than 92,000 people sees NCAA women’s volleyball as the undisputed queen.

It is well known that sports competitions on US soil are renowned for their success and popularity, thanks to significant media coverage and ingenious marketing strategies. But this time something incredible happened, as the Americans, big fans of football and basketball, made room in their hearts for women’s volleyball. And they did it in the state of Nebraska, now made known not only by its vast cornfields, but also by our beloved playing field.

Wednesday was a record-breaking night at the packed Memorial Stadium when Nebraska hosted Omaha in an outdoor volleyball game. The attendance of 92,003 people set the record for the largest audience to attend a women’s sporting event in the United States… and in the world! The stadium, home to Nebraska football for 100 years, has become the symbol of volleyball thanks to the viral images we find

on social media these days. The pre-game announcement sanctioned something new, a new beginning: “Welcome to Memorial Stadium. Home of Nebraska Volleyball.”

Nebraska prevailed in all three sets: 25-14, 25-14, 25-13. The Huskers, as their players are called, have imposed themselves with excellent percentages and a well-organized defense, as can be seen from the low percentages of the opponents (-.080). The Huskers are famous for their qualities in the fundamental of the wall, and this time too they did not disappoint. In just three sets, they hit 7 blocks and led Omaha to 25 offensive errors.

A testimony rather than an interview. Margherita talks about her experiences, her feelings and how this path is changing her life.

You took part in the Showcase as an athlete and then as a tutor. What were your feelings today and what were those of the past? I had the opportunity to participate in two showcases as an athlete during the summer of my third and fourth year of high school with Sportlinx360. As an athlete, I felt tremendous excitement and happiness in visualizing my future in the United States, studying and playing volleyball in American colleges and universities. However, I can’t deny that during the showcases I was also a bit afraid to think about a future so far away from my family, my friends and Italy in general. In the third year, I was still in the process of exploring this option, while in the fourth year I was pretty much 100% sure that I wanted to go down this path. Participating in the showcases in 2018 and 2019 was one of the most significant experiences of my journey both as a student and as an athlete. In addition, participating as a tutor made me reflect once again on the importance of the path taken and of my sports and educational career, making me very happy to be able to help other girls overcome the doubts and uncertainties that I had also had in 2017 and 2018.

The Showcase is an essential step for those who dream of flying to the States. How do you prepare for this event? What advice can you give to those who want to participate and take advantage of this opportunity? The showcase is a key step as it offers a taste of what awaits you in the United States once you leave. It introduces you to the world of sports and American university studies. Jesica and Elitza, along with the rest of the staff, play a valuable role in guiding and explaining all the stages of this experience, making the showcase a unique and very interesting experience. There is no specific preparation, but it is important to be ready to get involved in every aspect: on the volleyball court, in the English language and during possible interviews with American coaches. My advice for those who want to participate in this experience is not to be afraid to show off, the showcase is the perfect opportunity to get noticed. American coaches not only evaluate your athletic ability, but also pay attention to your behavior on the court, your interest in studies, your leadership qualities and your ability to collaborate with teammates, and much more.

Your experience in America continues. What have been the main steps and the most important stages so far between life, study and volleyball? Moments, successes and emotions. This year I finished my third year in the United States, the first two at Southern Illinois University in Illinois and the last, after moving, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Living in America has been a journey that has allowed me to learn many things in different areas, from daily life to study, passing through volleyball and the social sphere. The first semester as a freshman was the most complex and challenging, especially since I left during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had to adapt to a culture that was very different from ours, to the English language, to the intense life of student athletes, to the new social relationships I developed, to the different way of dealing with sport and studying. Even the most difficult moments I consider them as opportunities for personal growth and a fundamental part of my journey. There are so many good memories: the trips around the United States to play in huge arenas that we don’t even have in Serie A in Italy, the fun moments with my teammates and new friends, the excitement before games, the fun during training and the adventures with my friends outside of university. I was also fortunate enough to travel as a guest to my teammates’ homes, both in Colorado and Florida. I took a trip to New York City with my boyfriend one year and another trip with my mom and sister the following year. This year has been the best so far: at UTRGV I found a family and I had a lot of fun and satisfaction. The greatest joy was winning our Conference Regular Season during the fall of 2022, a moment I will never forget.

What has this student-athlete experience given you so far? How has it improved you? This experience has enriched me in every aspect of my life. I came to the United States as a young girl and came out as a grown woman. Living alone so far from home has made me understand and learn many things. I had to put myself out there and manage my time well. Personally, I’ve learned to believe more in myself and my abilities, not to be afraid to start something or fail, because it’s part of the journey. I learned to live and understand totally different cultures and I understood the importance of consistency in things: step by step, we can achieve what we want.

Many guys are leaving, others will leave. What’s the main piece of advice you want to give him? My main advice for those who are leaving or who will be leaving is to inform themselves thoroughly about what awaits them, in order to limit surprises once they arrive. It is helpful to listen to TV series or songs in English spoken in the United States, to familiarize yourself with the language and accent. You also don’t have to worry too much about making friends, as it’s much easier to bond on American campuses, where many live nearby and share similar routines. Finally, I recommend asking lots of questions to those who have already left, since we had the same doubts as those who are about to leave and we can offer valuable advice and stories of personal experiences.

In recent days, Jesica has flown to the United States with a stop at George Mason University – to attend the NCAA men’s volleyball finals – which is now the largest public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Headquartered in Fairfax County, in the greater Washington area, it now has four different campuses plus one in South Korea, in the city of Incheon.

Originally founded in 1949 as a regional branch of the University of Virginia, it became an independent institution in 1972. It is named after the founding father of the United States, George Mason, an important figure in the American Revolution and the Philadelphia Convention, referred to – along with James Madison – as the Father of the Bill of Rights.

THE FAIRFAX CAMPUS AND THE MASON STATUE – The Fairfax campus is the main campus, the largest one that covers over 274 hectares. There are many buildings that characterize it such as the Johnson Center, the Center for the Arts which can accommodate up to 2,000 people in the concert hall, the Long and Kimmy Nguyen Engineering Building and the recently renovated Exploratory Hall for Science. The main library on campus, Fenwick Library, another reference point for students, has also undergone a makeover. Of course, there are sports facilities such as three gyms, a swimming stadium, an outdoor and indoor athletics stadium and fields for soccer, baseball, lacrosse and tennis.

Absolutely worth mentioning is the EagleBank Arena, the 10,000-seat sports hall. The bronze statue of George Mason on the Fairfax campus created by Wendy M. Ross in April 1996 is certainly another element to note in our notes. The statue shows the founding father of the United States presenting his first draft of Virginia’s Bill of Rights, which later formed the basis for the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.

INVESTMENTS IN RESEARCH – Speaking of campuses, it is certainly curious to know more about the headquarters created in South Korea, inaugurated in 2014 within the economic district of Incheon, which covers over 17,000 hectares and currently hosts over 850,000 students. A huge structure, an extraordinary potential that projects the GMU into an international dimension.

In terms of enrollment numbers, George Mason University is the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia with over 30,000 students. There are 23 research institutes, from molecular medicine to the so-called SMART Lab specialized in medicine applied to sports: it is estimated that every year over 140 million dollars are invested in research and in particular on health, safety and environmental sustainability issues. On an educational-educational level, according to the niche.com website, George Mason University is ranked number 65 out of 270 as the Best Colleges for Information Technology and number 57 out of 695 as the Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in America, but the level paths offered are numerous.

The first ones we have to mention are certainly the two Nobel Prize winners in economics who taught at George Mason University: James M. Buchanan (Nobel Prize winner in 1986 who taught at GMU for a long time) and Vernon L. Smith (winner in 2002 together with Daniel Kahneman). Scrolling through and browsing through the yearbooks, then, you meet many other personalities who have completed their studies at GMU. We were also impressed by the many athletes who have passed through GM: many NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB stars graduated here. Other “characters”? Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Pulitzer Prize winners Pearlestein, Sherwin, Wilkins; Anousheh Ansari, engineer and the first Muslim woman in space; Anna E. Cabral, Treasurer of the United States under President George W. Bush; Denise Turner Roth, Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration. Just to name a few, the list is very long.

SPORTS AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY – George Mason’s athletes and teams are nicknamed the Patriots. In most sports, they compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Basketball is certainly the most popular sport, especially after George Mason managed to reach the NCAA Final Four in 2006. Tony Skinn, the most talented player of his time, has now become the head coach of the men’s basketball team. There are also two NCAA championships won by the men’s track and field and women’s soccer teams, to which must be added the individual titles won in various disciplines by 23 GMU student-athletes. At the men’s volleyball level, the Patriots reached the semifinals of the 2023 Conference (EIVA) by losing to Penn State in a hard-fought matchup. The women’s team, today, is led by Megan Shifflett Bachmann, three-time NCAA champion.

The word to Alessandro Gianotti, 201 cm centre-back, gold medalist at the U19 World Championships in 2019 and silver medalist at the U20 European Championship the following year, who since the summer of 2021, has chosen to continue his sporting and academic career overseas.

Alessandro is studying Entrepreneurial Management at BYU (Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah), his team is currently No. 6 in the NCAA national rankings and in the coming weeks will enter the final stages of the championship.

We often talk about how this experience can change the lives of the guys who leave: so far what is your balance on and off the pitch?

From my point of view, I can confirm all the positive things that are said about this experience. For me, coming here was like starting a new life. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people, see a lot of places that until before I only “peeked” at on my phone. Having the opportunity to study at a university here in America, in addition to providing you with an incredible wealth of experience, opens many doors for you in the near future. As far as the field is concerned, I had the opportunity to interface with different methods than those used in our country. Those who know me know, I’m quite competitive when it comes to volleyball, and coming here has stimulated me even more to give 100%.

The impact with a different reality than ours is what all student-athletes emphasize to us, as you have confirmed to us. Daily life and study, what are the main differences compared to Italy and in what personally did you find it more difficult?

That’s right, there are a lot of differences between American and Italian realities. The way universities and sports are conceived in the States is totally different from how it happens in Italy. As a student-athlete, there are a lot of commitments, it is not surprising if, for example, during the season you are away for 4 days in a row and you cannot wait for various lessons and courses. What differentiates the U.S. is that attention is paid to these details and professors are generally very willing to help when they can. The thing that probably made me most difficult is the way the Americans think. When you enter a new country, or even continent as in this case, it is obvious that there are differences, and this is one of them, that is, the way of approaching, understanding interpersonal relationships, and communicating in general.

Differences that we imagine there are also on the pitch. How did the team welcome you and what particularly impressed you about American volleyball?

Luckily for me, I have a team that to call fantastic is an understatement. The guys are wonderful people and welcomed me with open arms from day one. There are other foreigners in the team, so all of them are more or less used to it and know what it means to have a person in the team who comes from another country and who obviously does not know the language very well and even less the people. What struck me about American volleyball is the availability in terms of gyms, physiotherapy and equipment that I don’t think even in the Super League can offer to the players. The university here puts its athletes in a position to perform to the best of their ability.

Life as a student-athlete is very challenging. What do you think can be the main skills to best support this experience between sport and study?

I confirm it’s tough. Life between workouts, weights at 6:30 in the morning and exams, can become really stressful, which is why I believe that the most important skill is planning and managing the time, the energy to devote to each individual activity.

To conclude, you left to have an experience, to confront yourself with a “different” volleyball, to learn and grow. I respect your future and the world of work, what do you think all this can give you more to achieve your ambitions?

I have no doubt when I say that this was the best choice of my life. This experience, in addition to giving me a degree and therefore the possibility of finding a job at the end of my volleyball career, has given me important life lessons, has taught me to get involved, open up to new opportunities and people, above all it has taught me to never give up. I think this will give me stimuli and strength that will make me go even further in life. Obviously, all this would not have been possible without the support of my loved ones, such as my family in the first place, but also of all the staff of Sportlinx360 who, from the very first moment, proved to be able to meet my desires and requests, with the highest professionalism I could imagine.

Park University is celebrating the Heart of America Athletic Conference title for the first time (in which they landed in 2021) after last Saturday’s victory against GrandView in the grand final. Congratulations to Alessandro Tolin, Michele Bascapè and coach Luciano Bucci, the latter named Coach of the Year. With this victory, the Pirates earned access to the National Championship (April 11-15 in DesMoines, Iowa) which puts the 2023 NAIA National Title up for grabs.

A more bitter end to the season certainly that of David Barcan with Life University who loses to St. Andrews after a hard-fought and balanced match for the race in the AAC Tournament and Daniel Cogo with Midway University: the Eagles lose the quarterfinals of the Mid-South Conference against Thomas More 3-0. While there is disappointment with the team trials, Daniel and David can console themselves with individual awards: the former was nominated in the Mid-South AcademicAll-Conference, an award for the best performing student-athletes, and in the Second Team All Conference; the second, on the other hand, in his first season overseas, was included in the Second Team of the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

What can I say, keep up the good work guys, we’re proud of your journey on and off the pitch!

She opened up to us, told us in detail about her experiences at an academic level, her travels, her ability to adapt to today’s work. A long interview where the NEVER GIVE UP learned on the pitch is also reflected in life. From a leap into the void to a unique experience. Perseverance and determination are the principles on which Chiara has based her career as a student-athlete.

You came to the States to attend a Junior College, then you moved to another until you reached Carolina University where you completed your degree and obtained a Master’s degree. Tell us about your academic “journey”, the various steps you have taken and the qualifications you have obtained!

I started my experience at Marshalltown Community College, Iowa. It was a bit lost in the middle of nowhere, but the people I met were amazing and helped me so much during the first year away from home. I still have a great relationship with many of them and we see each other occasionally throughout the year. In that first year I improved my English drastically (I didn’t have Italians in my first college so I had to adapt and learn the language).

The courses of study were not too difficult, the first year are mainly all basic classes: mathematics, several courses in English and writing, public speaking. The second year I moved to New York, Monroe College with my best friend. We stayed there for the first semester, the second semester we finished online because of Covid. During that year I had many classes in accounting, finance, management, and marketing. At the end of these two years I received my Associate degree. The third year I moved to North Carolina, to Carolina University and as you said here I stayed until the end of my studies.

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration last May, graduated with a 4.0 GPA and recognition of Summa Laude. While completing my bachelor’s degree I started attending master’s level classes, and this allowed me to graduate in December 2022 with the MBA in Management again with a GPA of 4.0.

An intense path that was certainly challenging but that gave you great satisfaction: how do you think this experience has improved you?

I definitely learned to be independent, to fend for myself, and solve my own problems. I guess at this point I’ll be able to adapt to any kind of experience. The mentality has changed a lot, I have met people from all over the world, different languages, cultures, habits and each one has left me something important. I have learned to appreciate the values that my family has always passed on to me because when you travel you realize that not everyone has had the same privilege. In general, I have a better understanding of who I am and what I want to do in the future.

Today you received a job offer in the Human Resources department of Carolina University: what will be your task?

I started working in the school’s Business Office more than a year ago as a student-worker. I assisted the HR manager and took care of the employees’ salaries. During this year I have acquired more responsibilities and tasks to be carried out, always focused on payroll and human resources. Currently my title is Payroll Manager, but I mainly deal with all the HR part of the college.

Let’s talk about volleyball: what has been your impact from Italy to the States? What were the main difficulties you had to face?

Volleyball itself remains very similar to the Italian one, except for a few different rules that at first glance upset a bit, such as unlimited changes and the free serve. What changes a lot is the whole outline. By playing for college you are a role model for everyone, your behaviors are reflected in the team, the program, and the college itself. It’s important to follow the rules, and always be a role model around others. The difficulties I have often faced have been of a physical nature. In Italy I used to train three times a week, with one or two games in between. Here you train every day for two hours, the matches vary a lot, you could have 4 or 5 in the same week, sometimes more than one a day. The weights and physical preparation were quite hard initially. Athletic trainers care a lot about this part of physicality and “never give up”.

Many of them want you to get bigger and stronger muscularly and for this you have to put in a lot of effort during gym sessions. In addition, there is also a lot of physical preparation with running and sprints. There are many more “punishments”: if the team, or an individual member of the team does something wrong, often the whole group suffers the consequences, which are usually snaps at the end of training.

A totally different and challenging life. What is the routine of a student-athlete? What has been your typical day in recent years?

The routine is quite challenging. My last semester went like this. We had weights on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 to 9. Many of the classes for undergraduate students are in the morning and early afternoon, so most of my teammates would go to class soon after. I used my time in the morning to go to work.

We had training every day from one to three, and we had to be in the gym 30 minutes before to put up the net, and if you needed treatment from the physio you had to go even earlier. After training we would take a shower, have dinner at 5 o’clock (really early for our schedule, but at some point you get used to it) and my lessons would start at 6 pm, until 9 am. During the week, other sports had games, so we often went to watch football and basketball games. You have to learn to find time to study, be able to finish all your homework, and also find some time to go out with friends.

To conclude, how do you prepare yourself academically, athically and personally for such an adventure?

Personally, I took a leap of faith the first time I moved here. I had a decent foundation in English, but I absolutely improved it here with experience and day-to-day. You have to surround yourself with people who make you feel good and who help you, especially during the first year which is the hardest from a nostalgic point of view. My biggest piece of advice is probably not to think about it and prepare too much. Close your eyes and jump, or you might think twice! Good luck!