Former Nigeria women’s U20 volleyball player, Aisha Bello told www.aclsports.com that playing the National University Lady Bulldogs volleyball team has made her a better player.
Bello won the 2023 Shakey’s Super Volleyball League with the National University Lady Bulldogs women’s volleyball team.
She revealed that as a student athlete, balancing academics with gruelling training schedules and frequent away games required discipline and strong time management skills.
The former Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) player said, “Over the past six months, as a student athlete with the National University Lady Bulldogs volleyball team, I have had a challenging yet rewarding experience.
“The journey began with intense preseason training, involving rigorous physical conditioning, skill development, and team bonding exercises. Endless hours were spent working on volleyball techniques, improving my serving, setting, hitting, and blocking skills.
“Each match and training demanded physical strength, mental focus, and teamwork. The adrenaline rush before each game was exhilarating, and the nerves pushed me to perform at my best”.
“As a student athlete, managing time effectively between studies and sports was crucial. Balancing academics with gruelling training schedules and frequent away games required discipline and strong time management skills. It taught me valuable lessons about prioritisation, sacrifice, and how to excel in both academics and athletics”, Bello told www.aclsports.com
“Each match and training demanded physical strength, mental focus, and teamwork. The adrenaline rush before each game was exhilarating, and the nerves pushed me to perform at my best”.
“As a student athlete, managing time effectively between studies and sports was crucial. Balancing academics with gruelling training schedules and frequent away games required discipline and strong time management skills. It taught me valuable lessons about prioritisation, sacrifice, and how to excel in both academics and athletics”, Bello added.
Volleyball
— Dare Kuti 'Gattuso' (@dkuti82) November 11, 2023
Nigeria's Aisha Bello wins the 2023 Shakey's Super League Pre-season Championship with National University Lady Bulldogs.@ShakeysLeague @CAVBPress @volleyballworld#ShakeysSuperLeague #SSLPreseason #Zainab #Olamide #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/DQ2CasexPY
The former COAS Spikers player further said, “Throughout the Shakey’s Super League, there were highs and lows. We celebrated victories, witnessing the fruits of our hard work and synchronised teamwork. These wins served as motivation to push ourselves harder and strive for excellence.
“Being part of the National University Lady Bulldogs Volleyball team is not just about playing the sport but also about building strong relationships with teammates and coaches. There were moments of laughter, unity, and support during practice sessions, team dinners, and even in the room. The bond created among teammates helped us to trust and rely on each other on and off the court”.
“Overall, my experience as a student athlete in the National University Lady Bulldogs volleyball team over the last 6 months has been a roller coaster ride of emotions, growth, and learning. It has not only improved my athletic abilities but has also shaped my character, teaching me important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and adaptability. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing this journey with my teammates in the future”.
