Valentina Gottardi has become one of the most recognisable faces of a new generation in beach volleyball.
Multiple Beach Pro Tour titles, an Olympic appearance and a European silver medal have established the Italian among the leading players in the women’s game. Yet when Gottardi talks about her ambitions, the conversation quickly moves away from achievements and towards the people she hopes to reach through the sport.
“My biggest dream. My greatest aspiration right now is to inspire athletes, especially young athletes, to help new fans fall in love with this beautiful sport that we play, beach volleyball, and to convey my values through my style of play while having fun,” she said.
Gottardi views success as a platform. Recognition and results may have elevated her profile within the sport, but they have also given her an opportunity to influence others. The dream she describes is not centred on what beach volleyball can give her, but on what she can give back to beach volleyball.
The sport’s influence on her own life helps explain that outlook.
“Beach volleyball has taught me that I am resilient, and that when I set my mind on doing something, I will never stop trying to achieve it until I succeed,” the 23-year-old said.
Resilience is a word that appears often in sport, but Gottardi speaks about it as a lesson rather than a characteristic. Beach volleyball has challenged her, demanded patience and required her to adapt as her career has evolved. In the process, it has given her a clearer understanding of herself as both an athlete and a person.
That personal growth is reflected in the advice she would offer to the younger version of herself.
“If I could talk to my younger self, I would probably tell her to keep believing in herself, to follow her dreams and to never give up. Despite the difficulties, I would tell her to follow her mind, but above all, her heart.”
The Italian star’s message is rooted in experience. Trusting yourself, embracing challenges and enjoying the game are lessons beach volleyball taught her and lessons she hopes to share with others.
They also sit at the heart of her biggest dream. She wants to inspire athletes, help new fans discover the sport and share, through her own example, some of the lessons beach volleyball has given her.
This World Volleyball Day on July 7, celebrate the moments that made volleyball part of your life. Share the experiences that inspired you, taught you something about yourself and deepened your love for the game using #WorldVolleyballDay.
