National women's volleyball team Malkia Strikers captain Triza Atuka is optimistic of a podium finish at the Paris Olympic Games.
The team strolled into the residential training camp at Moi Stadium, Kasarani as preparations for Paris gather pace.
However, the team will gauge their preparedness at the Challenger Cup in the Philippines from July 1–7 before checking into Paris for the July 26 to August 11 Games.
Atuka is ready to guide her teammates through the rigorous preparations as she, alongside her assistant Edit Wisa, seeks to unify the players for the common good.
"Our main goal is to work as a cohesive unit and ensure we are mentally and physically prepared for the competition," the captain said.
Atuka, of Kenya Pipeline, replaces seasoned left attacker Mercy Moim.
"Our ultimate aim is to win a medal. We also want to focus on improving our game with each practice session," she added. "We handle pressure by focusing on our preparation and staying present."
"We take it one day at a time, supporting each other and keeping our eyes on the process rather than the outcome," she added, adding that building team dynamics is a critical part of their preparation.
"We foster teamwork by creating an environment of open communication and trust."
"Team-building activities where we sometimes sing to cool off the pressure and regular meetings help us bond off the court, which translates to better cooperation on it."
Training at the camp is intense and meticulously planned.
"A typical day includes a mix of physical conditioning at the gym, technical drills, and in-court sessions with rest in between," she revealed.
"We also incorporate team analysis of recent games at the KVF league playoffs."
"The intensity and focus is high compared to regular season training. We have tailored our training to address specific areas we need to improve. We hope to hit the peak in time for the Olympics."
Atuka said leadership has its fair share of challenges.
"The biggest is to keep everyone motivated and focused for an extended period. It's important to manage fatigue and maintain a positive attitude, especially during tough training days," she admitted.
"I motivate my teammates by leading by example, staying positive and offering encouragement. Recognising small victories and improvements helps keep everyone’s spirits up."
Atuka said defence and service are key.
"We’re focusing on enhancing our service, receiving and defensive systems. Our goal is to be adaptable and ready to counter any strategies our opponents might throw at us," she revealed.
"We study our patterns carefully and prepare strategies to counter our opponents' strengths. Flexibility and quick adjustments during games are key."
Mental and physical health, she said, are given utmost importance in their regimen.
"Mental preparation is crucial. We work with sports psychologists to build mental resilience and use visualization techniques to prepare for different scenarios," she noted.
At a personal level, Atuka is grateful to take the mantle, especially after a knee injury nearly forced her to throw in the towel. She was on the sidelines for a year.
"This (return to the team) means a lot to me since I missed the opportunity to play at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to an injury," Atuka shared. "It was a difficult moment since I had dreamt of that chance."
"Leading the team is an honour and a huge responsibility. It means a lot to me to represent my country and lead such a talented group of athletes for the first time," she said.
The team's culture is one of positivity and support.
"We build a positive team culture by celebrating each other’s successes and supporting one another through challenges. Respect and mutual support are the cornerstones of our team," she emphasised.
"We have a few pre-game rituals, like a team chant. This tradition unites us and gets us in the right mindset."
Meanwhile, Atuka said they will need support from the rest of the Kenyans.
"Support from the fans is important. It boosts our morale and reminds us that we’re playing for something bigger than ourselves," she said.
"We expect to compete at our highest level and leave everything on the court. We aim to reach the podium, but focus on performing to the best of our abilities," she concluded.