EUSA Insider:

Snow Volleyball Team of Milano Bicocca University

Athletes Names and Surnames: Sveva Romanò, Beatrice Cortinovis, Claudia Lomazzi, Federica La Rocca
Age: 24-21
Place of Birth/Nationality: Italy
University: Milano-Bicocca
Sport: Volleyball and Snow volleyball

Published 04 of January 2024

1. How did you get involved in Volleyball and how long are you practicing it?
We all started almost a decade ago, in our middle school years. It all started randomly, not for a particular reason. It started as a hobby and as a way to spend more time with friends. For Sveva it was a bit different, as her older brother Yuri was already a volleyball player, so she followed his footsteps. But for the four of us it instantly became a passion, that we still share.
2. Did you already take part in EUSA events before or is it your first time?
It was the first time for all of us, and we all enjoyed the event! We think it was a great opportunity for us to grow as athletes, as we got to play a slightly different sport from the one we are used to play, and also as people, as we had the chance to meet a lot of other studentathletes from all over Europe. It was great!

3. Otherwise did you compete in other sports events? National and local, which ones?
We have never played snow volleyball before, but we formally compete in the FIPAV championship (which is the Italian national volleyball championship), and we also play for the Bicocca university team that takes part in the CMU (which is our city’s University Championship).
4.In which ways is the participation in EUSA sport events is different from the other sport competitions you took part in?
Well, the main difference is that the EUSA event lasted just a few days while we are used to compete our national and local championships throughout the whole season. Also, the EUSA event hosted many different sports all at the same time in the same place.

5. How did you like the European Universities Winter Championships, are you satisfied with your performance and results?
We can say that, being our first approach to snow volleyball, we are satisfied with our fourth place. Although we are upset for losing the semi-final against the Bucharest team, which we had already beaten the day before. But in the end we were all satisfied as we had no expectations, we had a great time!
6. What was the most important moment for you, through the entire competition?
The most important moment for us was probably during the opening ceremony, when we were announced and we paraded in front of everybody. We felt like Olympians, it was special.

7. How do you think competing in sports events like this Championship can help your development as an athlete in Volleyball and Snow Volleyball?
We think this kind of championship can definitely help to grow as athletes because it gives you the chance to compare yourself and your team to the other players, so you can really learn from the different ways of playing and develop new skills and technique.
8.Why would you recommend participation in the Championships to other student athletes?
We would 100% recommend the participation to all the student-athletes that have this opportunity because it’s really a unique atmosphere and it’s also a great way to connecting to other students from all over Europe just like you!
9. What would be your final message to other student athletes like you?
Enjoy every moment and have fun!!