For those who have followed youth volleyball, Gülce Güçtekin`s name is likely familiar. This 20-year-old libero from Türkiye has been instrumental in her nation`s youth teams, consistently bringing home achievements. Her recent success includes a bronze medal at this summer`s U21 European Championship, where she was also honored as the Best Libero. Between 2013 and 2021, she played for Fenerbahçe Sports Club (with a brief stint at Mehmet Erdem Marmara Akademi). Under Zoran Terzic`s guidance at Fenerbahçe, and later coached by Emre Nur, she helped lead her team to a national championship in 2019.
Currently, Gülce is embracing a new chapter, playing for the University of Wisconsin`s team in the U.S., where she is also pursuing a business major. This experience is crucial for her development as she aims for future volleyball greatness. It`s worth getting to know her now, as she is poised to become a significant figure in the sport.
The Beginning
Gülce`s journey in volleyball began at age 10. Initially, it was merely a hobby, with practices twice a week.
Going Pro
With a smile, Güçtekin recounts that volleyball didn`t feel like a choice; rather, the sport chose her, igniting a deep passion within her.
The National Team
Representing her national team, Gülce secured a bronze medal with Türkiye at the U21 European Championship this summer. Her exceptional performance earned her the Best Libero award and a spot on the tournament`s Dream Team. This wasn`t her first recognition, as she had previously been named Best Libero at the U19 European Championship in 2020, the U17 European Championship in 2018, and the Balkan Championship U19 in 2018.
Wisconsin University
This season marks a new chapter for the Turkish libero as she embarks on an international journey with the University of Wisconsin. She describes the Wisconsin Volleyball team as “amazing,” noting their high level of play and the team`s relentless work ethic. “The players of Wisconsin are super talented,” she stated. “That`s why I want to be here. I want to gain experience. I want to challenge myself because the Volleyball system is different in here.”
Recently, Gülce experienced a new aspect of her game: serving in a match, a practice permitted for liberos in the USA. Beyond personal growth on the court, she has ambitious team goals. “First, we want to win the Big10 championship, and then we want to win the National Championship again,” she confidently shared. “I am sure that we can do it. We are playing better and better in each game, and we are growing so much.”
The Inspiration
Unsurprisingly to Turkish fans, Gülce draws her greatest inspiration from a fellow countrywoman.
The Dream
Driven by her passion for volleyball, Gülce`s ultimate dream is to maintain her love for the sport throughout her entire career. “I want to play for the Turkish senior National Team and I want to go to the Olympics,” she declared, adding, “And I believe that success is always achieved with hard work and the right motivation.”
