A young relative of famous beach volleyball players leads the Chilean team at the U19 World Championship.
Despite being only 16, Aina Grimalt captains and leads Chile`s U19 national volleyball squad. Volleyball is a family tradition, and this gifted outside hitter is emerging as a new Grimalt talent in Chilean sports.
The Grimalt cousins, Marco and Esteban, are renowned figures in beach volleyball, celebrated as Chile`s top team with three Olympic appearances and multiple global and continental medals. However, they are only the most prominent members of a large family deeply involved in volleyball. Aina`s parents, who are also players, introduced her to the sport early on, fostering her passion and setting her on a promising path.
“Volleyball is a significant part of our family life,” Aina Grimalt shared at the U19 World Championship in Serbia. “My parents play, I love it, and we constantly discuss it at home. They were instrumental in my introduction to the sport. I began playing at nine and have always enjoyed it immensely, which makes playing and being happy on the court effortless.”
Aina is a first cousin to Esteban and Marco, sharing the same set of uncles. Unlike the famous beach players, she prefers indoor volleyball, a choice common among her relatives.
She explained her preference, saying, “I`ve tried beach volleyball, but I`m not good at it. Indoor volleyball feels much more like a team sport. The team is like a family on the court, and that`s beautiful.”
Nevertheless, she admires her accomplished beach volleyball cousins.
According to her, “They help me maintain positive emotions, be happy and have a strong mind on the court.”
Under Aina Grimalt`s leadership, the young Chilean national team shows significant promise, even though they haven`t won a set in their first three matches in Serbia. Playing against tough opponents, they approach each game proactively, challenging their rivals and often controlling parts of the sets. However, they are still seeking that crucial element to secure a victory.
Aina observed, “I believe we need better focus during matches. Our reception is too inconsistent, and we commit too many errors, which hinders our performance.”
Leading the Chilean attack, she has been her team`s top scorer in every match while also serving as an inspiring presence on the court.
Grimalt stated, “I`m incredibly proud to be Chile`s captain. It means being a leader, staying positive and happy, and keeping the team united through challenges. I`m also proud of my teammates for their progress and improving skills…”
Domestically, Aina Grimalt plays for Boston College Santiago, with whom she won the Chilean national championship last season, also earning the Best Server award. While she plans to stay with the club next season, her long-term ambition is to play professionally overseas.
She shared her aspiration: “My dream is to play professional volleyball internationally, perhaps in Europe, like Italy… It`s a significant goal!” Regarding the national team, she added, “With the national team, I hope to compete in more world championships and perform at a high level.”
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick