Dec. 2, 2003
By Chris Storms
Mizzou Media Relations
[EDITOR'S NOTE: This was originally published on Nov. 29 prior to MU's match against Baylor. Godoi was honored prior to the Baylor match as part of Senior Night activities.]
The lights go on, the music starts and warm-ups begin. This is a routine on gameday that volleyball players are used to. Gameday- the day that all the hard work pays off.
Unfortunately, for every athlete, that routine must come to an end at some point in his or her career. This is the case for senior Juliana Godoi as she plays her last game at home against Baylor at the Hearnes Center.
A great asset to the MU volleyball team, Godoi joined in 2002 after coming from Sao Paulo, Brazil. As much volleyball as she has played would be enough for many people, but not for Godoi. The enthusiasm and energy she plays the game with shows that every time she steps on the court.
She says Brazil is nothing like Missouri. Volleyball is the only similarity she has noticed between her time in Brazil and her time in Missouri. But, according to Godoi, that is a good thing.
"A reason why I came to Missouri is because of its great difference to Brazil," Godoi said.
This year, as a senior for the Tigers, Godoi has become a great leader on and off the court. Too say that she is vocal on the court would be an understatement. She brings a spark to the team as she jumps up and down with great emotion after every MU point to get the team going. She is constantly talking during the match, almost screaming, as she gives words of encouragement and guidance to the Tigers.
She has followed the example of her favorite athlete, Michael Jordan, and taken the role of team-leader. She was part of the Columbia College NAIA National Championship team in 1999 and was an NAIA All-American for the Cougars in 2000 before transferring to Mizzou. So leadership is something she is more than qualified for and her teammates recognize the experience she brings to the team.
Juliana's favorite quote is, "success doesn't mean anything if you don't share it with someone." Godoi has had success and shares that with her teammates.
"I have accomplished more than I ever thought I would as a person, as well as my team doing the same," Godoi said.
After college, she plans to stay in the United States and will try to use her international studies major to find a job, possibly as a translator. The post-volleyball future is coming soon for her as the season begins to close with tonight's senior night match, something Godoi really doesn't want to think about.
"I am trying not to think about it, not get caught up in it, and to play the game. I will think about it afterwards," Godoi said when talking about playing in her last game at home.
Godoi has been great to the University, but sadly her last game at home has arrived. Her favorite hobby is photography and this night is sure to be a Kodak moment for many fans, as well as teammates.
The Tigers will still play matches after tonight, but for Godoi every match means the end is near. As she takes the court tonight, she can be proud of what she has accomplished at Missouri. And Mizzou fans can be proud of what she did for the Tigers and the University.
It's something that has to be thought about, an end always comes. Her volleyball career is coming to an end, but the experiences will be with her forever. Her volleyball career is something she has learned a lot from and will never forget.
"It does end. You have to have the greatest time of your life while you do it. This is where you meet you true friends," Godoi said.
Tonight, Missouri will honor one of its true friends with senior night activities before Godoi take the court at the Hearnes Center for the final time.