At just 20 years old, Helena Wenk Hoengen has already secured a significant position on the global sports stage and bears the weight of high expectations. The 199-centimeter outside hitter delivered an outstanding performance at the Women’s U21 World Championship in Surabaya, leading the Brazilian national team to a bronze medal, which marked her second such award following a similar one in 2023.
“I am very happy because this is the second time I have played in this tournament, and the second time I have won a medal,” she commented after Brazil`s 3-1 victory over Bulgaria. Her impressive 23 points in that match, accumulated from 17 attacks, four blocks, and two aces, clearly demonstrated her versatility and composure in an intense battle.
Helena emerged as one of Brazil`s tallest and most promising volleyball players, whose physical presence tangibly influenced all aspects of the game. Her height, combined with her reach and impeccable timing, makes her a constant threat at the net, while her growing self-assurance is gradually shaping her into a true team leader. At this championship, she accumulated 120 points over nine matches, averaging more than 13 per game, proving her ability to lead the Brazilian national team in the most crucial moments.
Helena celebrates after the bronze medal match against Bulgaria at the Women`s U21 World Championship.
According to Helena, her game approach is rooted in a simple yet powerful lesson instilled by her coach. “I must think like a winner. My coach tells me this all the time. I train hard, I always strive for the best results, and I do everything I can to help my teammates,” she shared.
This mindset guided her through long weeks of preparation and throughout the tournament, where Brazil`s medal hopes frequently rested on her shoulders.
Her rise has been accompanied by recognition as one of Brazilian volleyball`s brightest young stars. With this, she admits, comes pressure. “It`s not easy because there`s a lot of responsibility to carry, but I train hard every day and I know I can count on the staff for support. I still have a lot to improve,” she noted.
Helena poses after Brazil`s bronze medal victory at the Women`s U21 World Championship in Surabaya.
Helena has already begun successfully bridging the gap between youth and senior volleyball. She values the opportunity to compete extensively at the U21 level, while simultaneously applying insights gained from training with seasoned players. “Here I can play more than with the seniors, but I can use what I learn with the senior team to help my teammates and support our development in these matches,” she explained.
Her immediate future with the senior national team remains uncertain, but her ambition is clear. “I want to support all players training with the team and help us secure another medal and achieve a strong result in the next tournament,” she declared.
Helena is more than just another rising star; she embodies the qualities that have long defined Brazil`s volleyball tradition: power, skill, and the resilience to transform pressure into outstanding performance. With two bronze medals already in her collection, she has begun to forge a path that could lead her to the very pinnacle of the sport.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood