Paola EGONU

As well as being a volleyball superstar, Paola Egonu has become an advocate for social change and inclusivity by sparking important discussions about identity, race, and sexual orientation.

Paola Egonu's Early Years

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Egonu grew up facing challenges related to her racial identity. Her skin colour subjected her to constant scrutiny and discrimination. She recalled a distressing incident as a child when a teacher made a racist comment, something that has stayed with her.

“I remember I had to go to the toilet, so I went to my teacher, and I was like, 'Hey, teacher, I need to go to the toilet,' And she was, 'No, you can’t.' I repeated this three times, and then I couldn’t keep it any more,” she told the Generation Change podcast.

“And in that moment, the teacher came and laughed at me and said, ‘Oh my god, you smell so bad. Black people smell.'"

Egonu faced many obstacles in her youth but found comfort and success in playing volleyball. She displayed her talent and determination from an early age and went on to play for Club Italia, Igor Gorgonzola Novara, and Imoco Volley Conegliano. Later, she moved to Turkish side VakifBank before returning home to play for Vero Volley Milano. She earned multiple domestic and international awards, establishing her as one of the top players in the sport.