The Next Big Thing in Volleyball: Alessandro Bovolenta
Feature
18 years old, Alessandro Bovolenta turned out to be one of Italy’s trump cards at the #EuroVolleyU20M Championship that took place last month in the Adriatic resorts Montesilvano and Vasto. The young Italians delivered a success, claiming the Gold medals, finishing the “crazy Italian summer” on a positive way (as all the underage competitions in Europe were won by Italy). Alessandro hammered as many as 20 points (50% exc.) in the Big Finale, and finished in the tournament as Italy’s top scorer (105 points in six matches, an average of 4.77 per set). The opposite of Italy is a player of Consar RCM Ravenna, competing in the Italian A2 Serie. Volleyball runs through his veins - son of late legendary player Vigor Bovolenta, Alessandro wants to pave his own way, and might very well be The Next Big Thing In Volleyball.
The Beginning
Although many might suppose that Alessandro has always been dedicated to Volleyball, he first started with football, playing as a goalkeeper. Smiling, he says that he even was pretty good in this role.
Alessandro Bovolenta“I changed to Volleyball, mainly because I was always having some kind of injuries in football, with landing etc. So, I decided to stop with it, and of course, thanks to my family history, I turned to Volleyball.”
Going Pro
Standing at 202 cm tall, Bovolenta says there wasn’t one precise moment when he decided that Volleyball can be his “official profession”. Rather, it was a long process that he has been through.
Alessandro Bovolenta“Step by step, the decision came naturally. I was called up to join the National team, I did good on a club level - in Serie B, in A2. Now, winning the U20M Gold is also playing a role - I hope that I will be able to continue this in the long term as well.”
The National Team
Being part of the national team is for sure an important moment in Alessandro’s path. He recalls the fond memories of the summer, pointing out that winning the trophy was the ultimate goal, but while arriving there, he did enjoy the journey a lot.
“It was a long process - it took us exactly 105 days. We spent the whole summer working - mornings, afternoons, between lifting weights and trainings in the hall. All this time we were away from home, but it actually made us mature even more; it helped us as well to strengthen the sense of a team,” Alessandro shares.
Thanks to this nice summer experience, the opposite is open to many new challenges coming his way.
Alessandro Bovolenta“I would do this again and again, if it is up to me. I would do it not only because of the Gold that we won, but also because I had spent so many nice and fun moments with my Volleyball friends.”
Alessandro was named MVP of the #EuroVolleyU20M, and while he appreciates a lot the award, he says this wouldn’t have been possible without the people around.
Alessandro Bovolenta“I am pleased with taking the MVP award, but without the team, this wouldn’t have happened. I actually thought they would give me another award - the opposite one.”
The Italian SuperLega
On March 20, Alessandro entered the court for a match between his Consar RCM Ravenna and Allianz Milano. Although considered by many an official debut in the SuperLega, Alessandro has another point of view on the matter.
“I actually don’t consider it a real debut, because it was just a moment when they needed me, given the fact that the championship was a tough one last year. So, I did enter the court, but it wasn’t with my role. I hope the real debut will come soon.”
The Inspiration
Humble, Alessandro doesn’t call big Volleyball names as his inspiration. He has his heart full of thankfulness to his mother, who to date, keep on being there for him each moment.
Alessandro Bovolenta“For sure, my big inspiration is my mother, because she has always brought to me the feeling of tranquillity. She’s always been giving me the strength before the games. She’s always been there for me."
The Dream
Consistency is important to the young Bovolenta, and his dreams tells it all.
“My dream is to play in the Italian Super League and to stay there in the long term, because showing consistency on such high levels, is not something that many do.”