Girls' U19 World Champ 2023

Italy’s Adigwe: a star in the making

The outside hitter might cherish the moments at the World Championship

Published 11:53, 10 Aug 2023

Adigwe ready to serve at the 2023 FIVB Girls' U19 World Championship

Italy have been on a perfect track at the FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship, that is taking place in Hungary and Croatia. With the title-deciding phase of the competition approaching, the Italian young ladies have been gearing up energy to face the important battles from the knock-out stage. Counting on a great team spirit, Italy showed winners’ mentality in many cases, especially in the quarter-final against hosts Croatia.

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

One of the main protagonists on the court has been the 16-years-old Chinenyenwa Merit Adigwe. With 116 points to her name (an average of 16.57 per game) before the semi-final match, she is the fourth-best scorer at the competition. The outside hitter of Italy has 80 attack points (50.69% efficiency), 27 aces (32.14% success) and nine block points (25.71% success).

Part of the Prosecco Doc Imoco Conegliano volleyball school, Adigwe might very well be one of the future stars of women’s volleyball. Living the experience, called “World Championship”, the outside hitter cherish the moments with the national team and appreciates the team spirit that the girls have been able to show.

“The match against Brazil, in the group phase, made me really emotional, because I realized that we can count on each other in the difficult moments. This is why I am so proud of being part of this group, wearing the T-shirt of the Italian national team.”

Despite being still very young, Chinenyenwa is definitely not a newcomer in the gym.

“I started playing volleyball when I was 5-years-old. My parents came up with the idea of volleyball, they brought me to the hall, to the club Volley 2.0. Crema. I had to stop training for some years, but then I took up on the sport once again when I was 11-years-old, and never looked back.”

Chinenyenwa Merit Adigwe spiking

Standing at 182cm tall, Adigwe has first started as a middle blocker.

“I started as a middle blocker and I fell in love with the sport since the very first moment I stepped on the volleyball court. I love being with my teammates when I play. The last year in Crema, I played as a middle blocker, but when I moved to Venetto, to Imoco Youth team, I started as an opposite. I love this role a role, because it helps me to show my full potential in attack.”

Being part of the Imoco Volley school, Adigwe has had the chance to train also with the senior team, and is looking forward to having against the opportunity to learn from the reigning FIVB World Club Champions.

“The first two weeks of preparation, when I arrived, I was lucky enough to prepare with the first team of Imoco. I am really thankful for this opportunity because the trainings are at the highest level possible.”

Adigwe focused

Precisely one of the coaches at Imoco, Stefano Grigoris has given to the Italian internatioanl the best piece of advice so far.

“He reminded me how important it was to stay dedicated during trainings so that you could see the results in the match.”

Describing herself as a positive, altruistic and sincere person, Adigwe remains down-to-earth despite the good performance at the Worlds. However, the dreams and the goals remain the same.