As part of the IMPACT project, young athletes had the opportunity to grow both personally and athletically through a structured mentorship program. Matea shares her experience and reflects on how mentorship helped her develop confidence, motivation, and a better understanding of herself.
Can you introduce yourself in one sentence?
My name is Matea, I’m 17 years old, and I have been training softball for 7 years.
What did you expect from the IMPACT mentorship at the beginning?
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was curious. In the end, it turned out to be one of the best decisions.
How would you describe your relationship with your mentor?
I really appreciated being able to talk openly and honestly. I received sincere advice, not just general suggestions, which meant a lot to me.
Did mentorship help you — and in what way?
It helped me build self-confidence, learn how to organize my time better, and not panic when things don’t go the way I expected.
Is there a moment or advice that stayed with you?
I don’t have one specific moment or piece of advice because all of them were meaningful to me and stayed with me in different ways.
Do you feel you changed during the project? How?
Yes, it helped me deal with challenges and my own emotions more easily, and I feel more motivated now.
Would you recommend mentorship to other young athletes? Why?
Definitely. It helps you understand yourself better and grow as a person, and it also gives you support when you need it.
One word to describe your IMPACT experience?
Experience.
