Next up in the roster of incredible coaches that will be joining us out in Gran Canaria this year is Katya (Kate) Stepanova! Katya was an elite level player during her career playing professional beach and indoor Volleyball, and is a current Volleyball Coach for Camps and Teams around the world.
Have a look at our interview with Katya to get to know her before meeting her out in Gran Canaria!
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BEACH VOLLEYBALL CAREER
I’ve played beach and indoor volleyball since I was 14 years old. After completing my masters degree in university in the States, I played both sports professionally for 10 years in 4 different counties and recently retired in 2021.
WHAT'S YOUR HISTORY WITH DEEP DISH VACATIONS?
I was first invited to Deep Dish in Portugal back in the spring of 2022 (thanks to Coach Mark Garcia- Kidd). Since then, I’ve been part of the family at Deep Dish in both Portugal and Gran Canaria and look forward to each and every camp that I’m able to coach at.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PRE-CAMP WORDS OF WISDOM FOR PLAYERS COMING OUT TO GRAN CANARIA?
Regardless of the outcome, always have fun and don’t get frustrated! Beach volleyball is a very mental sport, so trust the process of your personal development and don’t put pressure on yourself. We aren’t training for the Olympics, we’re training to improve our skills, expand our knowledge of the game, get in better playing shape, and most importantly – have fun!
WHAT IS A LIFE-CHANGING BOOK/MOVIE/QUOTE THAT YOU HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO OTHER PEOPLE?
Book: ‘Maximum Achievement’ by Brian Tracy. From start to finish this is hands-down one of the best books you can find on goal achievement and self-motivation.
Quote: “And if it can’t be fun, what’s the point?”
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE DRILL OR SKILL TO COACH?
I love defensive drills (maybe because I mostly played as a blocker over the course of my career). I like to see people getting sandy and fighting for the ball no matter the game situation. This defines the spirit of the player, and players who compete with this type of edge are the ones who help elevate each training session for the entire group.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AT THE GRAN CANARIA CAMP?
The all you can eat buffet. But on a serious note, I look forward to meeting all the campers as we have an incredible week on and off the court. Seeing the growth from just one week of camp is incredible.
WHY SHOULD PLAYERS OR COACHES JOIN THE DEEP DISH GRAN CANARIA CAMP NEXT YEAR?
Gran Canaria is something very special, providing a strong social connection between the coaches and players. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone on and off the court, in both a competitive and relaxing social setting. When it comes to volleyball, the coaching staff will ensure that you won’t leave the island at the same level that you arrived with. Each player will travel back home with a suitcase of skills and memories from their week in Gran Canaria.
DO YOU HAVE AN EMBARRASSING MOMENT FROM CAMP OR THAT HAPPENED WHILE PLAYING BEACH VOLLEYBALL?
Never haha
We're so excited to see you all in Gran Canaria 2024!
If you missed the chance to join us out there, there are still a few spaces left on our Portugal Camp in April & May of 2024!