"Volleyball chose me": Semeniuk powers PGE Projekt Warszawa on the #RoadToTorino

PGE Projekt WARSZAWA proved once again that nothing is impossible, booking their place in the #CLVolleyM quarterfinals after a dramatic Golden Set victory over Trentino Itas. In the decisive away clash, Yurii Semeniuk emerged as MVP and one of Warszawa's key heroes. The 31-year-old Ukrainian middle blocker has a remarkable story - he only took up Volleyball at the age of 21, yet rose to the top level through talent and relentless hard work. Last year, during his team’s debut in the VNL, he became the competition’s best blocker. Carrying a special Ukrainian flag with him to every international match, he dedicates his performances to his compatriots. Now, his focus turns to the Champions League quarterfinals, where PGE Projekt Warszawa will face domestic rivals Bogdanka LUK Lublin.

PGE Projekt Warszawa reached the #CLVolleyM play-offs as the best third-ranked team and then amazed Volleyball fans with a stunning comeback to secure a place in the quarterfinals. After losing the first match to Trentino Itas in Warszawa in a tie-break, they travelled to Trento and produced a remarkable turnaround. Trailing 1–2, they fought back to win the match in a tie-break and then sealed qualification with victory in the Golden Set. With 15 points, including five blocks, Yurii Semeniuk was named MVP of the encounter.

Their next challenge on the #RoadToTorino will be a domestic clash with Bogdanka LUK Lublin, #CLVolleyM rookies. Warszawa lost both matches against them in the PlusLiga regular season, but the most important battles are still ahead, with a ticket to the Final Four at stake.

"Our matches in PlusLiga this season against Lublin weren’t bad. In the first game we had only seven players available due to illness - two liberos, two setters, two outside hitters, myself, and no opposite - so the ‘Fabulous Seven’ had to play despite those circumstances. In the home match, which we lost 3–1, both teams played well, but we made too many unforced errors and maybe didn't perform at the level we expect. Now the #CLVolleyM quarterfinals are a new story. Playing at home in front of a sold-out arena will bring different energy and emotions, especially since league matches and the Champions League are completely different in terms of level and stakes. In the Champions League there's no room for mistakes - one loss can be very costly. Against Trentino we lost the first match 3–2 despite having chances to win, which made things harder. But we showed our determination and turned it around. Now everything starts again. If we want to achieve something - and we do - we have to fight and win against every opponent," added Semeniuk.

Last season, PGE Projekt Warszawa narrowly missed out on the Final Four after losing the Golden Set to Halkbank, which makes them even more determined this time to reach the #CLVolleyM top four for the first time in club history.

"I think every player competes with the goal of winning medals. When you spend so many years working hard, sacrificing your health and giving everything to Volleyball, it's mentally tough if, at the end of the season, that effort doesn't bring a reward. That's sport, that's Volleyball - a team game – where you have to keep fighting" - said Semeniuk.

Back in 2024, PGE Projekt Warszawa lifted the Challenge Cup, with Yurii Semeniuk playing a key role and being named the tournament’s MVP. On the podium, he stood out carrying the Ukrainian flag - a very special one, as he later explained, means a lot to him as it bears the signatures of his national teammates. To this day, he still travels with the Ukrainian flag to matches.

"I still have that flag – the flag travels with me almost everywhere. I always take it to Champions League matches, either in my suitcase or backpack, waiting for the right moment when we win something important. In the league, I bring it only for decisive games. For the past years with the national team and here in Warsaw, it's always been with me. I had it with me in Trento as well, but after such a long match, being named MVP and doing TV interviews, I didn’t have the chance to take it out. But if we make it to the Final Four, I'll definitely have it with me," he admitted.

Following their victory in the 2024 European League, Ukraine made a strong debut in the Volleyball Nations League last summer, remaining in contention for a Finals spot until the very last match and eventually finishing 10th. Despite that, Yurii Semeniuk topped the competition’s blockers’ ranking. Ukraine will once again compete among the world's elite this summer before setting their sights on #EuroVolleyM - and for Semeniuk and his teammates, every match now carries even greater meaning.

"I've been playing for the national team for 10 years, and since the war began, every match has become even more meaningful - not just for us as players, but for everyone back home. For a moment, every Ukrainian - whether civilian or soldier - can take their mind off the war by watching our games. It brings positive emotions and gives people something uplifting to hold on to," - said Semeniuk.

His ambitions - and those of his teammates - remain high: "We played good Volleyball and achieved solid results last year, but of course it would have been even better if we had qualified for the VNL Finals. We performed well in the first two weeks, but in the third we fell just short. I hope this season we can fight for a place in the Finals. I believe we're capable of it. We may not have the deepest roster, but we compete with the players we have, we have a plan, and we have clear goals."

Semeniuk's story is a powerful example that every athlete can follow their own path. While most Volleyball players start at a young age, he only took up the sport at 21 - and still reached world-class level. Spotted by a coach while working at a store, while already studying law, he began his journey with determination and hard work.

"When you look at other players, many of them started at 10 or 12 and were already competing at junior level by 15. That wasn't my path," - he admitted.

The first quarterfinal match between PGE Projekt WARSZAWA and Bogdanka LUK LUBLIN is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 18:00 CET. Both teams are chasing a historic milestone, as each has the chance to reach the #CLVolleyM Final Four for the first time.