The Next Big Thing in Volleyball: Karol Urbanowicz
Feature
Best Middle Blocker at the 2021 U21 Worlds. Best Middle Blocker at the maiden edition of #EuroVolleyU22M. Standing at 202 cm tall, Poland’s Karol Urbanowicz is definitely on his way towards becoming an important figure in men’s Volleyball. However, he doesn’t let the personal awards get in the way of his focus - as his main goal remains the same - becoming a better Volleyball player…and a better human being, as he shares.
Focused more on the achievements of his team, Karol has been one of the main players on the court for coach Daniel Plinski back in the fall of 2021, when Poland grabbed the bronze at the World Championship, and now, in Tarnów, where on home soil, the Polish future stars finished third. Karol impressed with 62% excellence in attack and 53% efficiency on the block. Better watch out for him, as he might very well be The Next Big Thing in Volleyball.
The Beginning
Karol calls Volleyball “his family sport” as many members of his family played it, or are still playing, professionally. However, the young middle blocker did not start immediately with this sport, as before stepping on the Volleyball court, he tried out other different sports. But it didn’t take long, and the love for Volleyball sparked.
Karol Urbanowicz“When I first entered the Volleyball court, I felt that there was something special, and then I realised that this was my way.”
The Position
Nowadays, dominating on the court as a middle blocker, Karol has an interesting story to share regarding the choice of his position.
Karol Urbanowicz“I started as a middle blocker, and then I wanted to try something new, and became an opposite. However, I wasn't so good and after two years, I had to go back to the middle, where I am really happy now.”
Going Pro
The “Volleyball people” in Poland quickly noticed Karol, as at the age of 15 he was invited to the Central school for the best and most promising Volleyball players in the country.
“One day, they called me and invited me to the school. It was then when I knew this can become my life path, and I took it seriously.”
The National Team
In 2021, the same composition of young players won the bronze at the U21 Worlds that was co-hosted in Italy and Bulgaria. Not even a year later, Karol and his teammates finished third at the maiden edition of #EuroVolleyU22M that took place in Urbanowicz’s homeland. Specialists predict a bright future for this generation of athletes.
“People say that our group was always really promising, and I am pretty sure that in the future,a lot of my teammates will be called up in the senior national team, and I hope that we can meet there again. I wish them all the best!”
Both times (in 2021, and in 2022) Karol became part of the Dream team, taking the award for Best Middle Blocker.
Karol Urbanowicz“I always say that individual awards are not my goal. Of course, I'm glad that people see how I play, and they like it, but for me, the team as a whole will be in first place.”
The club - Trefl Gdansk
Karol is developing in the Polish PlusLiga, playing for Trefl Gdansk, where feels at home.
“Trefl Gdańsk is my home and always will be. I appreciate that the president and the coach put their trust in me a lot, and give me a chance to be a better player, and just a better human. Our goals are simple. Just to play the best Volleyball we can and to make our supporters happy.”
The Inspiration
Luckily to Karol, he says that he has already met a lot of great players.
“When I was younger I loved watching Jakub Kochanowski, he was so powerful and fast. Now, I try to watch as many good players as possible, not just one. I try “to take” something for me - some good characteristics that I see.”
The Dream
Poland’s middle blocker says that he has big dreams, as becoming an Olympic champion, but he knows, that the way to do it is by accomplishing smaller targets first.
Karol Urbanowicz“My Volleyball dream is to improve my skills all the time, to keep pushing myself and to be a good person for the people around me. Of course, I would like to be an Olympic champion, but I know that it's a really long way, and now I'm focused on smaller targets!”