NTERVIEW WITH KATERYNA ANDRIIEVSKA!
Kateryna Andriievska is a Ukrainian volleyball player and has been training volleyball for 5 years.
1. Can you tell us something about yourself? What is your name, how old are you and where are you from?
„My name is Kateryna Andriievska. I am from Chernihiv, Ukraine, and I am currently 17 years old. I will turn 18 in a few days. I am a very goal-oriented and emotional person, and I always try to give my best in everything I do. Volleyball has become a very important part of my life. For me, it is not only a sport, but also a way to challenge myself, grow and become a better person.“
2. When did you become interested in volleyball and when did you start training?
„I became interested in volleyball quite unexpectedly. One of my friends invited me to a volleyball section at school, and from that moment I developed a huge desire to play.About six months later, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. My hometown, Chernihiv, was under siege, and life became extremely difficult. During that period, while I was hiding in a basement and was very afraid for my life, I made a promise to myself: if I survived, I would play volleyball at a high level and one day play for clubs abroad. After about a month of living under daily shelling, my older sister and I decided to leave the city and evacuate, despite all the risks. For some time, I lived in a village, where I continued training in an abandoned sports hall. I think that difficult period played a big role in shaping my character and my attitude toward life and sport. Since then, this dream has remained in my heart and has motivated me throughout all these years.“
3. How much are you tall and what position do you play?
„I am 172 cm tall and I currently play as a libero. I really enjoy this position because it requires concentration, quick reactions, responsibility and the ability to support the team in every rally. I know I still have a lot to improve, and I am ready to work on myself every day.“
4. Who are your idols in sports in general and who in volleyball?
„I am especially inspired by people who achieve success in sport and truly dedicate themselves to the training process. I believe that natural physical abilities can give an athlete an advantage at the beginning of their journey. However, at a high level, discipline, consistency and determination become extremely important. Talent may open a door, but hard work is what allows you to stay there and continue growing. That is why I am inspired not only by particular athletes, but also by people who are willing to work hard every day, overcome difficulties and keep moving forward despite obstacles.“
5. In which club did you start training and in which club are you today?
„I started my volleyball journey in Chernihiv. Last season, I trained with a women’s Higher League team in Chernihiv. I also participated in the Ukrainian Beach Volleyball Championships, which gave me valuable experience and helped me develop different aspects of my game. This season, I decided to take an important step for myself and moved to Poltava. I am currently training here and starting a new chapter of my volleyball journey.“
6. Can you single out some of the successes you achieved with the club?
„My sporting journey is still relatively young, so I see every experience as an important part of my development. One of the things I value most is the experience I gained training with a Higher League team and participating in the Ukrainian Beach Volleyball Championships. For me, success is not only about medals or results. It is also about the progress I make, the difficulties I overcome and the experience I gain along the way. During my relatively short sporting journey, I have faced many difficult situations. But now I understand that every one of them has helped me grow, become stronger and understand what kind of athlete and person I want to become.“
7. What are your plans for the future in terms of volleyball?
„My long-term dream is to build a professional volleyball career and eventually play for clubs abroad at a high level. There are still many uncertainties, doubts and fears along the way, but I have made a promise to myself not to give up and to keep moving toward my goal no matter what. I believe that if I continue working hard and stay disciplined, new opportunities and victories will come in the future.“
8. Would you recommend the younger generation of boys and girls to try volleyball?
„Definitely. I believe volleyball is not an easy sport, but that is exactly what makes it so valuable. It teaches you discipline, patience, responsibility and how to work as part of a team. It also teaches you how to deal with failure, because not every training session or match will go the way you want. I would encourage younger boys and girls not to be afraid of difficulties. You do not have to be perfect from the beginning. What matters is your desire to learn, your willingness to work and your ability to keep going when things become difficult. For me, volleyball has given me much more than just sport. It has given me a goal, taught me to believe in myself and helped shape the person I am today“
Intervjui sa sportistkinjama iz inostranstva objavljuju se isključivo na engleskom jeziku.
Interviews with sportswomen from abroad are published exclusively in English.
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