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After a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Polish volleyball legend Mariusz Wlazly, 39, declared his retirement from professional play this past Sunday, following a national league playoff match. Wlazly`s illustrious career boasts numerous accolades, most notably leading Poland to a World Championship gold medal on home soil in 2014, where he was also crowned the Most Valuable Player.
Mariusz Wlazly shares his post-retirement ambitions at a Sunday press conference.
At a post-match press conference, Wlazly expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his journey, promising a more extensive thank you in due course. He then unveiled his post-retirement plans, revealing a continued engagement with the world of sport, albeit from a different vantage point. “For over twenty years, I`ve been an active participant in national and international sporting events, encountering a multitude of situations,” Wlazly elaborated. “A few years ago, I became captivated by the intricate nature of sports competition, realizing that it demands a multi-faceted approach. Factors like emotions, stress, and pressure in sports are ripe for analysis through various interconnected lenses.”
“Why do some highly skilled players falter in seemingly `won` matches? Why can`t they apply their training and abilities in high-pressure moments requiring swift, accurate decisions? What explains `training players` who excel in practice but crumble under match pressure? And ultimately, why doesn`t superior technical skill always translate into athletic triumph?”
Mariusz Wlazly
These profound questions, he stated, ignited his passion for sports psychology.
Mariusz Wlazly, the celebrated star of the 2014 FIVB Men`s World Championship, where Poland triumphed on home soil.
This fascination led him to establish a Psychological Support Centre for athletes. “After numerous discussions with Mr. Gadomski, President of Trefl Gdansk, where I`ve spent my final playing years, we initiated an innovative pilot project this year focusing on the psychological well-being of the club`s players,” Wlazly explained. “This endeavor merges my extensive sports background and deep understanding of athletic specifics with professional psychological methodologies.” He highlighted the challenges and successes of the pilot year, noting that “the collaboration with Dr. Marta Witkowska, who directly addresses the team`s mental state, alongside my experience and the efforts of the entire sports preparation staff, enabled us to reach our goal of advancing to the play-offs.”
Next season, Wlazly will take on the new role of Coordinator of Psychological Preparation for the club. He emphasized his academic qualifications, stating, “I have completed postgraduate studies in pedagogy and sports psychology and am currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at the University of Gdansk.”
In his new capacity, Wlazly will oversee the integration of psychological support for players, staff, and management. His duties will include enhancing internal communication, facilitating goal-setting for individuals, the team, and the club, and fostering the development of crucial soft skills among players and coaches alike. Special attention will be given to improving communication, cooperation, team cohesion, and innovative problem-solving within the organization.
Finley Blackwood