I started practicing volleyball in elementary school. My teacher at the time recruited me and I liked it from the start. Very soon after that, at age of 12 I joined young national selection and move to Havana from my city Cienfuegos. I knew from the beginning that I want to become professional volleyball player. So I followed the best opportunities and conditions to develop the best I can.
I was very active, after school I couldn’t wait to go outside and play with my friends. As a young child I enjoyed sport. From football, baseball, basketball, volleyball… all day long.
Everything I did was helpful to be where I’m today. Being part of senior national team of Cuba at age of 13, practicing with much experienced players, playing some high level competitions gave me great experience. And when I left Cuba I joined serious clubs with perfect conditions to improve even more.
Playing in the best clubs and national team is an advantage I have to achieve some great results! There is no pressure, I work hard and I’m dedicated , committed and motivated to do my best .
From the moment I came in Turkey I felt loved and respected. I’m happy that fans enjoy my game and having their love and support means a lot to me. Turkish people are friendly. I like their tranquility and I adore Turkish food.
I want to win and play always at my best, regardless the opponent. Of course adrenaline that comes before some important games is something special. That feeling is why I love competition very much.
I like spending time with people, even though I’m a person that doesn’t talk much, I enjoy being surrounded by friends. However, there are moments when I like to be by myself as well. I enjoy listening the music and not thinking on anything else. Just music and relax. Sometimes I cook, I like that a lot. I always watch a Cuban program VIVIR DEL CUENTO, I never get tired of watching it.
My hairstyle is done by my barber for some crazy thing that occurs to us at the moment. I wear casual clothes that I feel comfortable in. I like sneakers the most.
I have the most special one on my right shoulder. It represents my life before I started playing volleyball and new life after. Old life and new life, that’s why there are an old shoe and a new shoe.
I have two dogs. First Suleyman came into my life and then I wanted to find him a little brother so he wouldn’t feel alone. And I brought Amor. Now they are the best brothers and they are my life. And the biggest thing I have right now.
La Distancia – Manuel Medrano,
Desce pro play ( PA PA PA) Otro trago Darell – Sech,
Oh my God – Adele, Stay with me – Sam Smith.
If young girls see me as their model of course it makes me happy. Sport gave me a lot. And what I can wish for them is that they enjoy , set their goals, be dedicated and work hard for it every day. Don’t let small obstacles to stop you. Believe in yourself!
My dream is to win Olympic Games and I know we will give our best to bring our country gold medal!
I was a very active child. Playing all day long outside with my friends. I have a big family, so my house was always full with people. I enjoyed that positive atmosphere, music, dinners together. Those times is something I remember often, as of my profession I miss my family.
I still have a young Melissa in me. No matter the progress I have done, as person and athlete, that childish excitement is still with me. The necklace is a reminder of my dreams as a little girl and the desire to make dreams come true.
My mom, Oristela Abreu is a kind and positive person. Full of life. She is by my side always. In the beginning of my professional career she traveled with me abroad and stayed with me all the time. After the season I go to Cuba to spend time with my family. She is very happy and proud with everything I achieved!
My biggest inspiration is my grandfather. He passed away 3 years ago. I know he is looking after me from heaven, I want to make him proud!
I keep my focus on what is important. Adrenalin that comes in tough games it’s feeling I like, it pushes me even more. I learned with time and experience how to stay focus and as I said working on every aspect is helpful.
When you really want something you have to do everything that is necessary to achieve that. As a young girl I worked really hard, at very young age 13 I joined Senior national team of Cuba. So all my time was just for volleyball. I had shoulder operation at age of 16. But all of hard things didn’t stop me, it motivated me to do better, to improve even more. I’m constantly working on my progress. As I said before I really love and enjoy playing .
I know that being a professional athlete it’s a big sacrifice. But it’s decision I made and I’m not thinking of what I’m missing. I follow my dreams and try to live the best I can. Thanks to sport I made great friendships all over the world and visited almost every country, met different cultures, learned a lot. Career of one athlete is not long , everything on its own time.
I noticed my talent early because I could see I improve much faster than others. Talent is one thing, but if you want to be on the top you have to work every day. Otherwise the talent will be wasted.
