EUSA Insider:
Sofia Migliorini
Age: 23
University: University of Bologna
Sport: Volleyball
Published 27 September 2024
1. Describe the EUG 2024 for you in three words:
I describe it as:Surprising, inspiring, and fun.
2. How do you manage stress before and during the competition?
Our team has a tradition of always playing music, but most importantly, we remind ourselves that we are here to have fun and work together as a team to achieve results without pressure. It’s essential to stay focused and always play with a smile.
3. How would you describe the team spirit within your group? (Maybe: Do you have a signature symbol/mascot/song…)
There are many characteristic things about our team, the most important is certainly our microphone, without which we wouldn't be able to sing all the team's choirs. Our team has many unique characteristics, but the most important one is definitely our microphone—we couldn’t sing all of our team chants without it!
4. Can you share an anecdote or a memorable moment with your team during the EUG 2024?
We celebrated our captain Chiara's birthday by eating ice cream together!
5. How is this competition compared to those you have participated in before and is this your first time participating in an EUSA event?
Every year the level increases more and more so these European Universities Games was even more stimulating than the previous ones, some teams were very well prepared.
6. How has sports influenced your personal and academic life in terms of mental strength, discipline, skills etc.?
I believe sports have literally changed my life. I am someone with a strong sense of duty, but sports have taught me to organize myself down to the smallest details. When you have a regular commitment in the mornings and afternoons, you need to be precise and plan everything else accordingly. Sports have definitely boosted my self-confidence.
7. How long have you been practising this sport and what advice would you give to someone who wants to start practising your sport?
I've been playing volleyball since I was 7 years old. I tried other sports, but volleyball immediately stole my heart. I would encourage anyone to try it, or any team sport, because it makes you feel good. It brings you many friendships with people who support you through tough times, who make you smile, and with whom you share stories and victories.
8. Are you satisfied with your results at the Europan Universities Games 2024?
Absolutely! It's our third consecutive win, and I couldn't be happier.
9. What was the most exciting thing and the most challenging thing related to this event?
I think both emotions come together in one simple experience: playing against girls who live the same life as you, but perhaps in different places and countries. I think it's a wonderful thing.
10. Besides sports, what else have you done while being at the EUG 2024?
As Italians, we love to celebrate, dance, and sing. We had so much fun and did a lot of team-building during these moments.
11. Will you come back to another EUSA Games or Championship in the future?
Yes, definitely, next year!
12. What is your message to your fellow student-athletes in relation to participation in the European Universities Games ?
Simply don’t miss this wonderful opportunity. To me, it is exciting to know that I live the same challenging sporting and academic life as so many other young men and women like me—realizing that I am not alone. That's when you see how amazing it is to play a sport!
The women's team of University of Bologna defended the title of champions for the third time in a row at this years European Universities Games in Debrecen and Miskolc, Hungary.