What to read in August? Velasco's advice: he gave two books to each of the volleyball blues. From Márquez to Hemingway: the 28 choices

Italian volleyball coach Julio Velasco has taken an unconventional approach to preparing his national team ahead of the European Championships, gifting each of the 14 players two books tailored specifically to their personal interests and character traits. The gesture occurred during the training camp held in Cavalese, Trentino, where the Italian women’s volleyball team was undergoing preparation for the upcoming continental competition. The books range from classic literature to contemporary fiction, with a particular emphasis on South American authors, reflecting Velasco's belief that reading fosters curiosity, awareness, and dialogue beyond the technical aspects of sports. The initiative began during the team’s training sessions, which included regular practices, tactical meetings, and gym work. In addition to these activities, Velasco surprised the athletes with a thoughtful gift, two distinct books selected based on individual preferences and sensitivities. These were not mere recommendations but actual copies of books he had already read and deemed appropriate for each player. The selection process demonstrated Velasco’s view that the growth of a team extends beyond physical training and includes intellectual and emotional development through literature. Each athlete received a unique pair of books, chosen to reflect their personality and potential areas of interest. For example, Alessia Orro was given La casa degli spiriti by Isabel Allende and Le braci by Sándor Márai, while Sarah Fahr received L’amore ai tempi del colera by Gabriel García Márquez and La donna giusta by Sándor Márai. Denise Meli was presented with Per chi suona la campana by Ernest Hemingway and L’uomo che amava i cani by Leonardo Padura. This careful curation highlighted Velasco’s effort to connect with each player on a deeper level, using literature as a tool for personal and collective growth. The list of books spans multiple genres, including classics, contemporary narratives, thrillers, short stories, and sports autobiographies. Notable titles include I racconti by Julio Cortázar, La festa del caprone by Mario Vargas Llosa, and L’Aleph by Jorge Luis Borges. There is also a focus on South American literature, with several works by authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Jorge Luis Borges, and Mario Vargas Llosa featured prominently. This choice underscores Velasco’s appreciation for diverse literary traditions and his desire to expose the players to different cultural perspectives. Following the completion of the training camp in Trentino, the Italian women’s volleyball team will continue its preparations for the European Championships with a four-team tournament scheduled to take place in Koszalin, Poland, from Tuesday, August 11, to Thursday, August 13. This event marks the next phase in the team’s journey toward the continental competition, providing additional opportunities for practice and evaluation before the main event. Velasco’s decision to incorporate literature into the training regimen reflects a broader philosophy about the role of personal development in athletic success. By encouraging the players to engage with different texts, he aims to cultivate a more well-rounded understanding of life, culture, and human experience. This approach aligns with the idea that mental and emotional resilience, nurtured through reading, can complement physical training in achieving peak performance. The specific book choices for each player indicate a deep consideration of individual characteristics, suggesting that Velasco has spent considerable time assessing each athlete’s personality and interests. This personalized approach not only demonstrates his commitment to the team’s holistic development but also highlights his belief in the transformative power of literature. As the team moves forward with its preparations, this unique initiative stands as a testament to Velasco’s innovative methods in coaching and leadership.