Turkish volleyball talents Ezel Balık and Begum Kacmaz have had a whirlwind summer, swiftly moving from the Girls’ U19 World Championship in Osijek, Croatia, directly to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship in Surabaya, Indonesia. These two middle blockers have demonstrated remarkable dedication and adaptability, representing Türkiye on the international stage in back-to-back major tournaments.
For 15-year-old Balık, the U21 Championship marks her debut at this level, while Kacmaz, already a seasoned player, adds it to her resume, which includes two U19 World Championship appearances.
In Croatia, the Turkish U19 squad narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fourth. Despite the disappointment of not securing a medal, the experience provided invaluable lessons. Kacmaz reflected on the tournament as a crucial learning curve, even if the final outcome wasn`t what they hoped for. “That was my second time playing U19 in Croatia. We fought well and we could not get the medal, but we learned a lot of lessons from that tournament,” she stated. “Now we are here, we love this team, we love our staff, and we fight for this team as well.”
Balık, too, found the U19 Championship challenging yet formative. It was her first time competing against players significantly older and more experienced, pushing her beyond her usual age group competitions. “I always played with my own age group, but in the World Championship there were players two years older than me,” she explained. “It was a long tournament, and we had many matches where we learned and took away a lot.”
The transition from Croatia to Indonesia was quick, but both players embraced the new challenge. Kacmaz praised the welcoming atmosphere in Surabaya, from the excellent venues to the friendly locals, which has energized the team. “Here, I am so happy. The venues are excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. We have many goals to play for and matches against strong teams. It is going great so far,” she shared.
A significant highlight in Surabaya for Balık was Türkiye`s impressive comeback victory against Italy, a win she believes has significantly boosted the team`s confidence. “We had a really good comeback against Italy, and we won,” she said. “This is important for us to keep improving. We go day by day, making progress every match and trying to do our best.”
Their collaboration at the net is built on continuous communication and mutual support. Balık values the guidance from her older teammate, especially for improving her blocking technique. “When I made mistakes in blocking, like going back too much, she talked to me about them so I could improve, like moving more inside,” Balık noted, adding, “She also motivates me and gives me confidence.”
Kacmaz described their bond as sister-like, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue on court. Playing with a younger teammate has reinforced her understanding of how vital communication is for their collective block system. “Sometimes it can be hard for younger players to talk with older ones, but you have to communicate on court,” Kacmaz said. “We have played together for about two months this year, and we talk and share a lot about the match because when we do not talk, our block system does not work.”
From the competitive intensity of Croatia to the vibrant energy of Surabaya, Balık and Kacmaz are experiencing a unique season, competing in two World Championships consecutively. Their ability to adapt and perform at high levels underscores Türkiye`s strong presence at the net. This dual experience not only showcases their individual talents but also fuels their motivation for future championships, still driven by the unfinished business from Osijek.
Finley Blackwood 
Oliver Wrenwick