Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
For Nataliia Vyhivska, volleyball is more than a sport: it’s a source of hope. She draws strength from every serve, and when life feels uncertain, the volleyball court is a place where her best self shines.
From Home to the Court
Nataliia has trained in multiple sports, including floorball, athletics, aerial gymnastics, and football, but volleyball has become her greatest passion. She started at her native gym in Zhytomyr and, due to the war, later moved to Poland to study at a special school, continuing to train relentlessly despite her world changing so fast.
Her coaches noted that her resilience and determination during this transition have even inspired the adults around her. When asked how she has learned to remain calm before stepping onto the court, Nataliia shared:
“I focus most on the ball: to receive it correctly, make accurate passes and serves, and generally control the flow of the game. This helps me a lot.”
Growing as a Teammate
Nataliia’s favourite memory of her volleyball journey is of her team’s very first training session together. The girls had never met before and were quite nervous, but like many first meetings of Special Olympics athletes, a friendship formed quickly.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
“At first, we were shy, but then we started playing and laughing together. That’s when we became a real team. Volleyball shows me that even when things are hard, if you support each other, you can achieve something amazing.”
Guided by Mentors and Family
Nataliia’s success is grounded in the unwavering cheers of her mother, who raised her in a family of ten siblings, all thrilled to see her shine. Nataliia’s mother always encouraged her daughter to follow her dreams, supporting her all the way. When life’s stressors and self-doubt affected Nataliia, volleyball and the guidance of her community became a safe haven. Her coaches, Svitlana Lesyk and Tetiana Chornoknyzhna, have encouraged Nataliia to listen to her body, helping her manage stress and maintain motivation in the face of adversity.
“My mom always tells me, ‘You are strong. You can do it.’ Even when I doubt myself, volleyball and my friends help me feel safe and stable. My coaches teach me how to train, rest, and keep going.”
Creativity Beyond the Court
Volleyball is central to Nataliia’s life, but her passions extend beyond the court. She enjoys dancing, singing, and aerial gymnastics, with her teachers and classmates describing her as a natural leader, her kindness radiating around her.
“I love to sing and dance, and I often perform at school concerts and events. Practising these activities helps me feel confident and gives me energy to keep working hard in sports.”
Ready for the World Stage
Nataliia and her teammates are currently competing at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Katowice 2025. This inaugural Volleyball World Cup is bringing together athletes like Nataliia from around the world, giving them the chance to compete and connect with peers in an international competition.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
“I’m excited to play in such a big tournament. I want to gain confidence, learn from others, and make new friends. I’ve learned a lot from my own teammates, both as an athlete and a person, like how to perform various technical skills correctly, and my volleyball abilities have improved significantly.”
The World Cup takes place from 5-8 October; each match will teach Nataliia and Team Ukraine something new, win or lose, challenging the athletes to improve their game.
Hope and Dreams
Looking to the future, Nataliia dreams of competing in the World Winter Special Olympics in floorball.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
“Volleyball gives me hope. Every serve is a chance to dream bigger and keep moving forward. In five years, I hope to play floorball at the World Winter Special Olympics. Sports have taught me to train hard, stay focused, and believe in myself.”
When asked what gems of wisdom she might have for someone who is just starting their journey in competitive sports, Nataliia wisely advised:
“I would tell them not to give up if something doesn’t work out the first time. Always train hard, and everything will work out in the end.”
You can watch the Opening Ceremony, competitions and Closing and Award Ceremonies from 5 to 8 October live on the Special Olympics Poland YouTube channel: Olimpiady Specjalne Polska – YouTube.
Follow our dedicated webpage for the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup throughout the tournament for the full schedule and results, news and seven other athlete stories from across our region.
