The talent at Garden City Community College is undeniably prominent. One individual whose love for the game is profound is Vitoria Stedile, the libero on the GCCC Women’s Volleyball team.
Stedile is a player who is originally from Curitiba, Brazil but decided to play collegiately in the United States. Growing up she played chess at a local club and as her classes finished, she would typically walk around the club with her sister. One day a volleyball coach saw her and her sister and told them he was in need of more girls to play volleyball on his team. Following her sister’s lead, Vitoria decided to play volleyball and her love for the game started at the young age of 9.
Due to her size, she started out as a libero, which seems fitting because it is still the position she plays today. When asked about her position Stedile said, “I love being a libero and since I started to play and enjoy the game, I wanted to be it.”
The libero is a position in volleyball that demands a lot of pressure, since they are the best passer on the team as well as the organizer of the backrow. This spot is filled with the responsibility of picking up digs, creating playable serve receive balls, and serving aggressive balls with accuracy.
Vitoria goes on to convey her role on the court by saying, “You need to have a reading of the game, be the leader of the backrow, be confident to transmit it to others, be intense, be willing to help others spot on the court, and mainly have the passion to go all over the place to save balls.”
This job on the court is certainly a tough one, but she handles it with grace.
Of course, the jump from volleyball in Brazil compared to volleyball in the States was quite an adjustment for her. There was a difference in rules and requirements to play at certain levels back home that took some getting used to.
Stedile goes on to say, “Here colleges make everyone feel unique and valuable, and it starts with the little things like having gear and a locker with your name on it in the locker room. So here there are more opportunities and all sports get recognized.”
Vitoria is undoubtedly a prime example of hard work, dedication, and love for the game. Her passion for the game is inspiring, making her a huge force to be reckoned with.
