The 'family' bond behind Argentina’s Frascaroli & Garcia’s Dakar journey

When Angeles Frascaroli and Garcia Curado Isabella began their partnership in March this year, little did they know that their unifying factor, beach volleyball, had given them a unique gift.

What started as a beach volleyball team meant to represent Argentina in various youth competitions this year has morphed into a friendship and family bond that extends well beyond the confines of the sand court.

Born and raised in different provinces in Argentina, Santa Fe and Buenos Aires, separated by more than 450 kilometres, their paths might never have crossed under ordinary circumstances. Beach volleyball, however, had other plans with the two teenagers having become an integral part of each other's families.

"This year we have shared so many moments together. We have been seeing each other throughout the year. She has visited my family several times and stayed at our house for two weeks. I have also visited her home and spent one or two weeks with her family whenever I have travelled there," revealed Frascaroli.

Their connection is perhaps best reflected in the way they complement each other, not just technically but emotionally. On the court, they understand their respective responsibilities. Away from it, they have become each other's biggest support system.

"She is always by my side to lift me up when I feel low or calm me down when I get angry. Most importantly, she is an amazing human being," said Garcia, whose primary role on court is a defender.

For Frascaroli, the secret to their chemistry lies in the light moments and mutual understanding they share, even in the pressure-filled moments before a match.

"We joke a lot, both on and off the court. We have a very good relationship. Before matches, we discuss how we are going to play and approach the game, then take deep breaths and make jokes to calm ourselves," explained Frascaroli, who looks up to Italy's Valentina Gottardi as her role model.

That bond has also translated into admiration for each other's qualities on the court.

"I really enjoy playing with her. I like her defence and attitude on court. She always has the hunger to win and is the best partner I have had so far in my career," Frascaroli sang Garcia’s praises.

A team is as good as its coach and in Fernando Siri, Frascaroli and Garcia not only have a good tactician but also a father figure. In a relatively short time, Siri has earned their trust and affection, providing the guidance, reassurance and motivation needed to navigate the challenges of international competition and youth development.

"He is like our second father. We have learnt a lot from him about volleyball and life generally in such a short time. He is fun to be around and also knows how to push us.

"He has instilled a winning mentality in us. He encourages us a lot and gives us calm and security during difficult moments. We have a very good relationship with him, and I honestly think that he is one of the best coaches in the world," Frascaroli pointed out.

Their journey has not been without its share of challenges. From a fifth-place finish at the CSV U18 Beach Volleyball South American Championships in May to an early exit at the FIVB Beach Volleyball U18 World Championships in July, the Argentine duo have experienced the highs and lows that are an inevitable part of sporting development.

Rather than allowing setbacks to define them, the two have used those experiences as motivation to improve. Their progress was on full display at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where they achieved an impressive fifth-place finish.

For Garcia, the international exposure and lessons gathered along the way have been invaluable.

"Playing in these tournaments makes you grow as an athlete because of the exposure you get. You also get to meet and interact with new people, which is a great experience.

"We lost all our World Championship matches in tie-breaks, but we have improved considerably over the last few months. We had good preparations at the University of San Martin, where we trained with different men's and women's teams. We are approaching every game here like a final, so let's see where that takes us," said Garcia, a huge admirer of USA's Kristen Nuss.

Beyond the competition, Dakar has offered the young Argentines an opportunity to discover a new continent and experience a different culture.

For both players, their first visit to Africa has been an overwhelmingly positive experience, with the warmth of the Senegalese people and the beauty of Saly Beach West, the venue for the beach volleyball competition, leaving a lasting impression.

"It's our first time in Africa and we love it! The people here are so adorable and always willing to help. We also love the ocean and the beach here. In Argentina, the water is cold and brown, but here it is warm and clear," Frascaroli said enthusiastically.

Their appreciation for the surroundings has even become part of their post-match routine.

"After every game, we have to go swimming and relax on the beach afterwards," she added.