Ana Carolina da Silva
A storied middle blocker, Ana Carolina da Silva, also known as Carol, brings a host of international and professional success to LOVB. She led the Brazilian National Team to two Olympic medals — silver in 2020, bronze in 2024 — and two World Championship medals.
Da Silva has also won two World Grand Prix titles, three VNL medals and five South American Championship titles. In club play, she’s found success in North and South America, including in her native Brazil, where she’s claimed five Superliga titles, five South American Club Championship titles and two Brazilian Cup titles.
In the last two seasons, she’s helped Savino Del Bene Scandicci take second in Champions League play and finish among the top of the Serie A1. The 6-0 middle has earned six Best Blocker or Best Middle Blocker awards during FIVB play since 2022 and was the Superliga’s Best Middle Blocker four times from 2018/19 through 2022/23.
In this interview, she opens up about the game and shares advice on how to handle high-pressure moments.
How were you introduced to volleyball and what made you fall in love with volleyball initially?
My mom introduced me to volleyball. We used to watch together and at that time I was doing all kinds of sports. But one time we were watching Brazil play on TV and she told me, ‘Oh, you should also try volleyball.’
I remember the first time that I stepped on the court with my teammates. It was so fun to be part of something. That was the moment when I fell in love with volleyball.
What is a message that you would like to tell your younger self?
Believe in yourself and chase your dreams. Also, it’s important to make sure you surround yourself with good people.
What is one piece of advice or encouragement from a coach or teammate that has stuck with you?
When I was little, one of my coaches encouraged me so much. I remember him telling me, ‘You’re not the tallest middle blocker. Don’t stay with that stuck in your mind. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to be a pro athlete or not, just keep doing your job here day by day. You have to be sure of who you are, the player that you are, and you’ll find a space.’
How do you bounce back after a tough practice or match?
When I bounce back from the tough moments, I just think: ‘OK, it’s just tomorrow. I have another opportunity.’ I can ask coaches for help. But I think most of it is just to try to put it out of my brain in that moment and to focus on the next ball or on the next practice.
What is one skill you are currently working on?
One skill that I’m currently working on is defense — also: looking at the liberos, looking at the position fours, how they see the game, asking for tips.
What is your favorite memory from youth volleyball?
It was a tournament that we did in the north of Brazil with the team from my city and from my state, Minas. We were close to the beach and we could just hang out at the beach a little bit, come back, play. I remember this was my first time traveling to play volleyball and when I think about it, I enjoyed it a lot. And we won the tournament.
What advice do you have for young athletes to get through high-pressure moments?
I would give the advice to young players to just keep trusting themselves. Of course, if they have to talk with someone or a therapist or their parents or a friend, I think it’s nice to put it out loud, because then you are able to just talk, to listen to yourself, and to realize what you can do differently or just accept that this is the moment.
What is one thing you want fans to notice and enjoy while watching a match?
How connected we are as a team. For every action there is a ‘why’ behind it.
Why LOVB and why LOVB Nebraska?
I chose LOVB, and specifically LOVB Nebraska, because I really believe in the league’s mission to grow volleyball beyond its traditional bubble and reach more people who love sports, especially young fans.
Visit lovb.com to learn more about LOVB Nebraska.
