The Next Big Thing in Volleyball: Loveth Omoruyi
Feature
If you are following the matches of the reigning #CLVolleyW champions from Imoco Volley Conegliano, you might have seen a young and a very prospective player among the well-known stars Paola Egonu, Monica de Gennaro, Miriam Sylla etc. We are talking about the 19-year-old Loveth Omoruyi, who joined the team of the Guinness World Record Holders for most consecutive wins of a women’s Volleyball team back in 2020. The outside spiker of the Panthers was chosen MVP in the first CEV Champions League Volley match of Imoco in this season against Zok UB, finishing with 10 points. Loveth also played a pivotal role in the excellent performance of the U20 Women’s national team of Italy back in the summer of 2021, when she and her teammates were crowned champions of the world in this age group. Standing at 182cm tall, Loveth also made it to the dream team of the championship, taking the award for Best outside hitter. Looking forward to achieving new goals, Omoruyi might very well be The Next Big Thing in Volleyball.
The Beginning
Omoruyi says that she has started playing Volleyball because she is a very hyperactive girl and when she was little, she didn't like to be quiet, so playing Volleyball for fun, turned out to be a good way to release the energy. Loveth started with Volleyball just for fun, but eventually the game became her destiny. 5-year-old by that time, Omoruyi used to train with her sister, following all her sibling was doing on the court.
Loveth Omoruyi“In fact, I used to train with her but since I was too young, I didn't play any matches. In school, I used to play Volleyball, but it's nothing compared to the FIPAV level. In 2016, I started playing in the U16 of FIPAV in Propatria in Milan. It was there where I realized that the level was already very high, all my teammates were taller than me, and it made me feel very strange. ”
Player of A. Carraro Imoco CONEGLIANO
Going Pro
As time went by, Loveth realized that what she was doing was important, and it didn’t happen to all her peers. She clearly remembers the emotion of the first important tournament, the first medal won and the moment when she decided to make Volleyball her profession.
“The first major tournament I played was back in 2017, an European Championship in Bulgaria. I was 15-years-old and we won it! There were so many emotions that year - I moved from my home to Milan, and I grew a lot on all counts. At that moment, I honestly didn't even know what it was like to play for the national team, but over the years I realized that I was doing something significant, and it is a great opportunity. I decided that Volleyball will be my career path since I am at Imoco. I just finished high school and I can dedicate the sport a lot more time. This is my first competitive year without school.”
The Experience at Club Italia
From 2017 to 2020, Loveth is part of Club Italia Crai - a club based in Rome, where prospective player for the national team play throughout the season.
“This was a project that was fundamental for my growth, although in the last year, I practically did not experience it as a player because I had an injury (micro fracture to the tibia) that kept me off the pitch for one year. At Club Italia, I had a wonderful time the first two years - I was the youngest and I could learn a lot from my older teammates. I think that from such experiences, where you are far from your family, you certainly come out more mature and stronger in character.”
Imoco Volley Conegliano
For Loveth, being part of the Panthers, means a lot.
“Here in Conegliano, we have written a piece of history, something I have never imagined doing. Being part of this group is an honor for me - I have played with very important players, and for this I am very proud. I can learn a lot from them every day. Since I started playing Volleyball I have always been the “little one” in the teams. Now, I'm growing up, and I hope in the future to be an example for the younger ones.”
Champions League
The player of Imoco is looking forward to an exciting season with her club. And she started on the right foot in the group stage.
Loveth Omoruyi“I had the opportunity to express myself on the court, and for this, I am very happy. For this season, I have set myself many individual goals, including improving myself as much as possible. This is the greatest motivation a player can have.”
Player of A. Carraro Imoco CONEGLIANO
World Champion U20, Omoruyi cherish the moments that she has shared with her teammates so far.
Loveth Omoruyi“We have made a really important journey, concluding it in the best possible way. We were a very close group of players, and we had a great staff! I was the happiest girl on the earth when I was given the award for Best outside hitter - I didn't expect it. Reaching the senior national team would be another important step, but I think there are many strong players in Italy, and it will take some time for me.”
Player of Italy U20