Some time ago we shared wonderful news: Noa had been called up to the extended squad of Romania’s U16 women’s volleyball team. It was a moment of immense pride for us, but the hard part – a fierce selection and the real show of strength – was only just beginning.
Today we bring an update that leaves us speechless and fills our hearts with pride. After almost a month of intense preparation, exhausting practices and fierce competition in the Politehnica hall in Bucharest, the coaching staff has finalised the squad. And Noa’s journey is simply a fairy tale!
A tough selection: from 25 to the national dream
The road to the final squad was a real race of sporting survival. The training camp started with an extended group of 25 players from all over the country. After the first weeks of assessments and maximum-intensity effort, the squad was cut to 18 girls. The pressure grew, details made the difference, and at the end of four intense weeks only 14 players remained to officially represent Romania.
And among these 14 hand-picked elite players is our Noa! Getting through two such tough “filters”, where every mistake was analysed and every second on court counted like an exam, is a huge achievement. Winning the trust of such a demanding coaching staff, led by Alexandra Trică and Alex Voicu, says everything about Noa’s undeniable quality, clean technique and, above all, her incredible sporting maturity. She has shown that she can handle pressure at the highest level and fully deserves to wear the national colours.
To better understand the intensity behind the closed doors of this training camp and the tactics prepared for the big matches ahead, we invite you to watch a special feature. You can watch [here] an exclusive interview with the national team coach, Alexandra Trică, in which she talks openly about the girls’ dedication, the secrets behind the rigorous practices of the last month, what is at stake at the Balkan Championship and the big goals for the coming period. It is a very interesting analysis, full of vision and passion – well worth a listen!🇷🇴✨
The sensation of the squad: Noa, the youngest at just 12!
What makes this achievement truly incredible is a stunning detail: Noa is only 12 years old! In a squad for girls under 16, where the age difference usually means a huge advantage in height, physical strength and experience, Noa has shown that talent and determination have no age.
Although she is the youngest in the team, she competed on equal terms throughout the whole month of preparation in the capital. She poured sweat onto the court, gritted her teeth through the physical sessions and showed remarkable mental toughness. She is no longer just a promise for the future; she is a reality who, at just 12, wears the national team jersey!
Exceptional polishing: the role of our coaching staff
Of course, this rough diamond would not have shone so brightly without the “architects” behind her performance. This extraordinary success also bears the unmistakable mark of our club’s coaching staff. Our coaches guided her first steps, patiently corrected her technique, built her up physically and, above all, taught her to think about the game like a professional athlete. They knew when to challenge her to test her limits and how to nurture that unshakeable self-belief, preparing her perfectly for the demands of the national team.
The strength of the group: the club and teammates are part of the success
Nobody achieves performance alone in volleyball, and Noa’s success is equally the success of our whole family. It is the merit of a club that offers excellent conditions for growth every day and of a united team of fantastic teammates. Every ball Noa saved in Bucharest carries the energy, encouragement and spirit of sacrifice of her club teammates, who will always support her from the stands or in front of their screens, and of the parents who give them all their support.
The pillars in the shadows: respect and gratitude to the parents
Beyond the court, tactics and practices, this extraordinary achievement rests on a solid foundation built at home. None of this would have been possible without the sacrifices, love and unconditional support of her parents, Andreea and Bane. Being the parent of an athlete means living every match at full intensity, managing the emotions of defeats and finding the strength to start again every day. They are the ones who travelled long roads, who offered the best encouragement after exhausting practices and who believed in her dream even in moments of uncertainty. This national team call-up is just as much your victory, the parents’ victory! Thank you for your efforts, for your trust and for raising not only an elite athlete but also a child of impeccable character.
Destination: Greece. Mission: the Balkan Championship!
The preparation time in the Politehnica hall is over, and the girls are ready for the big adventure. Tomorrow (Monday) the Romanian delegation flies to Greece, host of the U16 Balkan Championship.
Fierce matches against the best teams in the region await them there. But our girls leave with their homework done and one single thought: to give everything on court. For our club, Noa’s presence there is the ultimate confirmation of the work done day after day in the gym.
Noa, we wish you to step on court with the fearless courage of your age, to enjoy every second and to show everyone what you are capable of! The whole club family will be glued to the screens, holding their breath for you.
Come on, Noa! Come on, Romania! 🇷🇴❤️🏐🔴🟡🔵🇷🇴🏐
