The World Championship title would be a fantastic conclusion of a wonderful cycle - Sheilla
Trieste, Italy, September 29, 2014 - Sheilla De Paula Blassioli is
talented and sincere. And she is ambitious: “I am sick and tired of
winning the silver medal. It is my fourth World Championship and I want
to win the title. It would be a fantastic conclusion of a wonderful
cycle. Especially for me with this World Championship probably being the
last one in my career. In 2018, when the next World Champs will take place, I will be 35 years old and in the meantime I’d like to start a family and having a baby.”
It is thus the fourth World Championship for Sheilla. In the previous editions this incredible player, born in Belo Horizonte and with more than 100 appearances one of the key players in Brazil’s national team, won two silver and one bronze medal. From 2004 to 2008, Sheilla played in Pesaro. "It is nice that the fans remember me. I played in Italy a long time ago when we won the Italian title, the Supercoppa and the CEV Cup. I will always keep the memories in my heart. I was so young!”
The way Sheilla talks about her experience in Italy underlines her sympathy, one of the precious gifts and qualities of this wonderful volleyball player. Since 1997, Sheilla is a key factor in Brazil’s national team with an enviable series of successes. The setters change, but Sheilla is still Brazil’s opposite. "I have fun with Dani Lins as in the past with the previous setters. Who knows me, knows also that I do my best in order to adapt as soon as possible my play to the new conditions. If sometimes I need to find a remedy, I try to do it and being often successful.”
"However, I still miss the world champion title with my national team", Sheilla consistently repeats. Now it is our chance to claim gold. We are aware that it will be more difficult than in the past. The 2014 World Championship lasts longer, involving a greater expenditure of mental and physical energy. We will play match per match, not too much focusing on the thirteenth challenge, the possible match for gold.”
A whole nation keep their fingers crossed for their volleyball team, where volleyball goes arm in arm with football. "We feel the right pressure – says Sheilla – it is nothing new. We are Brazil and everyone expects something special from us. Fans from all over the world are wondering if we achieve our goal. We will do our utmost. We are focused and want it with all our heart.”