Isabelle Haak’s 2024 was a year of unparalleled success, both individually and with her teams. Her club, Imoco Volley Conegliano, dominated the volleyball world, achieving a rare and impressive sweep of all five major titles: the Coppa Italia, the Italian league championship, the prestigious Champions League, the Supercoppa, and the Club World Championship. Haak’s performances were instrumental in these victories, culminating in her being named MVP of the Champions League final. Beyond club achievements, Haak led the Swedish national team to historic heights, winning the Golden League for the first time in the country’s history and securing a spot in the 2025 World Championship, another unprecedented feat for Swedish women’s volleyball. These accomplishments were punctuated by personal accolades, including the esteemed Victoria Prize, awarded by the Swedish Crown Princess, and a nomination for the prestigious Jerring Prize, recognizing Sweden’s top athletes.
Haak’s exceptional club season saw her play a crucial role in Conegliano’s perfect record. The team’s ability to maintain their focus and dedication throughout the long season was key to their success, demonstrating not only their skill but also their impressive teamwork and resilience. The Champions League title, a pinnacle of club volleyball, was a particular highlight, solidifying Haak and Conegliano’s place among the sport’s elite. However, for Haak, the successes with the national team held a special significance. The Golden League victory, a hard-fought 3-2 battle against the host nation, Czech Republic, marked a turning point for Swedish volleyball, raising its profile on the international stage and signaling its arrival as a force to be reckoned with.
The Golden League triumph was more than just a tournament win; it signified a significant leap forward for Swedish volleyball, propelling the team up the world rankings and ultimately securing their qualification for the 2025 World Championship in Thailand – a historic first for the nation. For Haak, this represents a new and exciting challenge, an opportunity to showcase Swedish volleyball on the world’s biggest stage. Having made her national team debut at the remarkably young age of 14, the 25-year-old Haak is now a veteran presence, guiding a team that is experiencing these international successes for the first time. The World Championship qualification is a testament to the team’s hard work and development, and it promises to be a momentous occasion for Swedish volleyball.
Beyond the team achievements, Haak’s individual brilliance has been recognized with several prestigious awards. The Victoria Prize, given for an exceptionally meritorious sporting achievement, highlighted her contributions not only to volleyball but to Swedish sports as a whole. This award, previously bestowed upon sporting legends like Ingemar Stenmark, Charlotte Kalla, Sarah Sjöström, and Armand Duplantis, places Haak in esteemed company and underscores the growing recognition of volleyball in Sweden. The nomination for the Jerring Prize further solidified her status as a prominent figure in Swedish sports, a testament to her performance and the impact she has made on the sport.
Haak attributes her exceptional year, in part, to an improved sense of well-being and a more harmonious personal life. Her move to the smaller, more tranquil Italian town of Conegliano, in contrast to the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, has provided her with a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. This newfound peace, coupled with the supportive and friendly environment she found within her team, has allowed her to thrive both on and off the court. Haak recognizes the importance of mental well-being in achieving peak performance and has actively sought the support of a sports psychologist. This focus on the mental aspect of her game has allowed her to refine her focus and maximize her potential.
Looking ahead to 2025, Haak is filled with anticipation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The World Championship in Thailand represents a significant milestone, a chance to compete against the world’s best. However, before the global stage beckons, a more personal event awaits. The Golden League Final Four will be held in her hometown of Ängelholm, a unique opportunity to perform in front of family and friends in the arena where her volleyball journey began. Haak’s remarkable 2024 has set a high bar, but with her unwavering drive and ambition, she is determined to continue pushing her limits and achieving even greater success in the years to come. Her hunger for more, combined with her talent and dedication, suggests that the best is yet to come for this rising star of volleyball.
