Nadia Siuda has a strong talent for drawing and might have pursued an artistic path. However, fate and circumstance guided her towards her other gift, volleyball, which has become her primary focus, leaving drawing as merely a leisure activity.
And rightfully so! Nadia`s exceptional setting ability and creativity have made her stand out every time Poland has competed in this year`s World Championship. She is undeniably the driving force behind Poland`s undefeated run in the tournament, which includes wins against major teams like defending champions USA, 2023 silver medalists Türkiye, and European champions Bulgaria.
“I think we have an amazing team, we are 12 excellent players who truly enjoy what they do. We try to have as much fun as possible when we are playing together on the court. Being the captain of this team is a huge pleasure for me. I feel great being able to support my team both as their leader and setter because I need to be involved in every play,” said Nadia, who turned 18 last month.
With only three knockout rounds left, Poland is widely considered a strong contender to win this World Championship. The Polish team finished first in Pool C undefeated with 13 points and continued their impressive form in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, where they comfortably beat Thailand to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Their next match is against Asian silver medalists Japan on Friday at 6:15 pm local time.
“Thailand gave us a good match as we expected, but our defense secured the victory. It’s fantastic that we remain unbeaten and are ready to face Japan. They are another team from Asia, so we need to plan carefully. When we saw the draw, we knew it would be challenging, but we also felt we had a real opportunity if we gave our best performance. Every game we’ve played has built our confidence. Our goal is the gold medal, but we understand that every match is equally important,” Nadia commented, having been part of the Polish team that lost 3-2 to Croatia in the Round of 16 in the 2023 edition.
Nadia`s talent for volleyball was evident from a young age. Her mother, Wiesława Siuda, was a professional volleyball player in Poland, proving that athletic ability runs in the family.
“Both my parents were sportspeople; my father is a football coach and my mother played volleyball. They guided me into sports, and I fell in love with it immediately. I’ve never considered doing anything different,” said Nadia, the eldest of two children.
“My mother certainly influenced me to play volleyball and acted as my first coach when I was starting out. She still supports me today, but now more in the role of my mother rather than a coach,” she added.
Her smaller build as a junior meant she couldn`t play near the net, so she initially started as a libero. As she grew taller over time, she transitioned to the setter position, which she continues to play today.
“Playing both as a libero and a setter has given me a comprehensive understanding of the game. Passing is naturally the most vital aspect of volleyball, and as the setter, the team`s entire execution depends on you. Playing these two roles has significantly helped me develop into a better player and a leader since I interact with every person on the court,” Nadia emphasized.
Her list of role models is as impressive as it is varied. Setters Alessia Orro (Italy), Maja Ognjenović (Serbia), and Joanna “Asia” Wołosz (Poland) are on her list, along with Brazil`s star outside hitter Gabriela Guimarães.
“I really admire Orro’s character; she is powerful and clearly knows what she’s doing on the court. I love watching Maja; she’s a wonderfully unpredictable setter. When she sets the ball, you honestly never know where it`s going,” she shared with a laugh.
“Asia is a captain and a great role model for young setters, especially since she plays for one of the best clubs in Italy (Imoco). Gabi has a massive passion for volleyball; she`s like a tiger out on the court,” Nadia explained.
Currently playing for the Polish club PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź, Nadia is pleased with her career development and is looking towards a call-up to the senior national team in the near future.
Ultimately, she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her role models who have played in the prestigious Italian and Turkish leagues during their careers.
“The Italian and Turkish leagues are among the best globally, and it’s my dream to play there one day,” Nadia revealed.
“I would also love to play in Asia… perhaps China or Japan towards the end of my career. I’m fascinated by how they operate; it’s quite different from Europe. Even in this World Championship, their methods of preparing teams are distinct,” she added.
Japan could indeed be the perfect fit, an ideal place for Nadia to potentially consider retirement while still pursuing her passion for art and enjoying her favorite food, Sushi.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood