Despite recently celebrating her 18th birthday (October 8, 2004), Julia Ituma has already achieved significant milestones, including a gold medal from a European Championship and the Most Valuable Player award. This Italian opposite hitter was instrumental in leading her team to victory at the #EuroVolleyU19W tournament last summer, where she was subsequently named MVP. Ituma participated in eight matches, playing 27 sets in total, and accumulated an impressive 116 points, averaging 4.3 points per set. In the tense final against Serbia, which Italy won 3-2, she contributed 21 points with a 43% attack efficiency. Now, she is focused on showcasing her talent in the Italian League, competing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara. Formerly a player for Club Italia, Julia Ituma is strongly positioned to become a major star in the world of volleyball – learn more about her journey now!
The Beginning
Volleyball found Julia almost by chance, a turn of destiny. Due to her rapid growth, reaching her current height of 191cm, she decided to take up the sport in the sixth grade, after initially trying basketball.
Going Pro
Soon after joining Club Italia, Ituma began to realize that a career as a professional volleyball player was a realistic possibility.
“I was looking at all the players who were there – top players, and they were doing something that I too loved, and in which, according to those who understood much more than me, I could get pretty good. So, I decided to put my heart and soul into it, and I`d say we`ll see how it goes on.”
Julia Ituma
The National Team
The summer of 2022 proved highly successful for Julia and her national teammates. They first secured victory at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) held in Slovakia, and then immediately pursued their next target: the trophy at the #EuroVolleyU19W.
The Club Experience
Ituma is currently gaining valuable experience with one of Italy`s most esteemed clubs, Igor Volley Novara. She is determined to maximize every opportunity to learn and enhance her skills on the court.
“Here, in Novara, I am again the one who has so much to learn and to demonstrate. They are placing a lot of trust in me, and now, it`s up to me to show that it is worth it. One of my main goals is my personal growth – always keeping eyes and ears open to new opportunities, to learn and to improve myself. I want to thank the staff – I am more than sure they have a lot to take. I am learning a lot from the players as well – from my team and from others, I am finding and will certainly find many ideas for the game.”
Julia Ituma
Seeking Inspiration
Rather than looking up to one specific player, Ituma is focused on forging her own path and establishing her unique presence in the sport.
Finley Blackwood 
Jasper Thornfield