In another life, Nadia Siuda would probably be an artist largely due to her rich talent in drawing. But life, and perhaps most importantly fate, have contrived to ensure that Nadia remains dedicated to her other talent, volleyball, effectively relegating drawing to a mere past-time hobby.

And justifiably so! Nadia’s unique setting ability and creativity has stood out whenever Poland has taken to the court at this year’s World Championship. She is undoubtedly the architect of Poland’s unbeaten run in this competition that has featured wins against big names like defending champions USA, 2023 silver medalists Türkiye and European champions Bulgaria.

“I think we have a great team, we are 12 great players who really love what they do. We try to have fun as much as possible when we play together on the court. Being the captain of this team is a big pleasure for me. I feel great when I can support my team both as their leader and setter because I have to be involved in every action,” said Nadia, who celebrated her 18^th birthday last month.

With only three single elimination rounds left to play, Poland are strong favorites to win this World Championship. The Poles finished top of Pool C unbeaten with 13 points and continued their rich form in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, when they swept aside Thailand to book a place in the quarterfinals. Up next for the Europeans is Asian silver medalists Japan on Friday 6:15pm local time.

“Thailand gave us a good game like we expected but defense won it for us. It’s amazing that we are still unbeaten and are ready to face Japan. It’s another team from Asia, so we have to plan well.

“When we saw the draw, we knew it was going to be tough but we also felt that we stood a chance if we gave our best. Every game that we’ve played has made us more confident. Our target is the gold medal but we know that every match is important,” said Nadia, who was part of the Poland team that lost 3-2 to Croatia in the Round of 16 in the 2023 edition.

Nadia’s volleyball talent was evident from a young age. Her mother, Wiesława Siuda, was a professional volleyball player in Poland and the apple clearly didn’t fall far from the tree.

“Both my parents were sportspeople, my father is a football coach and my mother played volleyball. They showed me the sports route and I loved it from the beginning. I’ve never thought of doing something different,” said Nadia, the first born in a family of two.

“My mother certainly influenced me to take up volleyball and was like my first coach while I was starting out. She still supports me to date but nowadays more like my mother but not a coach,” she added.

Her diminutive frame meant she couldn’t play anywhere near the net as a junior and therefore started out as a libero. With time, she grew taller and was promoted to setter, a position she still plays to date.

“Playing as a libero and setter has given me a deep understanding of the game. Reception is of course the most important aspect of volleyball and being a setter, everything in the team depends on your execution. Playing these two positions has really helped me become a better player and a leader since I interact with everyone on the court,” reiterates Nadia.

Her list of role models is as star-studded as it’s fascinating. Setters Alessia Orro (Italy), Maja Ognjenović (Serbia) and Joanna “Asia” Wołosz (Poland) make the cut as well as Brazil’s star outside hitter Gabriela Guimarães.

“I really like Orro’s character, she is powerful and knows what she is doing on the court. I love watching Maja, she is a crazy setter. When she sets the ball, you never know where it’s going,” she says laughing.

“Asia is a captain and role model for young setters since she is in one of the best clubs in Italy (Imoco). Gabi has got a big heart for volleyball, she is like a tiger on the court,” explained Nadia.

Currently attached to Polish club PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź, Nadia is happy with her career progression even as she eyes a senior national team call-up in the near future.

Ultimately, she would like to follow in the footsteps of her role models who have played in the Italian and Turkish leagues at some point in their careers.

“The Italian and Turkish leagues are one of the best in the world and it’s my dream to play there in future,” revealed Nadia.

“I would also like to play in Asia...maybe China or Japan towards the end of my career. I am interested in how they work, it’s different from in Europe. Even in this World Championship, it’s different how they prepare their teams,” she added.

Perhaps Japan fits the bill, a perfect destination for Nadia to plan for her retirement while expressing her love for art and enjoying her favourite meal Sushi.