Szczygłowska ready to lead Poland into historic EuroVolley appearance
Feature
Only a few days remain until the start of CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 Women, and Poland are preparing for a historic edition of the tournament. The White-and-Reds will make their 33rd appearance at the European Championship, becoming the first nation to reach such a milestone. Under the guidance of Stefano Lavarini, Poland have continued to reach new heights in recent years, and although the squad has undergone several changes, their ambitions remain high. This time, they will be led by a new captain, Aleksandra Szczygłowska.
Liberos are often among the unsung heroes of Volleyball, and it is relatively rare for a player in that position to be entrusted with the captaincy of a national team. Since making her debut for Poland in 2022, however, Szczygłowska has steadily established herself as one of the team’s key figures.
During her first seasons with the national team, Lavarini regularly moved Szczygłowska from her nominal libero position to outside hitter when additional strength was needed in reception. Whatever role she was given, she consistently delivered, becoming an important part of the Polish side that won three consecutive VNL bronze medals between 2023 and 2025 and secured qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Szczygłowska fulfilled her Olympic dream, but the 28-year-old has never lost sight of the bigger picture. For her, every medal is a reward for the work behind the scenes - but also a reminder of everything players give up along the way.
Aleksandra Szczygłowska"Every medal won with the national team is an incredible achievement and a real recognition of all the work that goes into it. I don’t want it to define me in any way, because we spend so much time away from home and far from our families, and simply staying healthy and making it through all of this is already a success in itself. But, of course, as an athlete, you always want that victory. That’s why every medal feels like the perfect culmination of all the work we’ve put in."
Poland's team captain
Her leadership, charisma and outstanding defensive skills have made her a central figure in the Polish team, and at the start of the 2026 season she was handed another important responsibility - the captaincy. For Szczygłowska, however, becoming captain has not meant changing who she is. Rather than focusing on the title, she sees her role as being there for her teammates and leading by example.
"It’s a huge source of pride. At the same time, I don’t try to focus on it too much. I’m doing what I’ve always done, along with a few organisational responsibilities that need to be planned and coordinated along the way. I feel responsible for the group, but honestly, there isn’t that much to do. Everyone knows why they’re here and what they’re here for. Aga Korneluk and Asia Wołosz definitely showed me what it means to be a captain of the national team. Above all, I’ve always admired the hard work they put in. The organisational side is a different story - there really isn’t all that much of it. The way I approach the players, being open and approachable, and simply working hard - those are the things I try to focus on."
Now, Szczygłowska will lead Poland into a European Championship that carries plenty of expectations. The White-and-Reds will begin their campaign in Pool A in Istanbul, where hosts Türkiye are expected to be their main challengers for top spot. Poland are among the most decorated nations in EuroVolley history, having collected 11 medals, including back-to-back gold medals in 2003 and 2005. Their most recent podium finish came in 2009, and now, 17 years later, they will look to end that medal drought and add another chapter to their rich European Championship history. Despite the ambitions, Szczygłowska insists the team are keeping their focus firmly on the present.
Aleksandra Szczygłowska"We’re working really hard, but we enjoy being around each other, which makes the work much easier. We can see our game improving, and that definitely gives us a lot of positive energy and motivation. We’re going there to play good Volleyball. For now, we’re focused on the work, and then on the first match, because every single game will be really important. We’re trying to stay in the here and now - we’re not thinking about what’s ahead or what’s already happened. I’d love for Istanbul to be a happy place for us. The city really lives and breathes women’s volleyball, so I’m sure the atmosphere will be absolutely worthy of such a big event."
Poland's team captain
The road to the national team began in Szczygłowska’s hometown of Elbląg, where she first picked up volleyball with encouragement from her family. "My parents inspired me to give Volleyball a try, and I also grew up watching a lot of sporting events. I think a love of competition - and maybe some natural talent - played a part too."
Today, that competitive spirit remains at the heart of her game. Asked what she considers her biggest strength, Szczygłowska does not hesitate - although her answer comes with the same modesty that has characterised her approach throughout her career. "Humility and a desire to keep improving. When it comes to volleyball, it’s hard to judge yourself, but defence is definitely my strong suit, so I wouldn’t say attacking is my thing," she said with a smile.
From a fearless debutant to one of Poland’s key defensive players and now their captain, Szczygłowska has taken another important step in her international career. With Hungary, Latvia, Slovenia, Germany and Türkiye awaiting in Pool A, the White-and-Reds face a demanding campaign - with their new captain ready to lead the way in their quest to return to the EuroVolley podium.