In another life, Nadia Siuda might well have been known for her artistic flair, perhaps gracing galleries with her drawings. Yet, destiny, guided by bouncing spheres and strategic nets, steered her towards a different canvas: the volleyball court. Here, her talent for intricate design manifests not on paper, but in the precise, creative setting that has become the hallmark of Poland`s impressive performance at the current World Championship, leaving drawing as a cherished, albeit secondary, passion.
Indeed, Siuda`s contribution has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the key setter, she is the designated architect of Poland`s offense, orchestrating plays with a vision that has often left opponents scrambling. Her skills have been pivotal in forging an unbeaten path through the competition, marked by significant victories over volleyball heavyweights including reigning champions USA, 2023 silver medalists Türkiye, and European champions Bulgaria. This dominant run saw Poland comfortably top Pool C, setting the stage for a decisive sweep against Thailand in the Round of 16 and earning them a coveted spot in the quarterfinals against Asian silver medalists Japan.
Beyond her technical prowess, Siuda also bears the mantle of team captain, a responsibility she embraces with enthusiasm. “I think we have a great team, we are 12 great players who really love what they do,” she notes, highlighting the team`s positive dynamic. “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.” For Siuda, the dual role of leader and setter are intrinsically linked. “I feel great when I can support my team both as their leader and setter because I have to be involved in every action,” she explained, emphasizing the setter`s central position in every rally.
Born into a family steeped in sports, Siuda`s path to volleyball seems almost predetermined. Her mother was a professional volleyball player, while her father coached football. “They showed me the sports route and I loved it from the beginning,” she recounted. Her mother served as her first coach, offering guidance in her nascent years and continuing to provide unwavering support today, albeit in a strictly maternal capacity. Interestingly, Siuda didn`t start as a setter. Due to her smaller stature as a junior player, she initially played libero, a defensive specialist role. As she grew, her position shifted, but the early experience proved invaluable. “Playing as a libero and setter has given me a deep understanding of the game,” she asserts. This background provides her with a unique perspective, understanding both the critical importance of reception and the multifaceted demands placed upon the setter, around whom the team`s execution revolves.
Siuda, who recently celebrated her 18th birthday, looks up to a fascinating constellation of international volleyball stars. Her list of role models includes legendary setters like Italy`s Alessia Orro, Serbia`s Maja Ognjenović, and fellow Pole Joanna Wołosz, alongside Brazilian outside hitter Gabriela Guimarães. She admires Orro for her strength and decisiveness (“powerful and knows what she is doing”). Ognjenović`s unpredictable genius on the court clearly resonates (“a crazy setter… you never know where it’s going,” she observes with a touch of amused admiration). Wołosz is seen as a vital example of leadership and success in top clubs (“a captain and role model”). Guimarães`s fiery passion also inspires (“a big heart for volleyball, she is like a tiger on the court”).
Currently honing her skills with Polish club PGE Grot Budowlani Łódź, Siuda is progressing steadily in her career and has clear ambitions for the future. Following the trajectory of her idols, she dreams of competing in the highly competitive Italian and Turkish leagues. “The Italian and Turkish leagues are one of the best in the world and it’s my dream to play there in future,” she stated. Adding another layer to her aspirations, she expressed curiosity about potentially playing in Asia, specifically China or Japan, later in her career, intrigued by the different approaches and cultures surrounding the sport in those regions.
Nadia Siuda embodies the blend of innate talent, diligent training, and insightful understanding that defines a promising athlete. Her calm command of the court, combined with an almost artistic creativity in her sets, makes her a captivating player to watch. As she leads Poland deeper into the World Championship, aiming for that coveted gold medal, Siuda proves that the most compelling masterpieces are sometimes crafted not with paint and canvas, but with swift hands and a perfectly delivered ball.
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham