Gülce Güçtekin, a 20-year-old libero from Türkiye, has consistently been a key player in her country`s youth national volleyball teams, achieving significant success. Her recent accomplishments include securing a bronze medal at the U21 European Championship this summer, where she was also recognized as the Best Libero. From 2013 to 2021, she played for Fenerbahce Sport Club, guiding her team to a national championship title in 2019 under coach Emre Nur, and previously playing under Zoran Terzic. She has now embarked on a new journey, joining the University of Wisconsin`s team in the U.S., where she is also pursuing a business major. Gülce is gaining invaluable experience as she aims for future volleyball stardom, positioning herself as a potential “Next Big Thing” in the sport.
Gülce Güçtekin proudly holding the Best Libero award at the #EuroVolleyU21W.
The Beginning
Gülce began her volleyball journey at the tender age of 10. Initially, it was a casual hobby, with practices held merely twice a week.
Going Pro
With a smile, Güçtekin playfully remarks that rather than her choosing volleyball, the sport serendipitously chose her, igniting a profound and enduring passion within her.
The National Team
This past summer, Gülce earned a bronze medal with the Turkish U21 team at the European Championship. Her exceptional performance also led to her being named the Best Libero of the tournament, earning a coveted spot on the Dream Team. This wasn`t her first such honor, as she had previously been recognized as the Best Libero at the EuroVolley U19W in 2020, EuroVolley U17W in 2018, and the Balkan Championship U19 in 2018, showcasing her consistent excellence.
Güçtekin celebrating with her teammates in the summer of 2022.
Wisconsin University
This season marks a significant new chapter for the Turkish libero as she embarks on an international adventure with the University of Wisconsin. She praises the team, stating:
The Wisconsin Volleyball Team is incredible, playing at a very high level. There are numerous opportunities here, and everyone is driven to improve constantly. The players are exceptionally talented, which is precisely why I wanted to join. I aim to gain new experience and challenge myself, given the distinct volleyball system here.
Gülce Güçtekin
A recent match presented Gülce with a unique challenge: serving, a task typically not assigned to liberos but permitted in U.S. collegiate volleyball, marking a first in her career. Beyond personal growth, she has ambitious team goals:
Our immediate aim is to win the Big10 championship, followed by reclaiming the National Championship. I am confident we can achieve this, as we are consistently improving and developing with each game.
Gülce Güçtekin
The Inspiration
Unsurprisingly for Turkish volleyball enthusiasts, Gülce draws her greatest inspiration from a fellow countrywoman, a figure whose achievements likely resonate deeply with her own aspirations.
The Dream
Deeply passionate about her volleyball life, Gülce`s ultimate dream is to maintain her profound love for the sport throughout her entire career, right up to its very last day. She articulates her highest aspirations:
I aspire to play for the Turkish senior National Team and compete in the Olympics. I firmly believe that success is always the result of consistent hard work and strong motivation.
Gülce Güçtekin
