Athlete of the Week is designed to feature a new athlete students may not be familiar with. It is designed to introduce new players to the athletic program and University.
Brazilian native Bruna Bon is no stranger to the sport of volleyball – or as they say in her native language of Portuguese “voleibol”.
Bon, who began her playing career at the age of 12 in her home town of Rio de Janeiro, said volleyball in her native country differs greatly from that of American style volleyball.
“We do a lot of repetition from the time we are able to play,” Bon said. “We learn basic skill and focus on ability.”
This is Bon’s first year in the United States and at Park University. “In Brazil, I almost stopped playing because of the lack of investment,” she said.
In Brazil, young women play club volleyball until they are 20 years of age, unlike American club volleyball, where athletes move to the collegiate level at the age of 18.
Bon came to Park so she could continue to play.
Coming off of the best season in Park’s Women’s Volleyball history, Bon is prepared to fill a starting position.
“I hope I can do my best and help our team have an amazing season,” she said.
After a rigorous preseason, Bon said she and her teammates hope to continue the winning season started by head coach Mike Talamantes two years ago. The women play in Columbia College’s Invitational this Saturday, Aug. 30, facing two AVCA top 25 opponents.
For more information on Bon and her teammates visit www.parkathletics.com
