Black History Month: Super League starlet Zsófia Palánkai-Omoshebi living life to the full

This year’s Black History month (covering the duration of October) is themed around recognising pioneering black women who have blazed a trail in literature, music, fashion, sport, business, academia, social and health care and other fields.

As part of those celebrations, Volleyball England is focusing on figures from the volleyball community who have influenced and inspired in the sport. 

Here, Darkstar Derbyshire player Zsófia Palánkai-Omoshebi discusses her ongoing ambitions to excel in both the academic and sporting worlds.

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There’s rarely a quiet moment in the life of Zsófia Palánkai-Omoshebi – but that’s just the way she likes it. 

The Darkstar Derbyshire opposite not only travels around the country to play in the MAAREE Women’s Super League week in, week out, but also finds time to study Physics at Sheffield Hallam University and hold down two part-time jobs. 

While it leaves very little down time for the 23-year-old, she knows it is a necessity if she is to continue to keep her options open. 

On the one hand, she would love to study for a Masters and then a PHD in astro physics and, on the other she would love to become a professional volleyball player overseas. 

Both career paths remain open at this point, and she is steadfastly committed to both ahead of that decision being made in the future.  

“If not studying, I am playing volleyball and if I’m not playing volleyball then I’m working. I’m pretty busy, but I like to be busy and use my time, rather than having time on my hands and not doing anything with it,” said Zsófia. 

“When we were in Covid I found it hard because I’m always on the go and like to be working towards something. 

“I work in a nursery during the week around my studies and then at Sheffield United FC on the weekends when I’m not playing volleyball. 

“Then there’s the training to fit in around the studies, so there’s a lot going on, but I enjoy it and know that one day it will bring its rewards. 

“If I can play professionally like my brother (Zachary, who plays in Bulgaria) that would be great, but I also love physics – I've always been interested in the planets and the Big Bang Theory. 

“I will be sitting there in day-to-day life thinking ‘how does this work’. I had a really good physics teacher when I was younger who inspired me and the interest goes there. 

“It’s nice to have two options because if volleyball doesn’t go as I hope or I get injured, then at least I have something to fall back on.” 

Although Zsófia’s dad Andrew Omoshebi played extensively in his younger days and is still heavily involved in the Malory Eagles – not to mention the aforementioned Zachary also playing – it was by no means a given that she would follow suit. 

During her younger days she was encouraged to try a whole host of sports and dance in a bid to find what she enjoyed most. 

It was only by chance, at the age of 15, that she settled on volleyball after going along to a session with her mum. 

Zsófia said: “She was teaching (volleyball) and asked me if I would help her demonstrate and I got involved in a session and then went back. 

“I’m really glad I did, not just from the sport side of things but also socially, because there is a great community out there.” 

After initially joining Westminster Volleyball Club, Zsófia later played for the Malory Eagles until getting the chance to play in Hungary alongside her studies. 

That arrangement had to be cut short because of the onset of the Covid Pandemic and, after deferring a year, she instead ventured north to study in Sheffield. 

At first she played for local club Sheffield but, wanting to step up the levels, she was eventually asked to join Darkstar Derbyshire by Head Coach Maria Bertelli. 

“This is my second season at Darkstar,” said Zsófia. “I went along to a couple of sessions to see how I found it with the travelling, but I felt like I really fitted in. 

“I think we can definitely improve this season. I feel like we have pushed on in pre-season and we’re ready for what’s to come. 

“It was really fun playing at the Super League Opening Weekend – I really enjoyed it and appreciated it. It was a really good way to open up the season and there were some very competitive matches. 

“We started in a really positive way (with victory over the London Lionhearts) and we’ll be looking to carry that on as the season goes on.”

Zsófia is taking a keen interest in Black History Month and is pleased by the awareness it creates. 

She said: “It’s good to know that people are now being made more aware of what some black people have had to go through and how they have suffered. 

“The struggles that my ancestors had has allowed me to be quite privileged and I am very appreciative of that.

“As for me, I hope I can be a positive role model and I’ve always tried to lead by example. I try to impact positively on people and help them wherever I can.” 

Pics by Nathaniel Macrae