The Power of Youth: A Story of Triumph and Unity
On the 8th of May 2024, the Vigo handball team achieved a remarkable feat by securing promotion to the prestigious Gold Honor Division. What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is the fact that the team relied heavily on homegrown talent, with 19 out of 23 players coming from the club’s lower categories.
A Captain’s Joy
At the heart of this success story is Daniela Carranza, the 25-year-old captain of the team. Despite her young age, Carranza has been a pillar of strength for her teammates, many of whom she has known and trained with since their childhood. Reflecting on the promotion, Carranza expressed, “I feel a joy that is difficult to explain.”
A Bond Forged in Sport
The promotion was not just a professional milestone but a deeply emotional journey for the players. Carranza shared, “The game ended and I still didn’t believe it. Today, I am the same. With every image, with every video, I still get teary-eyed. You experience this with people you have been playing with for years, we like it and we are comfortable.”
A New Beginning
For young talents like 17-year-old Alejandra Montenegro, the promotion marks the start of an exciting chapter in their careers. Montenegro, who played a crucial role in the promotion phase, described her experience, “I came to Carballal as a child because I believed I could improve quickly and they showed me that was the case.”
Looking Ahead
As the team prepares for the challenges of competing in the higher division, Carranza emphasized the importance of unity and commitment. She stated, “The promotion is an extra motivation. We have to make a lot of effort and we have to have much more commitment. It is a step forward and entails an improvement to give a little more and maintain ourselves.”
As the Vigo team embarks on this new chapter, their story serves as a testament to the power of youth, teamwork, and unwavering dedication. The bonds forged on the court transcend mere victories, creating a sense of camaraderie that will carry them through whatever challenges lie ahead.
