We spoke with Varant Kurkeyerian of our FISTF World Cup team in the fourth installment of the interview series with members of the USA squad going to Rome.
ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?
VK: It’s an amazing feeling and honor to represent the USA! This will be the third time I have in the past eight years. One of the greatest memories I had was listening to our National Anthem, on September 11, 2015, in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, while embraced in the arms of my teammates. Still gives me goosebumps!
ASA: It’s been four years since the last World Cup in Gibraltar: how has your game changed since then?
VK: I’ve had the honor to have my game critiqued and reviewed by some of the best players in the USA. This has allowed me to look at my set-up, strategy, and execution. During the pandemic, I worked a lot on drills to really improve the technical side of my game. Once things opened up, I started playing competitively again, and am proud to say that I progressed to the knockout phase of every tournament. I feel more dynamic and confident on offense and have improved my defensive awareness.
ASA: How are you training for the World Cup?
VK: Fortunately, my club, Central Coast Condors TSC in California, meets regularly once a week. In the month leading up to the World Cup, we’ll be meeting twice a week for match play, and I will continue working on drills at home.
ASA: What are the prospects for the U.S. team in the Open category?
VK: We performed well in Gibraltar and caught many by surprise. It will be a tougher challenge this year. I believe other countries will not take us lightly. Having said that, I feel we have a talented and experienced team. Importantly, we have depth unlike before, which will allow us to make some halftime changes as needed. I look forward to contributing in any way I can, either as a player or as floor captain.
ASA: What are your individual goals for Rome?
VK:
To win. That is always my goal. Having said this, the world’s best will be at this event and you cannot predict how difficult each match and group will be. I’m more concerned about the process, execution, and concentration within each match. I want to play my game, be in the moment, and hopefully achieve some great performances. If the performances are good, I have the possibility to get results. Ultimately, my goal is to concentrate well, play the best I can, and give my opponents a challenging match.
I also want to thank all ASA members for the support they have provided me over the years. We have a very strong community that cares about developing the game domestically and supporting both new players and established ones. I take the responsibility of representing the ASA in Rome seriously and hope to make folks proud!
