Mayu Ishikawa (24, Igor Gorgonzola Novara), who is entering his second year in Italy’s Serie A, the world’s highest level of volleyball, expressed his enthusiasm for the new season on the 4th Japan time. Ishikawa said, “This season, I am very happy to be able to play on a team that has improved to a higher level than last year, and I have to get good results.”

Ishikawa will move to Italy in 2023 and become the youngest Japanese woman to compete in Italian Serie A. This is his second season, and he will be playing for Novara, who made it to the top four last season. The regular season will begin on the 7th, Japan time, away against Keri.

Ahead of the season, Ishikawa said, “This team is in the top four, so I personally want to achieve even better results than that.I think my strength is that I can play defense well.” I’m looking forward to playing this season,” he said, declaring his intention to aim for even greater heights.

He will also leave Florence, where he spent last season, and begin life in Novara. “I think Novara is a bit more rural or quieter than Florence, but I think it’s still an easy city to spend time in, so I hope a lot of people come to watch the games.” When asked, “What’s your favorite cafe?”, she answered, “No, there are still training camps going on, so I’d like to start looking for one.”