Like we have exposed in previous articles, If Brazil is to have any chance of finally achieving its coveted World Championship gold medal, the only one missing in its rich volleyball history, it better hope that its veterans are in top notch form. Speaking of which, it’s safe to say that everything starts with its most veteran player of all: setter Dani Lins, who just started a game for the team in 2 years after a long layoff due to her pregnancy. Unfortunately for her, it was a loss to the USA, but she knows that in the bigger realm of things, what really matters in friendly matches like this is getting her rhythm back.
Now at 33-years-old and the oldest player in the roster, Links knows her role has changed since leading the team to an Olympic gold medal in 2012, at only 27 years old (Globo.com).
“I even joked with the team that I was very nervous, and they joked back saying that as an Olympic champion, I can’t afford to have the jitters. But still, every time I was on the bench, I had butterflies in my stomach. Today was if I was called up to the team for the first time ever. When the coach told me I was going to start the game, I yelled “Oh, my God.” Today, Roberta owns the starting spot. When he told me I was going to start, I did not know about it previously. I was nervous.
I am the oldest on the team, a mother! Before, there were many veterans in the team, not anymore. I tell my teammates: “Come, my daughters, I’ll take you to take care of while I’m not with Lara.” I joke a lot, it’s fun. I try to help with my experience, with my “motherly” way of being. And I want to learn a lot from the younger players, they are full of energy and will. This exchange of experience is very good.”
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