The construction of a roster that looks to the future continues, through the choice of young talents to rely on in the long term. Born in 2005, grew up in Volley Meta, place 2 Michele Ciampa it is the first fruit of a partnership with the company of president Pasquale Apreda, aimed at opening a highway for the strongest and most talented athletes who walk along the road excellently traced by misters Luigi Russo and Marilù Cilento. Ciampa is the clear example that sacrifice and dedication always pay off: he played his entire career in Under 19, deserving the opportunity to shine in Serie A in agreement with the Volley Meta technical staff. The opposite, in addition to being a point of reference for the first team, will be able to carve out more roles and further space between Serie B and Junior League, where he is preparing to be a protagonist,
After a season full of satisfactions, between the salvation achieved with the Meta and the participation in the U19 national teams, the opportunity arrives for you to join the Serie A group to continue your growth path. Did you expect this leap, and how are you living the days preceding the start of the new season?
“I have to say I was expecting the upgrade. After 3 years in Serie B, in the last season I carried out some training sessions with Folgore together with the first team group, and I experienced indescribable emotions. In this period I am playing beach volleyball, as well as training hard in the gym to be ready for work again. There’s a lot of adrenaline, and I can’t wait to get started.”
First team but not only. For you the possibility of carving out a lot of space for yourself in B and especially Junior League. How much desire is there to face this new challenge, and grow alongside expert athletes and young talents?
“I am very excited to be able to compete in the Junior League: a top level competition, with many strong teams and athletes who are already starters in higher categories. It goes without saying that facing high caliber opponents helps to increase one’s wealth of experience. We aim to compete with everyone: we count on an important roster, and if there is cohesion in the group, no result can be denied to us.”
How did your choice of seat 2 come about, and what are your characteristics?
“I actually started playing as an opposite out of necessity. The team needed me to fill the position 2, and 3 years ago I changed roles, working hard and with great application. My main characteristic lies in having a good attacking movement and a heavy arm. I am ready to make myself available to the team, to do great things together.”
Hard work, as well as strong stubbornness, is essential to achieving important goals. From what points of view were Mr. Marilù Cilento and Luigi Russo incisive and important throughout all your volleyball steps?
“In the years spent in Meta, we trained very intensely every day. My coaches Luigi Russo and Marilù Cilento taught me a lot, not only from a technical point of view but also from a human point of view. Starting from purely technical aspects, up to how to behave outside the volleyball court. From them I learned the fundamental value of respect towards teammates, opponents, referees and fans. In recent years Luigi and Marilù have been like a real family to me.”
What season are you expecting, and what personal goals do you have in your first year in Serie A?
“I expect a tough season, in which we will have to work hard from day one. As a personal goal, I would like to start seeing the pitch a bit in the world of Serie A too. It will certainly be a radical change, because compared to Serie B there will be different heights, different ball speed and less margin for error. I therefore aim to gain experience, measuring myself with a very fascinating category.”
