The Portuguese women’s volleyball team is set to take on the world. They’re heading to Sweden and will face off against the host team on Thursday in the Golden League. Romania is also on the schedule for this leg of the tournament.
Coach Hugo Silva says the real challenge starts now. He wants to solidify this young team and keep them in the Golden League long-term. They got promoted after winning the Silver League in 2024. “We need to think big,” he says. “We haven’t been in this competition for a while, and it didn’t go well last time. Our goal is to keep competing at this level.”
Sofia Gouveia is the new face on the team. She’s a young player from Castêlo da Maia. “I’ve loved volleyball since I was a kid,” she says. “My dream was to make the senior team. I never gave up, and now I’m here. Don’t give up on your dreams – if you work hard, you can make them happen.”
The team will play again in Portugal from June 6 to 8. They’ll take on Ukraine and Slovenia in Vila do Conde. The top four teams in the group stage will make it to the final four in Sweden on June 28 and 29. That’s the goal – to make it to the end and show what they’re capable of.