Girls' U19 World Champ 2023

Mexico’s 16-year-old Ocampo ready to conquer the volleyball world

The outside hitter dreams of playing at the Olympics

Published 04:32, 05 Aug 2023

Mexico's Ocampo (1) after a successful rally

Mexico haven’t been able to congratulate themselves with a win at the FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship so far. However, not everything looks hopeless for the young Mexican players and their head coach Luis Ruberto Guzman as they have had their strong moments, especially against the teams of the USA and Poland.

The tournament is streamed live on the Volleyball World YouTube channel.

One of the “weapons” of coach Guzman has been 16-year-old Annie Isabella Ocampo. Leading the attack of the Mexican team, Ocampo has been proving herself as reliable and ready to take responsibility on the court in important moments.

She finished as the top scorer for her team in the game against Poland, recording as many as 17 points (20.69% efficiency). Ocampo did the same against Serbia (12 points, 6.98% efficiency), and against the USA (12 points, 12.82%).

Annie is excited to be in Osijek, playing at the Worlds, especially since this is her first time competing at such a level.

“Actually, being here is like a dream come true. I have always dreamt of this.”

The young outside hitter is enjoying the experience in Croatia, taking every moment as one to appreciate.

“I am having a really good time here.”

Representing the national team of Mexico is something special for Ocampo, since she was born in … the USA.

“My whole family is from Aguascalientes, from Mexico. They moved to the USA before I was born, but ever since I was little, they have been talking to me in Spanish,” Annie shares.

Living in the USA, always bringing Mexico in her heart, Ocampo is thankful for the opportunity given to play in the national team.

Ocampo ready to serve at the FIVB Girls' U19 World Championship

“Playing for the national team of Mexico is really special for me. This is where my mother, my family comes from.”

Her mother. together with her grandmother, are actually the people who inspired Annie to take up on the volleyball.

“They both played volleyball. My dad also played it a bit, but I definitely got inspired to play it because of my mother.”

It is again her mother who is “behind the scenes”, inspiring Ocampo to try out the outside hitter role.

“Ever since I was little, my mum was showing me the game, and I was kind of growing into the sport. I really do like being the outside hitter, it is the role that fits me the best - I love finishing the balls and taking responsibility.”

Ocampo spiking against the USA block

Living and growing up in the USA, Ocampo knows some of the US players she played against in the group phase of the World Championship.

“I played against a couple of the US girls. We know each other from high school games, and on a club level, too. I have some friends there. It’s pretty cool to see them across the net. “Hey, we know you from Texas!” Oh, cool!”

Standing at 180cm tall, Annie has been playing in teams in Texas, but just a couple of days ago, she announced that she will be joining the Loyola Marymount University to play in NCAA Division 1.