First Month with Team Viale Hyogo: Finding My Rhythm, My Home, My Purpose as a Singapore Volleyball Player.
- Ethel Siow YY
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 4 minutes ago
June 2025
Himeji, Japan
New Grounds, New Growth: Starting a Pro Volleyball Life in Japan at 21
A new chapter began on June 1st—my professional volleyball journey with Team Viale Hyogo in Japan. Beyond training, this first month has been about building a life rooted in simplicity and intention. My apartment is modest in size, which challenged me to think carefully about every detail. I leaned into a minimalist approach—choosing multi-functional, well-designed pieces that reflect both comfort and purpose. Navigating the malls, managing logistics, and getting everything delivered in a new language taught me a lot about adaptability.
It is a space that now reflects who I am: focused, calm, and grounded. As I continue this journey, I am naturally drawn to brands that value thoughtful living—those that see design, sustainability, and performance as part of the same story.
Minimalist Living in a Japanese Apartment as a Pro Athlete: My Peaceful Shelter
My apartment is more than just a living space—it is becoming a sanctuary. I have added little touches to make it feel like home: soft lighting, comforting photos, and a small corner I call The Trinity Spot, where I find peace. This “nest” is where I rest, reflect, and reset after every challenging day.
Living alone for the first time, after years of being surrounded by family, has been a shift—physically and emotionally. The space is small, but that is exactly what makes it special. Every piece of furniture had to be carefully considered; there is no room for clutter, only clarity. I have adopted a minimalist mindset not just because of space, but by choice—keeping things simple so I can focus my energy on what matters: my sport, my growth, and my well-being.
Motivating myself daily has been one of the toughest but most rewarding parts of this journey. Without family nearby to encourage me or share the load, I have had to find that strength within. From assembling furniture to sticking to training routines, I have surprised myself with how capable and calm I can be. This small home reflects that growth—it is not just where I live, it is where I’m learning to stand on my own.
Volleyball Training in Japan: Adapting to Team Viale Hyogo
Training with Viale Hyogo has been intense and rewarding. Practices are disciplined and focused—every drill, every serve, every dive matters. The physical demand is high, but it is the kind of challenge that pushes me to grow stronger, fitter, and more resilient every day.
What has surprised me most is how at home I have started to feel. My teammates and coaches come from different backgrounds, but they have embraced me and helped me ease into a culture that was completely new just weeks ago. From shared laughs during break times to subtle gestures of inclusion, they have made the transition feel seamless—even when I do not yet have all the words. I am not just learning to play better volleyball, I am learning how to connect and thrive in a new culture.
Doing this all on my own—waking up, commuting, training, recovering, repeating—has reminded me of secondary school. It is that same mix of nerves, newness, and self-discovery. But this time, I am the one responsible for keeping myself on track. And so far, I think I’m doing okay. Each day brings new lessons, both on the court and within myself—and I am proud of how I have shown up for all of it.
This season of life has taught me to value simplicity and quality. With limited space and a demanding routine, I have learned to choose gear that truly works—functional, breathable, and built to last. Every piece I wear has to support both performance and comfort, whether I am on the court or catching a moment to reset. I naturally gravitate toward brands that understand this balance—those that design with intention, and that speak to both athletes and everyday movers.
As a Singaporean athlete living and playing abroad, I carry my roots with me in everything I do. I believe there is power in representing not just myself, but the values I grew up with—resilience, purpose, and pride in where I come from.
My First Volleyball Matches in Japan: Lessons and Growth
Nothing compares to the thrill of wearing the team jersey and stepping onto the court. The rush of game day is real—nerves, adrenaline, excitement. I have already had a taste of my first competitions, and with them came valuable lessons: what I did well, where I fell short, and how I can grow. Win or lose, these moments are shaping me.
Competing as a professional is a different experience from representing the national team. One is a career—a commitment to show up every day, sharpen your craft, and be part of a club system that depends on your consistency. The other is an honour—an opportunity to wear your country’s colours and represent something far greater than yourself. Both come with their own pressures and pride.
But whether it is for club or country, one thing remains the same: the drive, the commitment, the purpose, and the hunger. That fire does not change. It fuels the extra reps, the self-discipline, and the resilience in every athlete chasing greatness.
Most importantly, we celebrated as a team. These shared experiences—the sweat, the wins, the setbacks—are what build true camaraderie. And it is in these connections that I find strength and joy.
Quick Meals for an Active Lifestyle
Eating well on a tight schedule is one of the biggest challenges as a full-time athlete. I have had to quickly learn how to whip up meals that are both nutritious and fast. Some of my go-to dishes include rice balls (onigiri) instant miso soup with added tofu.
I avoid skipping meals, even when I am tired, because I have come to realise that my performance on the court is directly tied to how I fuel myself off it. It is not fancy, but it is functional.
Over time, I have even started to enjoy the little routines of preparing food alone—it is a quiet moment to slow down, reflect, and care for myself.
Sharing a simple homemade meal with a teammate made me feel truly welcomed—a warm glimpse into Japanese hospitality and growing friendships.
Getting Around Hyogo: Commuting, Teammates and Daily Life
Navigating a new city was something I expected to do alone—but I have been wonderfully proven wrong. During this first month, my teammates have been incredibly kind, offering to drive me around to training, competitions, and errands.
The photo of my teammate holding a Starbucks coffee is not just a snapshot—it represents the warmth and generosity I have been shown. Their willingness to include me, guide me through unfamiliar roads, and help me settle in has made a world of difference.
What humbles me most is how easily friendship has bloomed, even in a competitive environment. On the court, we push each other hard. But off the court, they have shown nothing but kindness, patience, and joy. We may be competitors during practice, but we are teammates in life—and I am so grateful for that.
I am deeply thankful—especially to her and the rest of the team—for making my early days in Japan feel less overwhelming and a lot more like home. I came expecting to navigate this chapter alone, but I’ve found myself surrounded by quiet acts of care and true companionship. I am blessed.
Life Lessons from My First Month as a Singapore Athlete Abroad
One month ago, I left behind everything familiar—my family, my friends, my routines—to chase a dream in a country where I barely spoke the language. I knew it would be hard, but I never imagined how much I would grow in such a short time.
At 21, I have learned what independence really means. It is waking yourself up before sunrise, navigating public transport, planning meals, managing a home, and still showing up for training with focus and fight. It is learning to be your own biggest motivator on days when there is no one cheering. It is managing tired muscles and tired emotions. It is growing up—fast.
What surprises people most is that I am doing this alone. No manager, no helper, no family nearby—just me and my purpose. I have made friends, figured out my way around, built a support system, and earned the respect of a team I now call family. I have also begun to appreciate silence, stillness, and the quiet voice in me that says, “You can do this.”
If you asked how I managed it—there is no perfect answer. I do not have everything figured out. But I do have grit. I take things one day at a time. I make my bed, lace my shoes, show up, and repeat. This experience is not just about volleyball. It is about becoming the kind of person I have always wanted to be—strong, grounded, and brave enough to start over.
This first month has quietly revealed who I am under pressure. And for brands that believe in stories of perseverance, purpose, and real human spirit—I am living it, day by day.
Gratitude, Growth, and the Start of Something Bigger
The journey has only just begun, but already I feel the shift within me. Living and training in Japan has challenged me in ways I never anticipated—and shaped me in ways I did not expect. Team Viale Hyogo welcomed me with open arms, and I am committed to giving them my best every single day.
To fellow Singaporean athletes—especially those dreaming of a path beyond familiar shores—this road is not easy, but it is deeply rewarding. Growth does not always happen in comfort. It happens when you dare to step into the unknown, show up scared, and keep going anyway. Do not be afraid to start small. Do not be afraid to start alone.
I am also mindful of the quiet blessings that have carried me here—open doors, unexpected kindness, and the strength to keep rising. For that, I am thankful. I believe that grace shows up not just in big moments, but in daily perseverance.
And to my little brother—chasing his own dream in water polo back home—I see your effort, your fire, and your journey. Keep your head up, stay disciplined, and trust that every step you take now is building something greater. I am cheering you on from here.
Until next time,
Ethel (UDA)
“Perseverance, for me, isn’t loud. It’s the quiet choice to wake up, train hard, and believe in myself—even when no one’s watching. That’s how I’m building this dream, one day at a time.”—Month One in Himeji
Follow my journey
Instagram: @ethelsioww
Ethel: #EthelUncaged I #BecomingUncaged I #UnderDogAthlete I #UnderdogsWithFire
Motivation: #BeTheLight I #StillBecoming I #FromBenchToBattle
Volleyball: #VolleyballJourney I #VollleyballDream I #NoStarToPro
Comentarios