Daria Ostrovskaya: "Now I'm a real Iron Man"
Today, we interviewed Daria Ostrovskaya, a player fr om the Ural Super League.
Daria, tell me how it all started.
— I come from the city of Alapaevsk, in the Sverdlovsk region. It was there that my journey into volleyball — both sport and life — began.
How did you get into this sport in the first place?
— It all started when I was ten years old. I was actually going to dance class, and there was a volleyball court right next to the stage, just behind a curtain. Every time I came to class, I would look over there, and I was really drawn to it. One day, I just decided to go take a closer look. Instead of going to dance class, I went to a volleyball practice. I didn't even have any clothes on, and I was practicing in my gymnastics shoes.
Who was your first coach?
— My first coach was Svetlana Ivanovna Nikonova. She opened the door to this world for me. There were no difficulties as such. I fell in love with volleyball from the first touch, and everything just came naturally and with pleasure.
When did the more serious stages of your career begin?
— At the age of 13, I was invited to the Olympic Reserve School in Yekaterinburg. At the age of 17, I joined the Uralochka-NTMK youth team. We became three-time champions of the youth league, which was an incredible experience.
Have you tried your hand at the adult level?
— Of course! While we were playing in the youth league, we were also invited to play in the Super League. As part of Uralochka, we managed to win the bronze medal in the Russian Championship and the silver medal in the European Cups.
Later, I spent a season on loan with the Turkish club Manisa. It was a very interesting experience. After that, I spent another season with Altai in Kazakhstan, wh ere we won the gold medal in the Republic.
Why did you end your professional career?
— Yes, unfortunately. It all ended quite quickly due to a spinal injury. I had to undergo surgery, and now I have a metal structure in my back. So now I'm a real Iron Man (laughs).
What are you doing now, and how did you get back on set?
— I found out about the Ural Super League from a volleyball friend. I decided that I definitely wanted to come back. Now I'm happy to combine my work and my favorite game. Volleyball will always be a part of my life.
