MESSINA – The roster of Akademia Sant’Anna is expanding in view of the new season. After the confirmation of Modestino and Rossetto, the additions of Carraro, Olivotto, Babatunde and Diop, the club of president Fabrizio Costantino closes the central department with the addition of the young and talented Bibiana Guzin, Imoco Volley school and last season in Soverato in A2 ; wearing the jersey of the Calabrian team, 28 appearances with 104 sets played, 201 points scored (138 in attack with a percentage of 41.1, 45 blocks, 18 aces).
Bibiana Guzin is a perfectionist player on the field; she is never satisfied: “And this is also a flaw. I often found myself with coaches who asked me why I was sad. I am never satisfied with myself; I wouldn’t allow myself with others. In any case, I’m trying to improve on this aspect.”
Now, Messina awaits her: “I was only in the city to play, without having the chance to visit it. From Sicily I know Noto, Marzamemi and Ortigia; wonderful places. I didn’t even feel like I was in Italy; just out of this world. Really beautiful places. I can’t wait to see Messina too. We hope to achieve all the objectives set with commitment but also having fun. I’m a little superstitious and I don’t want to say anything. It will certainly be a fantastic year of discoveries.”
An early career for Guzin
Originally from Ozzano dell’Emilia (Bo), born in 2004, the smallest of the new Akademia so far, 184 cm, “Bibi” has a diploma in Human Sciences and attends the faculty of Psychology. She began playing volleyball at the age of nine with her local club, Pallavolo Ozzano, with which she managed to reach the under 14 regional Final Four over the years. Liujo Modena noted her and, at the age of thirteen years old, he began his first experience away from home with the Volley Academy Sassuolo. With the Emilian club she achieved a second place at the under 16 National Finals. She wore the category’s Azzurra shirt, taking part in the World Cup, and she began her decisive journey in the youth sector of Imoco Volleyball; she achieved a second place with the under 17s and the title with the under 19s (2020-21) while, the following year, she won the under 18s Scudetto.
He moved to Libertas Martignacco, a club with which he made his debut in Serie A2 and whose roster also included one of Akademia’s two confirmations, Dalila Modestino. At the end of the season, 20 matches will be played with 41 sets scored, 52 points scored (25 in attack with a percentage of 36.8, 24 blocks and 3 aces). Finding Modestino again she says: “Good memories. I look forward to meeting her again; We haven’t seen each other in a long time, even though we played against each other last season. I’m really happy to be able to play with her again. At least she won’t miss a familiar face”.
Last season in Soverato where the tournament ended with relegation. For Bibi, however, it was a season in which she carved out a lot of space for herself and demonstrated that she could have her say in Serie A: “A fairly challenging year and also unlucky in certain situations. Positive and negative moments to learn from and which help us grow both from a personal and volleyball point of view.” Not just clubs for Bibi, but also the experience with the under-16 Italian national team: “They were fantastic and unforgettable moments. It’s not something everyone has the chance to experience. Unique emotions and memories still well imprinted in the memory.”
The origins and past of the new power plant
As with Bi Diop, Bibi’s personal details tell us about her origins from a different culture and the differences that constitute richness for her life but also for all those who cross her path: “My mother is Polish and I think that diversity is a theme not to be underestimated. It is truly enriching and I believe sport helps the integration process; let’s think about the possibility, through various competitive events, of comparing ourselves and getting to know different peoples and cultures. In the field all differences are reduced and we think, through collaboration, of the common objective. We’re on the right path”.
Although today she is one of the most promising young people, Bibi’s impact with the world of volleyball was not the best; then meeting the right person was crucial: “When I was little I wanted to stop playing. Luckily I met a coach who immediately believed in me and gave me the chance to play. Thanks to this I was noticed by Liujo Modena; this is how my journey began. Having the right meetings with those who believe in you, even when you don’t, is essential regardless of your qualities.”
Akademia Roster 2024/2025
Setters: Giulia Carraro (1994).
Spikers: Aurora Rossetto (1997, confirmed).
Centrals: Dalila Modestino (1998, confirmed), Rossella Olivotto (1991), Maria Adelaide Babatunde (1998), Bibiana Guzin (2004).
Opposite: Bintu Diop (2002).
Free:
Output
Setters: Giulia Galletti (1999), Ilaria Michelini (1999).
Spikers: Valeria Battista (2001), Jessica Joly (2000), Giulia Felappi (2002).
Centers: Melissa Martinelli (1993), Greta Catania (2004), Valentina Mearini (1994).
Opposites: Kelsie Payne (1995).
Free: Marianna Maggipinto (1996), Sara Ciancio (1999).
