At 46, Patricia Aranda Muñoz, Spain`s veteran setter, has finally reached this significant stage, having long awaited this moment. As the oldest player at the World Championship, she views her role as straightforward: to leverage her vast experience to provide stability for the team during their much-anticipated comeback to the world championship.
Aranda Muñoz stated, “My primary objective is to support my teammates with my experience. I can maintain a calmer demeanor on the court, and that is fundamentally what I aim to do for my team.”
She emphasizes that composure is equally as vital as tactical execution. She advises, “Always strive to enjoy, have fun, and approach opportunities with the utmost respect, but without fear. Our goal here is to perform our absolute best.”
Spain`s qualification marked a historic moment, as the nation had not competed at this elite level since 1982. Aranda Muñoz expressed, “For us, this is an immense honor, and we are incredibly proud. It symbolizes 43 years of striving to compete at the highest possible level. We must acknowledge all the coaches and players who contributed before us, as this achievement wouldn`t have been possible without them.”
Her inclusion in the squad also serves to bridge generational gaps. She noted, “I`m a very approachable person, both with younger and older players, which I believe is crucial. I aim to treat everyone equally, regardless of age, and serve as a point of reference. Currently, we have a group coming up from other teams, and I believe they have a bright future ahead.”
On the court, Aranda identifies defense as the cornerstone of Spain`s playstyle. She urged, “Let`s showcase our best volleyball, demonstrating the strong defense we`re capable of against our opponents.” She summarized their approach as: “No fear, maximum respect, and enjoyment.”
She firmly believes the team should view this tournament not as a singular event, but as a benchmark to consistently achieve in the future. Aranda Muñoz affirmed, “Work incredibly hard, set clear goals, and perceive this World Championship as an attainable achievement. We can do it, and we can repeat this success multiple times. It`s not out of reach; we can achieve it again in the future.”
As Spain commences its campaign, Aranda observes her personal journey mirrored in the team`s collective effort. She concluded, “We embody resilience,” highlighting the years of perseverance that propelled the program back to the elite level.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood