Federica Baratella has decided to quit. After 22 years, the last six with the Prochimica Virtus shirt, the free man from Biella, born in 1993, will no longer play volleyball.
When did you make this choice?
«Already at the end of last season. But I wanted to finish differently, so I gritted my teeth for another year. It became more and more challenging with work, family and in the end I couldn’t take it anymore. I’ll go to the gym a few times, but in a softer way ».
How did you start playing volleyball?
«I went to Virtus, living as a girl in Chiavazza, while after marriage I moved to Occhieppo. Then a few seasons at TeamVolley, before returning in 2015 ».
Why did you choose the role of the free?
«Coach Alessio Bellagotti has moved me from a spiker. I also had shoulder problems. I have to thank him because thanks to his intuition I was able to move up in the category. The first few years it wasn’t easy, especially mentally, to get used to just defending. A little ‘I missed not being able to attack, but I was happy with the choice made ».
What are the best memories?
“There are many, but I would say the promotion from B2 to B1”.
Which coach did you find best with?
«With Cristiano Mucciolo, but also this year with Stefano Colombo. On both occasions we had very close-knit groups ».
Is she the partner you have made the most friends with?
«I certainly grew up together with Cristina Mariottini. We have shared hundreds of trips together and I think that many cups on the Virtus showcase also bear our signature ».
Would you recommend volleyball to a child who is starting to play sports and why?
“Certainly. It is a sport that allows you to create many friendships. Plus, even if you’re not the strongest athlete in the world, you can have good times. There have been more difficult years, where you play less, but staying out weighs less. Maybe at the beginning it is a bit more boring, but then things change and we must not get discouraged ».
How did you experience the period of the pandemic?
«It weighed on me, but having the garden I was able to continue playing. Fortunately, in the second phase we were able to go to the gym, without going crazy ».