How to Use National Team Experience at the College Level
By: Scott Steinberg
How do you use national team experience at the college level? Volleyball star Julia Bergmann explains how to quickly up your game.
For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction, according to Newton’s third law. It’s a principle that volleyball star Julia Bergmann understands well, having grown up in Germany around the sport’s signature tournaments and a father obsessed with stars, black holes, and other scientific phenomena. “He’d love it at Georgia Tech,” she chuckles.
As the 2021 AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year—and the first Yellow Jacket named as such—she applies these teachings to her thinking both on and off the court. Or, in other words, “it’s about consistently showing up and putting in the work,” she notes.
Having recently switched majors from Physics to Applied Language and Intercultural Studies, Bergmann says this philosophy is all part of her plan to go pro and play in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Not only is she an AVCA First Team All-American performer, but she debuted as an outside hitter in the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Nations League tournament this summer as a member of Brazil’s national squad.
Noting this, we couldn’t help but wonder: What did she learn playing on the national team that has helped her compete? And what tips would she offer aspiring student-athletes?
It’s Not Just About the Serves and Spikes
“Being on the [Brazil] national team offers a huge opportunity to grow as an athlete because you’re playing alongside the greatest players in the world,” Bergmann says. “But to play at that level, it’s not just about watching what they do on the court, but also off, for example, what they eat, how they prepare for games, and how they act as leaders.”
Likewise, she says, you’ve got to be diligent about self-care and training as well as bring the right mindset to the game. “Being coachable and being consistent with your performance and routines is critical,” she says.
As you quickly learn at the top, there’s more to playing at your best than simply practicing your shots, she says. It’s also about exposing yourself to other perspectives, as you can learn a lot just by observing and talking to other players. “I’ve played beside teammates of every background and skill level, and all have helped me learn and grow,” she says.
It’s a spirit that she says Georgia Tech champions and fans can routinely see reflected on the court. “Everyone feels welcome when they join the team,” she proudly beams. “The energy is great, and you can tell that people really love to watch us play…the gym is always packed! It makes me happy and grateful to be here.”