Discussions
Silva: "I'm running for my daughter Siana Don't underestimate GS Caltex"
GS Caltex Women's Professional Volleyball Team has appointed new coach Lee Young-taek as the new head coach and has also made significant changes to the team composition.
However, the team's main gun is still Gisele Silva (32, Cuba).
Silva ranked first in scoring (1,005 points) and overall attack (success rate of 46.80%) in the 2023-2024 season, reigning as the best striker in the V-League Women's Division.
GS Caltex re-signed Silva without hesitation.
Silva, who is currently training in Japan, said in an interview with the joint press corps on the 10th, "I think the composition of the team has changed in a very positive way," and "There have been a lot of changes in the players, the manager, and the coaching staff. I know we have the youngest average age among women's teams, so I think we will become a more energetic team."
"We have to keep moving forward toward our goal," he said, adding, "Things have been going positively so far."
The average age of GS Caltex players is 21.2 years old.
Silva is the eldest member of the team, but she doesn't want to be tied down by the word 'senior'.
Silva said, "I like the word 'sister', but I don't like being called 'sister' because I am a player with a young spirit and passion." She added, "There is no 'sister culture' abroad. Instead of the burden of being the oldest, I will play this season with a sense of responsibility to contribute to the team because foreign players are in quite important positions in the V-League."
Silva also talks frequently with her new teammate Stephanie Wyler (Australia), who is an Asian quarterback.
Silva said, "Stephanie is a very affectionate friend. We talk and interact a lot about training, but we also talk a lot outside of that," introducing her as "a friend with whom I can communicate well."
GS Caltex is classified as a 'weak team' for the 2024-2025 season.
"It's up to the evaluators to evaluate like that," Silva said, but added, "We will continue to improve. Please pay attention to what we do. Don't underestimate our team.
Last season, Silva's daughter Siana received love from her GS Caltex colleagues and fans.
Of course, he is the one who gives Silva the greatest strength.
"Siana is my driving force. She pushes me further and overcomes challenges," Silva said. "I will play hard for Siana's future."
During the training period in Japan, he spends time away from his daughter.
"This is the first time I've been away from Sianna for this long. Of course I miss her," Silva said. "I think Sianna is a little older now, so it's okay. Sianna is smart. When Sianna asks me, 'Dad, why isn't Mommy here with us?' I can tell her, 'Mommy went to work,' and I think Sianna will understand now."