Ace & Tell With Ciara Michel: The Tall Girl Who Made It Happen.

Out of all the players out there, you might wonder why I chose British player Ciara Michel. You might have not heard or read a lot about her but this is your chance to get to know this athlete I find very charming and extremely hardworking.

Being the first British player to have ever played in the Italian League A1 is already an honor itself. She was not initially a starter but she worked hard to get to that starting 6 and all the time she spent in the gym to become better paid off.

I met her in person during the 2012 Olympics in her country. I remember she saved me an “extra ticket” to watch the pool play match between Great Britain and Japan. Let’s be honest, the volleyball world already expected Saori Kimura and her teammates to win the match which they did.

Did I enjoy the match? Yes I did! It was captivating to see Ci and her teammates working hard to score a point against one of the world’s best teams. After every point, the home crowd would just roar like champs and there was so much support from start to finish. I was in awe. Great Britain is not a volleyball country but to be part of such celebration still remains as one of the biggest highlights of my trip. I thank Ci for that pass which gave me the chance to see and feel the kind of person she is.

As you go through my interview with her, I guarantee that you will be able to relate to her story that giving up is not an option in this life. If you want to raise your game to the next level, it takes a lot of work and commitment. If Ci can do it, no doubt we can do it too.

Enjoy this…

Italian League

Ace: First of all, congratulations on your amazing first season in the Italian League with Yamamay. You and your team struggled earlier in the season but then managed to turn things around and played in the Championship Match.

Ci: Thanks! It’s been a great first season!

Ace: Ci, being the first British female player to play in one of the world’s best professional leagues, tell us about your journey with Yamamay from start to finish…

Ci: Well after my third season in Germany, I knew I wanted to move to a new league and Italy was my first choice of course! I told my agent, who was my friend and also a member of the British men’s team and he came through for me!

This team really did seem like my ‘dream team’ when I signed in May and definitely did not disappoint. It’s a great club to be a part of, with a very professional organization but simultaneously like being part of a close family. We had a very hot and cold season, until we found our rhythm and made it through the playoffs into the Italian final, the ‘scudetto’. I was ecstatic to solidify a starting role in the last weeks of the season and playoffs, and am proud to have contributed to the team’s ultimate success.

Ace: This is my favorite part of your journey in Italy. You were not a starter earlier in the season but then worked your way up to be part of the starting 6. How did you achieve that starting position?

Ci: Being a ‘bench player’ is not what we aspire to of course but I knew going into the season I had a lot to learn and this was the place to do it. I was watching and emulating my teammates, listening and making note of coaches’ comments and doing extra trainings to get more reps on my weak areas. Always staying hungry to play and making the most of it when I got the opportunity.

Ace: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your season in Italy?

Ci: I learned how to contribute to the success of the team without necessarily being on the court. Being positive, enthusiastic and a team player are qualities I value in my teammates and myself.

Ace: What about the most memorable moment?

Ci: When my mum came out to visit and I saw her in the crowd smiling and cheering in my jersey among 5000 fans. I was really proud to be playing here.

Ace: Describe your team in a few words…

Ci: Each player is so unique that I can’t! But there was a great team chemistry

2012 Olympics

Ace: Let’s talk about one of the biggest highlights of your career so far. Almost 2 years ago, you competed at the 2012 London Olympics. How did that adventure help you prepare for what you have in your volleyball career at the moment?

Ci: I can’t believe it’s already been 2 years! I learned so much from that experience with great teammates, coaches and against immense competition. I think the best lesson learned there was to always play like the underdog with a hunger to win and an appreciation for the opportunity.

Ace: If you see a picture or a video of you and your teammates, what comes to mind?

Ci: It reminds me of 100 things at once like the memories with friends at the games, representing my country and living the dream of thousands of little girls worldwide.

Ace: I believe you haven’t publicly said anything about the volleyball team getting dissolved after the Olympics, what are your thoughts on such decision? Are you mad? Maybe angry? Did it push you to work harder? How did you comfort yourself?

Ci: I was more disappointed for the future players rather than for myself. I had a great experience representing GB, and with just a bit of funding, others might have had the opportunity to pursue a career in the sport, but without a solid base in the home country it’s difficult to aspire to playing abroad, and almost impossible to take part in international competition.

Ace: In this life, anything can happen. If you were to be the President of the British Volleyball Federation, how would you improve and develop volleyball in the country? Any short term and long terms goals?

Ci: I am definitely not qualified for that position! There are lots of people still working hard on behalf of volleyball in England and Great Britain. The basic concept that needs to be understood is that the problem is cyclical. Without lots of young players aspiring to be great, there is a delay in development. Without the funding to support a strong team which can compete on an international level, there are very few youngsters interested in playing.

It’s very obvious when I compare this to the situation in Italy, where money and media exposure, a strong national team and very popular national league result in lots of fans and young players that will keep the sport cycle moving in years to come.

Ace: What’s your message to aspiring volleyball athletes in your country?

Ci: If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. Find out what that is and don’t let anything or anyone stop you.

Ace: In all honesty, do you see British volleyball getting the attention it deserves in the years to come? Why or why not?

Ci: It’s not a simple or quick fix. For the moment volleyball is a minority among powerhouse English and British sports like football or cycling. Anything resembling the stature of volleyball in Italy is still many years away.

FIVB Images:

People…

Ace: Let’s briefly talk about people in your life. In 3 words or less, what would you want to tell these people who continue to support you. Let’s start with your parents?

Ci: I love you

Ace: Your best friends…

Ci: Come visit me!

Ace: Your supporters and your fans…

Ci: Thank you!

Ace: What would you want to tell Ciara if she’s standing in front of you right now?

Ci: Stay hungry and never take anything for granted.

Name That…

Ace: I am loving and enjoying your answers Ci. I could feel how sincere and genuine you are. So, I’ve already introduced you as a 2012 Olympian and the first British female in the Italian League. Why don’t I ask these non-volleyball questions and allow our readers to know more about you. I call this the “NAME THIS, NAME THAT” game.

Are you ready?

Ci: Let’s do this!

Ace: Name that one thing you always bring with you when you go out…

Ci: ‘Hand food’ hand lotion from Soap and Glory

Ace: Name your favorite expression…

Ci: Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.

Ace: Name the first thing that you do when you wake up…

Ci: Roll over and sleep for five more minutes.

Ace: What about the last thing that you do before you go to sleep…

Ci: Say goodnight.

Ace: Name your favorite dish…

Ci: Pizzocheri from a local spot in Busto.

Ace: Name your favorite movie…

Ci: Milo and Otis

Ace: Name your favorite book…

Ci: Right now it’s the Italian dictionary or “How To Think Like A Pro, Act Like A Pro, Play Llike A Pro” by Isaac Byrd

Ace: Name your favorite quote…

Ci: Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right.

Ace: Name the actress to play your life story in a film…

Ci: Lassie. Just don’t give her any speaking lines.

Ace: This is a funny one. Would you rather be a plant or a bird and why?

Ci: Plants can’t move! I’ve travelled my whole life! Plus flying sounds fun!

The Extra 3

Ace: What’s the biggest regret you have in life and what did you do to correct it?

Ci: Regret is a waste of energy. So is envy and self-pity so I try to avoid those three.

Ace: You’re very tall (6′ 4″/ 1.93 m), what’s great and not so great with being tall?

Ci: The only disadvantage is tying my shoes is difficult because the ground is so far away. The advantages are countless! I can reach the top shelf liquor, I never have to wear heels, and yes, the weather up here is better.

Ace: Before I end our chat, Ci, what’s your daily prayer in life?

Ci: Health and happiness

Ace: From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you so much for the time. I wish you the best and more success as you continue your volleyball journey also in your personal life. It’s been great knowing you. Cheers!

This article originally appears in Danish on page 73 the Danish Volleyball Magazine May 2014 issue.