Sm’Aesch newcomer Alli Cudworth in an interview: “I felt like a celebrity”
Before her European Cup debut this Wednesday against Jedinstvo Brcko from Bosnia-Herzegovina, the new American outside attacker Alli Cudworth in the ranks of Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen talks about the adventurous stages of her career so far and life in Switzerland.
Alli Cudworth in the Löhrenacker sports hall, where she will play in front of her home crowd for the first time on Wednesday.
Image: Roland Schmid/BLZ
How did you settle in in Switzerland?
Alli Cudworth: I’ve been here for just over two months now and I really like it. It’s similar to home and yet different in many ways. The buildings and shops alone look different than in the USA. But compared to other countries I’ve played in, it’s definitely more familiar.
How did you decide to move abroad after college in the US?
After my senior year at Ashland University, I thought that was it. College volleyball is huge in the USA, but after that it’s actually the end of the line. You are called old and return to normal life. (Laughs.) Professional leagues for adults have only recently emerged. I was an assistant coach at another university for a year, but quickly realized that I missed playing. I then contacted a player agency through several corners and soon received an offer from Cyprus.
What was your reaction when this offer came up?
I actually knew nothing about Cyprus. But I really wanted to play volleyball again and grabbed this opportunity. I really enjoyed it, which is why I continued year after year.
To person
Image: Roland Schmid
Alli Cudworth, 1.82 meters, outside attacker
The 29-year-old American moved from Protathlites Pefkon in the top Greek league to Sm’Aesch Pfeffingen in the summer. She has previously played in Thailand, Cyprus and the USA.
You also have a very exotic station on your CV. From Cyprus we went to Thailand to Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin.
First I was in Greece. But that’s a complicated story.
Tell.
It was a team in Athens that had just been promoted to the top league with great ambitions. But they were not at all prepared for us foreigners. I would have had to take care of my visa during the summer break in the USA. But the club said I should just come to Greece and they would organize it for me. That didn’t work. In addition, my accommodation was not ready and my transfer was not processed properly. I wouldn’t have been eligible to play until December.
What happened then?
I was at a low point in my career. I trained without being allowed to play. I just wanted to leave. Luckily, my friend also played professional volleyball in Greece. So I moved in with him and was accepted into his team. I was allowed to train with them and travel to the games. It was a great experience as the only woman, even though I had to get used to the men’s net height. (Smiles.) I did get offers from other Greek teams, but they put me under pressure and wanted my signature the next day. I was skeptical and refused.
And then the offer came from Thailand?
Exactly. The season in Thailand only lasted two months. I thought I could try such a big adventure for such a short time and I urgently needed a new club so that my career didn’t stall.
How did you experience your two months in Thailand?
It was a culture shock, but I had a very nice time. The people are so friendly and laugh all the time, even if they don’t have much. This volleyball is very different from what we know here. There are a lot of surprises and there is a lot more defending. In the end we surprisingly became champions. Even though I was only there for a short time, I will always remember this time with my first title.
Thailand is known for enthusiasm for sports. How did you perceive that?
That’s right, people are huge volleyball fans. At times I felt like a celebrity. (Laughs.) After the games you often received gifts and the fans wanted autographs and photos. It was a bit overwhelming at times, but also cool. There were players who were real superstars with a million followers on Instagram. We often had several thousand spectators at our games, which was crazy.
That sounds great. Why didn’t you stay longer?
If I had the chance again, I would probably go again. I had a lot of fun in Thailand. But the 12-hour time difference made it difficult to call my family in the US and my boyfriend was also far away. It wasn’t easy and it’s a bit lonely in the long run. That’s why I moved back to Greece, where I already knew the culture and language somewhat and was also closer to my friend. This time everything went well with the transfer.
How do you assess the level of volleyball in Greece compared to Switzerland?
There are a lot more high balls in Greece and the game is faster, at least from what I’ve experienced so far. The league is very competitive, practically throughout the entire league. I also often played against players who had already been to the Olympics.
But after one season, this chapter also came to an end. How did you come to Sm’Aesch?
The transfer to Sm’Aesch went through my agency. I wanted something sturdy, something professional. In Greece, not everything is always well organized and you never know if your wages will suddenly stop being paid. I wanted a team with a good atmosphere and teammates with great personalities. I have it all here.
They have two other Americans on the team, Jody Larson and Mita Uiato. How did this help with integration?
Of course that helps. We can make our American jokes that others don’t understand. It helps that all the other players speak perfect English. In general, people here speak English very well.
How is your knowledge of German?
Have you had time to explore the region yet?
I didn’t have much time because of the strict preparation. But I’ve been to Basel a few times and also to Germany and France. I really like it here. My family will be visiting me over Christmas and I’m looking forward to showing them around.
You talk about strict preparation. What is the mood before the start of the European Cup on Wednesday against Jedinstvo Brcko?
Preparation for the season started in August, earlier than ever in my career. Mita Uiato is coming back from a serious injury, and the two months were also helpful in getting used to the system and the new teammates. We trained very hard, Tom (athletic trainer; editor’s note) pushed us the whole time. The mood is very good. In addition to the hard work, we also have fun and have great respect for each other.
Have you already played the European Cup in Greece or Cyprus?
No, this is the first time on Wednesday. It would be very cool if we got far there. We will continue to work hard to win as often as possible.
And in the championship, what is the goal there?
Master. Since I signed here, I and those in charge have been talking about wanting to win the championship.
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