Italy's Paola Egonu was head and shoulders above her peers at the FIVB Volleyball Girls' U18 World Championship
Lima, Peru, August 16, 2015 – Italian Paola Egonu accepted the recognition as Most Valuable Player of the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship as a challenge to achieve bigger goals in her incipient athletic career.
Paola Egonu, named Most Valuable Player: I am so thrilled. I have not been able to sleep since yesterday and winning is an experience that we will never forget. The award represents a bigger responsibility for me because I know that I have to continue working since I want to give and reach even more things than the one we achieved today. Now, I go home to rest and start a new stage in the junior ranks and probably going to the junior world championship.
Vittoria Piani, captain of Italy: All of us gave our best during the whole match. We are on tears of joy because we are realizing a dream.
Marco Mencarelli, coach of Italy: We are really elated with the result we have achieved. Players did a lot of sacrifice to get here and I want to thank the Peruvian fans for their support during the match. Practically starting tomorrow the team moves to the junior class and I know they are going to do this and more.
Kathryn Plummer, captain of United States: Congratulations to the Italian team. They are a very strong group of players. Also thanks to my team because I know they battled until the end and all them tried to do their best.
James Stone, coach of United States: We have to give credit to Italy for a well played game. We also made many mistakes but tried to play to the best of our abilities. Now we have to keep working.