A South Tyrolean conquers Florida

As a child, Gaia Riedmüller began artistic gymnastics and then played volleyball. She celebrated success in this country at SSV Bozen and then tried to take another step in Serie B at Argentario Trento. In the summer of 2022, the 18-year-old from Bolzano dared to jump across the pond and joined Eastern Florida State College. “I've always dreamed of that. At the international university I can train and play a lot of volleyball and go to school. I come from a language college and immediately found English easy,” says Gaia.

Other countries other manners. What is a daily routine like in Florida? “Get up around 6.30:12 a.m., have breakfast. Then special training or physiotherapy. There is school until 12.30 p.m. and a quick meal. Strength training and video follow from 17 p.m. Then we go to the hall for training. From XNUMX p.m. we learn with the other players for two hours. This is how it works from Monday to Friday. The games are coming up at the weekend,” says the bundle of energy from Bolzano. Your college team is very international. “Two Italians, two Spanish girls, two girls from Puerto Rico, two from Brazil... we get along brilliantly. The different cultures are really a great thing, an enrichment. The trainer also comes from Puerto Rico,” reports the teenager.

Gaia Riedmüller with a dive.

All players live in the same building, Gaia has a single room like the other girls. The championship runs from mid-July to mid-November. The woman from Talferstadt and her team came in third place. Giaa really hit the spot. Riedmüller was named the best libero in Florida and the best libero in the final series.

This was despite the fact that she suffered an ankle injury in the decisive games. “But I even did therapy at night, put ice on. “I didn’t want to miss the finals at all,” says the spirited fighter from Bolzano. The daily training with hour-long units has already helped Gaia progress. Especially in the acceptance (she herself says that it was never really her strength) the cheerful nature feels improved.

Snow as a change She returned home on December 12th. “I finally saw all my loved ones again and also snow. “I’m not used to that in warm Florida,” she jokes. On January 6th we returned to Orlando via Verona and Frankfurt. The high school is located an hour's drive from Orlando, in Melbourne. In the coming weeks, in addition to school, there will be training and tournaments. Riedmüller will also be in Florida in the 2023/24 season. “After that, I have to decide on a new college.” She hasn’t made a decision yet.

Warmth and open, helpful mentality She was impressed by the openness and warmth of the people. “Everyone is very helpful and the days fly by. For example, Sunday is the big laundry day. All of us players do this together. You become really independent and cooking is no problem either. I'm a little proud that I haven't gained a kilogram. But I try to avoid fast food as much as possible,” says the teenager.

“I love traveling and getting to know new cultures.” Gaia Riedmüller

Riedmüller could certainly imagine a longer future overseas. “I love traveling and getting to know new cultures. If I can combine my love for volleyball with it, all the better.” It sounds as if the young woman from Bolzano won’t be returning to South Tyrol too soon. But: She can always stay in touch with parents and friends via social media channels.

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A South Tyrolean conquers Florida

Giaia Riedmüller has fulfilled her big dream and taken the step overseas. The Bolzano native has been playing volleyball at Eastern Florida State College since last year - and is teaching fear to her opponents there.

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