Nov. 7, 2002

By John Pizzitola
Media Relations Student Assistant

Though she may be new to Mizzou Volleyball, junior defensive specialist Juliana Godoi is well experienced in the field of volleyball. Godoi, who is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been playing volleyball since she was 12.

Godoi came to the United States five years ago to play volleyball in Mississippi with a friend from Brazil, but there were some difficulties with her paperwork and as a result she was ineligible to play. Godoi transferred to Columbia College where she would be eligible to play in the NAIA.

At Columbia College, Godoi was a setter on the 1999 NAIA National Championship team and was a third team All-American, first team All-Conference selection, and led the team with a .364 hitting percentage.

Godoi decided to transfer from Columbia College to MU because she felt she needed a new challenge for her volleyball skills. In her first year at Mizzou, Godoi has amassed a total of 211 digs and 26 service aces, averaging 2.54 digs per game and .31 aces per game.

"I was a National Champion in '99. I got second place in 2000," said Godoi. "So I felt like I had played at the best level there and I wanted to play at an even better level. Susan and Wayne (Kreklow) were here, that was a big reason I came to Mizzou."

With all of the experience Godoi possesses from her years of playing volleyball, she is able to act as a leader for her teammates on the court.

"I think people kind of turn their heads when I am talking and I feel that they listen to me," said Godoi. "Being the oldest they know I have a little more experience than they do. When you play in the back you can see a lot of things that they can't see playing in the front row, so not just me, but also all of the people that play in the back, we always have something to say. I think one of my roles on this team is definitely to be one of the leaders."

As a member of Columbia College's National Championship team in 1999, Godoi was teammates with current MU volleyball assistant coach, Deng Yang. Some players may feel awkward to be coached by one of their former teammates, but Godoi feels that it is a great experience to be able to be coached by Yang.

"It's very interesting because she has been playing volleyball for so long and I always respect her as a player. When she came (to Mizzou) I thought it was great that she would be able to keep going with volleyball and she wouldn't have to just stop playing. She has so much to teach and show. When I got invited to come play here, one of the biggest reasons I came was because I would be able to be coached by Deng Yang. I'm very glad to be able to be coached by Deng Yang."

Being over five thousand miles away from her family has been difficult for Godoi, but her coaches, teammates, and friends have been able to make Columbia a home away from home for her.

"The beginning was the worst," said Godoi. "But as years go by you get used to it. Since I first came to Columbia College I identified myself with people there. They took care of me in that aspect. Susan and Wayne, they were like my parents when I was there. Every time I had any problems dealing with Brazil and here, and anytime I was homesick or anything they were there for me. When I came to MU I thought things would be different because it is much bigger and people do their own things. It wasn't though. The girls' parents are very nice to me and always want to know if I need anything. So I have a family here to for sure."