Julia Ituma, who celebrated her 18th birthday on October 8, 2004, has already amassed an impressive list of accolades, including a European Championship gold medal and an MVP award. This past summer, the Italian opposite hitter was instrumental in guiding her team to triumph at the #EuroVolleyU19W, where her outstanding performance rightfully earned her the title of Most Valuable Player. Throughout the tournament, Ituma participated in eight matches (27 sets), accumulating a remarkable 116 points, averaging 4.3 points per set. In the thrilling 3-2 Grand Final victory against Serbia, she delivered 21 points with a 43% attacking efficiency. Currently, Ituma is eager to demonstrate her prowess in the Italian League, competing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara. A former player for Club Italia, Julia Ituma is widely regarded as volleyball’s next significant talent—discover her journey now!
The Beginning
Volleyball entered Julia`s life quite unexpectedly. Due to her remarkable height, now 191cm, she gravitated towards the sport in the sixth grade after initially trying basketball.
Going Professional
Soon after joining Club Italia, Ituma realized that a career as a professional volleyball player was a tangible possibility. She shared her perspective: “I observed all the elite players there, engaging in something I deeply loved, and what knowledgeable individuals assured me I could become quite proficient at. Consequently, I decided to dedicate my whole heart and soul to it, and I`d say we`ll see how it unfolds.”
The National Team Success
The summer of 2022 was exceptionally fruitful for Julia and her national team teammates. They first secured victory at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Slovakia, then swiftly shifted their focus to their next objective—clinching the trophy at #EuroVolleyU19W.
Life at the Club
Ituma is currently honing her skills and gaining invaluable experience with one of Italy`s most distinguished clubs, Igor Volley Novara. She consistently seeks out every opportunity to learn and improve her game on the court. She expressed, “Here in Novara, I am once again in a position where I have so much to learn and to demonstrate. They are placing considerable trust in me, and now, it’s my turn to prove that it is well-placed. One of my principal objectives is personal growth—always remaining attentive to new opportunities, absorbing knowledge, and refining myself. I extend my gratitude to the staff, from whom I am convinced there is much to glean. I am also learning significantly from the players, both from my own team and from opponents; I am continuously discovering new tactical approaches for the game.”
Her Source of Inspiration
Rather than being inspired by a particular player, Ituma is focused on forging her own unique identity and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
