In the demanding world of elite youth sports, few athletes experience a summer quite like that of Ezel Balık and Begum Kacmaz. These two formidable middle blockers for Türkiye have embarked on a remarkable, high-intensity tour, seamlessly transitioning from one global stage to another. Their journey embodies the relentless spirit and burgeoning talent within Turkish volleyball, a testament to their dedication and adaptability.
The Crucible of Croatia: Lessons Learned at U19
Just weeks ago, Balık and Kacmaz were anchoring Türkiye`s defense at the Girls` U19 World Championship in Osijek, Croatia. For Begum Kacmaz, this marked her second appearance at the U19 level, a testament to her consistent presence on the national youth circuit. Despite a valiant effort that saw Türkiye finish a commendable fourth, narrowly missing a podium spot, the experience was steeped in valuable lessons.
“That was my second time playing U19 in Croatia. We fought well and we could not get the medal, but we learned a lot of lessons from that tournament,” Kacmaz reflected, emphasizing the growth derived from the intense competition.
For Ezel Balık, at a mere 15 years old, the U19 championship was a significant leap. Accustomed to facing peers her own age, Osijek presented a new challenge: confronting opponents often two years her senior. This forced evolution pushed her beyond her comfort zone, accelerating her development.
“I always played with my own age group, but in the World Championship there were players two years older than me,” Balık explained, highlighting the rigorous testing of her skills and composure on the world stage. “It was a long tournament, and we had many matches where we learned and took away a lot.”
The Indonesian Ascent: U21 Challenges and Triumphs
With hardly a moment to decompress, the duo found themselves in Surabaya, Indonesia, for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship. This rapid geographical and competitive shift is a rare feat, a true test of physical and mental fortitude. While Kacmaz makes her U21 debut, Balık steps into this higher age category for the very first time, a remarkable progression for such a young player. One might observe that the professional volleyball calendar leaves little room for a traditional summer break; for these athletes, the season is a continuous sprint.
The change of scenery brought a fresh wave of energy. Kacmaz noted the welcoming atmosphere and excellent venues, which seem to recharge the team after their Croatian campaign. “Here, I am so happy. The venues are excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming,” she shared, capturing the positive sentiment of the team`s new environment.
A pivotal moment in Surabaya was Türkiye`s impressive comeback victory against Italy. Such a win, particularly against a strong opponent, not only adds points to the board but significantly bolsters team morale and confidence, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.
“We had a really good comeback against Italy, and we won,” Balık recounted, pinpointing a moment of collective triumph. “This is important for us to keep improving. We go day by day, making progress every match and trying to do our best.”
A Partnership Forged at the Net
Beyond their individual talents, the synergy between Balık and Kacmaz at the net is a cornerstone of Türkiye`s defense. Their partnership is built on continuous communication and mutual growth, a dynamic crucial for any successful middle blocker tandem. Balık openly credits Kacmaz for her guidance, particularly in refining her blocking technique.
“When I made mistakes in blocking, like going back too much, she talked to me about them so I could improve, like moving more inside,” Balık explained, highlighting the invaluable on-court mentorship. “She also motivates me and gives me confidence.”
Kacmaz, in turn, views their connection as akin to that of sisters. She acknowledges the unique responsibility of guiding a younger teammate, underscoring the vital role of constant dialogue to ensure their block system functions flawlessly. “Sometimes it can be hard for younger players to talk with older ones, but you have to communicate on court,” Kacmaz affirmed. “We have played together for about two months this year, and we talk and share a lot about the match because when we do not talk, our block system does not work.”
The Future is Now: Türkiye`s Dual Advantage
Ezel Balık and Begum Kacmaz are not just playing volleyball; they are living a masterclass in adaptation and competitive resilience. Their unique summer, spanning two distinct World Championships, demonstrates an extraordinary capacity to perform at elite levels under immense pressure. For Turkish volleyball, this dual presence at the net signifies a reassuring future, showcasing that their central defense is in exceptionally capable hands.
The lingering taste of “unfinished business” from Osijek, the missed U19 medal, serves as a potent motivator. It fuels their drive as they continue their journey in Surabaya and look ahead to future championships. Balık and Kacmaz are more than just players; they are the embodiment of Türkiye`s rising volleyball ambition, ready to secure not just a medal, but a legacy on the international stage.
Marcus Blakely