Nadia Siuda, serving as both setter and captain, is the vital link keeping the undefeated Polish team united and effective at the U19 World Championship.
If not for volleyball, Nadia Siuda might well have pursued a career as an artist, given her notable talent for drawing. However, life, and perhaps destiny, steered her towards her other passion: volleyball, leaving drawing as a cherished hobby.
And rightly so! Nadia`s exceptional setting skills and creativity shine whenever Poland takes the court in this year’s World Championship. She is undoubtedly key to Poland`s perfect record in the competition, which includes significant victories against powerhouses like defending champions USA, 2023 silver medalists Türkiye, and European champions Bulgaria.
“I think we have a fantastic squad; we are 12 great players who are truly passionate about their sport. We try to have as much fun as possible when we play together on the court. Being the captain of this team is an honor for me. It’s rewarding to support my team both as their leader and setter because I am central to every play,” shared Nadia, who celebrated her 18th birthday last month.
With the knockout stages progressing and only three single elimination rounds remaining, Poland are strong contenders to win this World Championship. The Poles topped Pool C undefeated with 13 points and maintained their excellent form in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, comfortably defeating Thailand to secure their spot in the quarterfinals. Their next challenge is against Asian silver medalists Japan on Friday at 6:15 pm local time.
“Thailand provided a tough match as anticipated, but our defense was key. It’s incredible that we remain undefeated and are ready for the match against Japan. Facing another Asian opponent means we have to prepare strategically.
“When we saw the pairings, we knew the road would be challenging, but also felt confident if we played our best. Each victory builds our confidence. The gold medal is our ultimate goal, but we understand the importance of every single game,” said Nadia, who was part of the Poland team that lost 3-2 to Croatia in the Round of 16 in the 2023 edition.
Nadia’s volleyball talent was clear from early on. Her mother, Wiesława Siuda, was a professional volleyball player in Poland, and she clearly inherited their sporting inclination.
“Both my parents were athletes; my father is a football coach, and my mother played volleyball. They introduced me to the world of sports, and I fell in love with it immediately. I’ve never considered another path,” said Nadia, the older of two children.
“My mother definitely influenced my decision to play volleyball and served as my initial coach while I was starting out. She continues to support me to date, now primarily as a mother rather than a coach,” she added.
Her smaller stature initially prevented her from playing near the net as a junior, so she began her career as a libero. As she grew, she transitioned to setter, a position she excels at today.
“Experience in both roles has significantly improved me as a player and fostered leadership skills. Ball reception is undeniably crucial in volleyball, and as a setter, the team`s attack relies on your precise execution. Playing these two positions has really helped me become a better player and a leader since I work closely with every teammate on the court,” reiterates Nadia.
Her list of role models is impressive and diverse. Setters Alessia Orro (Italy), Maja Ognjenović (Serbia), and Joanna “Asia” Wołosz (Poland) are among them, as is Brazil’s star outside hitter Gabriela Guimarães.
“I admire Orro`s character; she is strong-minded and decisive on the court. I love watching Maja; she is an unpredictable setter. When she sets the ball, you can never predict her sets,” she says, laughing.
“Asia is a captain and an inspiration for aspiring setters since she is playing for a top club in Italy (Imoco). Gabi has immense passion for volleyball; she is like a tiger on the court,” explained Nadia.
Currently playing for Polish club PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź, Nadia is pleased with her development as she hopes to join the senior national team soon.
Ultimately, she would like to emulate her role models who have competed in the top Italian and Turkish leagues during their careers.
“The Italian and Turkish leagues are among the world`s strongest, and it’s a dream of mine to play there eventually,” revealed Nadia.
“I`m also interested in playing in Asia… maybe China or Japan later in my career. I`m curious about how they work; it’s different from in Europe. Their team preparation at this World Championship is notably different,” she added.
Japan, perhaps, would be a fitting choice, a place where she could indulge her passion for art and enjoy her favorite food, Sushi.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick