The athlete participated in a national volleyball qualification stage. “I don’t know how this adventure will end, but I’m already happy for the call-up”
THIESI. Thiesi and Sardinia are cheering on Caterina Piredda, of Sporting Thiesi. The only Sardinian athlete called, Caterina represented the island at the third national qualification stage 2021 which was held in Milan from 23 to 25 May. «It was a fantastic experience, it was days of intense work. I met many girls with the same passion as me and time has flown ». For the Tiesina the internship represented the first step of a long journey, which one day could lead her to wear the blue jersey. Caterina Piredda, almost 15 years old (she turns 18 on June 18), from the height of her meter and 85 has a great dream: to become part of the women’s volleyball team.
How does it feel to be called to such an important event?
«When my coach sent me a text message to notify me of the call-up, I felt a very strong emotion. It didn’t seem real to me. ‘
Like many girls of her age, Caterina attends the first year of the “Spanu” high school in Sassari, loves pop music, in particular Dua Lipa, and sports just like her parents, former athletes.
Why volleyball?
“My mother had studied ballet. I tried but I’m not good at it. I also tried basketball and swimming, nothing to do. Then by chance I discovered volleyball and I got passionate ».
How old did you start?
“At first I used to play at the municipal field with my friends. Then when I was 10 I decided to join the Thiesi sports association and with the support of my coach, Mario Sanna, I realized that there was something different from all other sports. I was passionate about playing volleyball ».
Perhaps he inherited this passion from his father, Bastianello.
“As a teenager, even my father was part of a men’s volleyball team, and probably he passed it on to me.”
What is your role in Thiesi today? Who are your favorite players?
«In the Thiesi team I wear the number 8 jersey and play the role of the opposite just like my idols, national champions Paola Egon and Ivan Zaytsev, but my favorite player is Alessia Orro, Sardinian like me. I admire her sporting path, I hope to imitate her ».
What do you expect from this new adventure?
«I don’t know how this page of my sporting career will end. However, it was a great privilege to have participated as the only Sardinian athlete in the stage in Milan. I tried my best, then we’ll see ».