Starting a new chapter overseas, East alumna Klaudia Sowizral made the leap to play volleyball professionally in Cyprus.
Sowizral’s volleyball career began at Club Fusion and East. Later, she played at the University of Connecticut.
“Recruitment [for college] is kind of scary,” said Sowizral. “I was the first person in my family to go to college ever, so from a baseline of not [knowing], I didn’t even know what to expect.”
She also played at Regis, a University in Colorado where she got her master’s after graduating from the University of Connecticut.
“I think I had the program that just really worked for me. I had a coach that really helped revive the love of the sport without all of the other injuries [I suffered in Connecticut],” said Sowizral.
Wanting to play professionally was not something that she had always wanted. In Connecticut, she had no desire to, but at Regis, that spark was kindled.
“I was an All-American my last year at university, so I had a really good last season, and I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m done.’ And then I got an agent, and I got invited to this really big international conference in Dubai,” said Sowizral.
Dubai was where the process of playing professionally began.
“I think that experience was so inspiring because here’s these really passionate, successful women in this field, and getting to be with them in that area and experience this international, really cool showcase, I think that really affirmed [my passion]. I was like, ‘I think I need to do this for a little bit,’” said Sowizral.
She picked the nine-month contract from Anorthosis in Nicosia, Cyprus and has been playing there since she graduated from Regis in May.
“I think [the transition to Cyprus has been] really positive, actually. I think life is a lot different here, … not even just transitioning to a new country or continent, but also transitioning away from university,” said Sowizral.
However, volleyball in Cyprus is very culturally different from in the U.S. Sowizral is learning new rotations and experiencing a different coaching style that she is used to.
“As an opposite, I’m playing six rotations and hitting background, which is new to me, but really exciting,” said Sowizral. “My coach is just a little bit more emotional and a little more dramatic.”
After her nine-month contract is up, she is thinking of playing one more season overseas before possibly furthering her education.
“The idea was to play for maybe two years and then see if I feel over it. It is quite hard on your body. So for me, I want to check in at the end of every year and feel like my body is still able to handle it,” said Sowizral.
Her volleyball career is not yet over, and Sowizral is thankful for the opportunity.
“We’ve had our challenges,” said Sowizral. “I think I’ve learned a lot. I’m glad I took this specific contract compared to other contracts, and I think it’s been, for me, a really good step in my career.”
