Volleyball enthusiasts who have followed underage leagues for some years are likely to recognize the name Gülce Güçtekin. This 20-year-old libero from Türkiye has played a crucial role in her country`s youth national teams, bringing both success and pride to her fellow citizens.
One of her recent accomplishments was securing the bronze medals with her team at the U21 European Championship last summer. Individually, she was honored as the Best Libero of the tournament. From 2013 to 2021, she was with Fenerbahce Sport Club, except for a brief period at Mehmet Erdem Marmara Akademi. While at Fenerbahce, she played under Zoran Terzic and, in 2019, was coached by Emre Nur, leading her team to a prestigious national championship title.
Starting this season, Gülce is competing with the University of Wisconsin team in the U.S., where she is also planning to major in business. By gaining valuable international experience, Gülce is positioning herself to reach the pinnacle of Volleyball in the future. Get to know her now, as she could very well be the next prominent figure in the sport.
The Beginning
Gülce began playing Volleyball at the age of 10. Initially, it was merely a hobby, with practice sessions held twice a week.
Going Pro
Smiling, Güçtekin shares that she feels Volleyball chose her, rather than the other way around, and she has developed a deep passion for it.
The National Team
In the summer, Gülce earned a bronze medal with the Turkish team at the #EuroVolleyU21W. Additionally, she was named the Best Libero of the competition, earning a spot on the Dream Team. She has previously received Best Libero awards in various European tournaments, including #EuroVolleyU19W in 2020, #EuroVolleyU17W in 2018, and the Balkan Championship U19 in 2018.
Wisconsin University
This season marks a new phase in the Turkish libero`s career as she embarked on an international journey to play for the University of Wisconsin in the USA.
“Wisconsin Volleyball Team is amazing, and the level of Volleyball they are delivering is very high. They have many opportunities, and everybody in this team always wants to work more. The players of Wisconsin are super talented. 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.”
Interestingly, Gülce recently had her first experience serving in a match just weeks ago, as liberos are permitted to serve in the American system. Beyond adjusting to new rules and gameplay, the young libero has set ambitious goals for her team.
“First, we want to the Big10 championship, and then we want to win the National Championship again. 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 for Turkish fans, Gülce finds her greatest source of inspiration in a fellow countrywoman.
The Dream
Deeply passionate about her life in Volleyball, Gülce hopes to maintain her love for the sport throughout her entire career, until her final day on the court.
“I want to play for the Turkish senior National Team and I want to go to the Olympics. And I believe that success is always achieved with hard work and the right motivation.”
Torin Vale