How Malkia Strikers players are juggling volleyball and class

Juggling sports, academics and full time employment is not easy. It is even more difficult for women in sports.

The combination of beauty, brains and talent is not common in the world of sports.

Therefore a sportswoman who is beautiful, intelligent and with great personality is a rare gem and highly regarded.

That is why national women volleyball team, Malkia Strikers players have defied the odds and excelled both on the court and in class.

Though most players are popular because of their looks and achievements on the court, a few of them have combined it with intelligence.

When they are not busy training or representing the country and clubs at international competitions, their heads are buried in books.

At times, the volleyballers have to move their lessons to accommodate their training schedules as well as travel for away matches, hence hurting their relationship with employers or lecturers.

Malkia Strikers assistant captain Noel Murambi (KCB), Kenya Pipeline centre player Trizah Atuka and her KCB counterpart Edith Wisa are just but a few of the volleyball beauties doing well in academics.

The current crop of players are following in the footsteps of the likes of Hellen Elele, Roselida Obunaga, Gladys Nasikanda, Edna Chepngeno, Rose Wanjala, Nancy Sikobe, Phyllis Anyango, Milcah Kimani, Philister Sang, Nancy Waswa and Jackline Makokha, who perfectly balanced volleyball and school after securing scholarships in the United States.

Having overseen a large number of players pursue higher education in the United States during his stint as Kenya coach, Abdul Muge, is proud of the current generation’s hunger for education.

“It’s always important for players to think about the future more so education wise. Like a mentor, I used to encourage my players and I’m happy most of the players I handled are enjoying life after their successful volleyball careers,” said Muge.

 Edith Wisa

Age: 26 years

Current Club: KCB

Previous Clubs: Kenya Prisons

Position: Centre

University: Mount Kenya University

Academic Qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting-Fourth year)

 “It’s tough to balance the two because sometimes you miss classes or exams while on national team or club duty. For instance, I’m now supposed to be on attachment but I’m currently busy with my club preparation for the upcoming African Club championships. I’m yet to find a suitable period to go for attachment.

“But to all other sportsmen and women outside there, nothing is impossible just follow your heart’s desire and you will succeed.”

Trizah Atuka

Age: 27 years

Current Club: Kenya Pipeline

Previous Clubs: KCB

Position: Centre

University: The Co-operative University of Kenya

Academic Qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce (Fourth year)

 “Balancing the two is not easy; it’s tough and strenuous especially during the exam periods (sometimes you have to trans-night, having only a two hour sleep in a day).

At times exam periods may clash with major championships forcing you to forgo one and when you differ a semester it means you can’t finish the course on the required timeline.

“It’s also draining since you use a lot of energy and mind during training or matches that you end up being physically tired and mentally fatigued to even peruse through those pages especially when dealing with tough courses like accounting and statistics.

“But I think education is equally as important because a sportsperson’s lifespan is short and you can’t play forever and so besides saving and investment it’s important to have a good career plan one can pursue after retiring from sports.

“Let’s keep doing what we do best on courts and still remember to pursue a higher education.”

Name: Noel Murambi

Age: 30 years

Current Club: KCB

Previous Clubs: Kenya Pipeline

Position: Left attacker

College: Cambridge International College

Academic Qualifications: Diploma in Occupational, Health and Safety at Work Place (Final year)

 “It is hectic and calls for a lot of sacrifice. Due to the demanding nature of our game, I always study on my own most of the times moreso when on international assignments. But I’m lucky to have had very supportive teachers and friends who help me out whenever I miss classes.

“Commitment, discipline and desire to upgrade your knowledge is essential in balancing books and volleyball. Currently, I train in the morning and attend classes in the evening.”

Aggripina Kundu

Age: 29 years

Current Club: Kenya Pipeline

Previous Clubs: KCB

Position: Libero

College/University: National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)

Academic Qualifications: Certificate in General Fitting

 “Not easy, you have to sacrifice. You must do something besides volley and that’s why I decided to go back to school. I want to upgrade until I get my degree. Athletes need to have a plan B in life and that’s education.”

Name: Joy Luseneka

Age: 29 years

Current Club: Kenya Prisons

Previous Clubs: N/A

Position: Setter

College: Wingways Aviation College

Academic Qualifications: Diploma in Dangerous Goods and Regulations (Airport Operations)

 “It’s tiresome but you have to commit yourself and get value for your hard earned money (school fees). Having those academic certificates is important for players because your will literally be securing your future.”

Doreen Marani

Age: 24 years

Current Club: KCB

Previous Clubs: Talent Academy  

Position: Libero/left

University: St Paul’s University

Academic Qualifications: Diploma in Criminology and Security Management (3rd year)

 “It is not a walk in the park, but I’m glad I’m now securing my future through education. You are only famous while still active in the game but once you stop playing due to injury or retirement nobody will want to associate with you. But with my academic papers I can apply for jobs. Hopefully, I will enroll for a degree programme in September. This is a fall back plan to my volleyball career.”

Name: Ruth Jepng’etich

Age: 29 years

Current Club: Kenya Pipeline

Previous Clubs: Blue Triangle

Position: Centre 

College: Beam International Training Centre

Academic Qualifications: Diploma in Counseling/Psychology

 “It is really challenging. But to achieve it you must be committed, disciplined and make sacrifices. You can imagine going to class in the evening after loading (physical exercises). However, if you use your time wisely balancing the two will not be a problem.”

Name: Lincy Jeruto

Age: 25 years

Current Club: KCB

Previous Clubs: Nairobi Water

Position: Libero

College/University:

Academic Qualifications: Not well documented

 “Playing volleyball and going to class are two different things. But to excel in both, you must be dedicated and plan properly. I’ve already started investing into my future. You can’t play volleyball forever, but you can have knowledge for the rest of your life.’’