Agatha Bednarczuk, renowned Brazilian beach volleyball Olympian, is stepping into a new chapter beyond her athletic career. Recently retired following the 2024 beach volleyball season, Bednarczuk is channeling the discipline and focus that marked her on-court success into professional development off the sand.
She participated in the FIVB’s “Beyond the Court” programme held in Lausanne, a global initiative designed to help volleyball professionals navigate life after competition. The programme, developed in partnership with the International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES), offers:
- Career planning resources
- Mentorship from professionals and peers
- Skill-building workshops tailored to retiring athletes
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders
Throughout the programme, Bednarczuk joined other Olympic-level athletes in a series of sessions aimed at translating core sporting values—like teamwork, perseverance, and strategic thinking—into new vocational capacities.
Though officially retired, she maintains strong ties to the sport. In her home state of Paraná, Bednarczuk mentors young players and continues to share her expertise as a commentator for national and international volleyball events.
Her journey highlights a broader trend within the volleyball community: a commitment to ensuring athletes are supported not only during their careers but well after they step off the court.
This initiative is part of volleyball’s vision for sustained athlete success, acknowledging that for many professionals, retirement is not an ending, but a transformative beginning.
Learn more about her transition and the “Beyond the Court” programme on the official FIVB website.
