EUSA Insider:
Oksana Rusnachenko
Age: 26
Place of Birth: Odessa, Ukraine
University: Vytautas Magnus University (LTU)
Sport: Beach Volleyball Published 10 September 2019
How and why did you get involved in Beach Volleyball?
I have been playing volleyball since I was eight years old. My mother introduced me to this sport, as she was a volleyball player as well. I fell in love with volleyball from the first time I trained.
What do you study, and how do you balance your study, training and competitions?
I am studying Economics and Finance at Vytautas Magnus University in Lithuania. I also obtained a Master’s Degree in Physical Education in 2015 from the South Ukranian National Pedagogical University named after K.D. Ushynsky. I mostly study in my free time.
Tell us about your experiences at the European Universities Games 2019. Was it your first time at a EUSA event, and what did you enjoy the most?
It was my first time at EUSA event in Koper, which is a very beautiful ancient city. First of all, I want to say thank you to the organisers, referees and volunteers! They created a cool atmosphere! Also, I met a lot of friendly and open-minded people from different countries. And of course, I was so excited and happy to win the bronze medal at the EUSA Beach Volleyball Championship.
Why do you think taking part in university sports is important?
In my opinion, it is always an honour to represent and defend your university at international competitions such as EUSA. In additional, you always make amazing memories from meeting interesting people, exploring new places and travelling.
“Do not miss the opportunity to participate in the EUSA games!”
Next year the European Universities Games are taking place in Belgrade, Serbia. Are you hoping to be there, and if so, what do you hope to achieve?
I hope to take part in the following European University Games to be held in Serbia. I will do my best during preparation time to have good games and results.
What is your favourite university sport moment?
My favourite university sport moment is the feeling of victory and the satisfaction from the game. I also get really happy when people become interested and watch our games and show support for their teams. I think it is an honour to bring back a medal for your university from an international competition. Plus you are able to make new friendships and have a good time during the whole event.
What is your message to European student-athletes like yourself?
My message to European student-athletes is: do not miss the opportunity to participate in the EUSA games! You will have a great experience and amazing memories!
EUSA would like to congratulate Oksana for her success at the 2019 European Universities Championships, and we hope to see her next year at the European Universities Games 2020 in Belgrade, Serbia!