At just 16 years old, Aina Grimalt is already the captain and a key leader for the Chilean U19 national volleyball team. With volleyball deeply embedded in her family`s history, the talented outside hitter is emerging as the next Grimalt star to shine in Chilean sports.
The Grimalt cousins are a renowned name in the world of beach volleyball. Marco Grimalt and Esteban Grimalt stand as Chile`s most successful beach volleyball duo, having competed in three Olympic Games and earned numerous medals at world-level and continental competitions. However, they are just the most famous members of a large family where many are, or have been, involved in volleyball. This includes Aina`s parents, who introduced her to their favorite sport at a very young age and inspired her love for it, setting her on a path that appears exceptionally promising.
“Volleyball is very much a part of our family,” Aina Grimalt shared. “My dad plays, my mom plays. I really love volleyball, and we discuss it a lot at home. They significantly helped me get acquainted with the volleyball world. I started playing when I was nine. I`ve loved it intensely my whole life! That makes it easy for me to play, enjoy myself, and always be happy.”
She is a first cousin to Esteban and Marco, as their fathers are siblings. However, unlike the celebrated Olympians, she prefers the classic indoor version of the sport, a choice shared by most of her extended family.
“I have tried beach volleyball, but I`m truly not good at it. Indoor volleyball is much more of a team sport. A team feels like a family on the court, and that`s what`s so wonderful about it,” Aina explained her preference.
Nevertheless, she looks up to and is inspired by her accomplished beach volleyball cousins.
“They help me stay positive, remain happy, and maintain a strong mindset on the court,” she noted.
Under Aina Grimalt’s leadership, the Chilean youth national team is demonstrating significant potential on the court. This is evident despite their difficulty securing a set in the first three matches played at the U19 World Championship in Serbia. Facing strong opponents as underdogs, they refuse to surrender, competing as equals, putting up a fight, and controlling the game and scoreboard for considerable parts of almost every set. Still, they haven`t quite found the element needed for success.
“I think we need greater concentration during matches,” Aina commented. “Our reception fails too often. We make too many errors, and that hinders us in the game.”
Leading the Chilean offense, she has not only been the team’s top scorer in each of the first three matches but also serves as a charismatic leader on the court.
“I am truly proud to be the captain of Chile because it requires me to be a leader on the court, remain happy and positive constantly, and help the team stay united during challenging periods,” Grimalt stated. “And I am very proud of my team because we are progressing, we are enhancing our performance level…”
In club volleyball, Aina Grimalt competes for Boston College Santiago. Last season, her team claimed the national championship in Chile, and she earned the league’s Best Server award. While she will continue with the same club next season, her ambition is to pursue a professional career internationally, particularly in Europe, like in Italy.
“My dream is to play professional volleyball abroad, in other countries, like in Europe, in Italy… It’s a big dream!” she said. “With the national team I hope to go to other world championships and play at a high level.”
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood