Name: Kristina Valjas
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2014
Sport: Beach Volleybal
Best Result:
1st at a 2015 World Tour Tournament
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Nickname: Stina
Horoscope Sign: Gemini
On The National Team Since: 2010
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
The help from CAN Fund makes a huge difference for me because not only do I get the financial support that helps pay for costly travel bills but I also feel the support from my country! So many incredible athletes have been supported by CAN Fund and to have my name among them is really inspiring! I hope to make an impact with the opportunities that I have in front of me.
How did you get involved in your sport?
I discovered beach volleyball as a form of off-season training for indoor volleyball while playing at UofT. I fell in love with the sport immediately and all I wanted to do was play all the time! I tried out for the beach volleyball national team the year I graduated from school in 2010 and have been training and competing full-time ever since.
Who is your hero and why?
My hero is my Dad. I’ve learned about dedication and pursuing my passion for sport because of him. He is a role model for me when it comes to putting in the hard work and making it about quality; doing things right, the first time.
What does sport mean to you?
Sport is an opportunity to push yourself to your physical and mental limits and beyond. It’s all about taking risks, facing pressure and adversity and learning a ton about yourself as a person along the way.
Do you have any pre-competition superstitions or routines?
I have certain bikini tops that I have deemed unlucky because I have gotten poor results wearing them. I never wear them in competition!
What is your pre-game meal?
Well, I wouldn’t call it a meal but a pre-game NECESSITY is coffee!!!
What do you value most in your friends?
I love that my friends are always there for me. Although I have a crazy travel schedule, I can also come home and count on my friends to not miss a beat and keep making me laugh!
Greatest advice a coach has ever given you?
“You’re never an asshole if you know the truth.” – John May
What advice would you give to young kids or teenagers about following their dreams?
Don’t underestimate yourself! You are totally capable of achieving your dreams. If you are clear about your goals, stay disciplined and determined to working towards them. Also, surround yourself with people who believe in you, there’s no telling how far you’ll go!
What are you favourite places in the world you have visited?
Top places include Phuket, Thailand because it’s such a beautiful country and Long Beach, California because it’s close enough to home for my whole family to come watch and cheer!
If you were stranded on a desert island what three items would you take with you?
A lighter, duct tape and a good long book!
What three items do you take with you on every road trip?
My iphone, Sunscreen and Peanut Butter.
Who is your favourite athlete?
Lenny Valjas
What is your favourite tv series?
Arrested Development
What is your favourite song or band/musician?
Stolen Dance by Milky Chance
Twitter: @KristinaValjas
Website or Blog: www.kristinavaljas.com
Instagram: kstinav
