Pırıl and Ceren were two teammates who were separated by the earthquake. For them, volleyball was not just a sport; it was a form of struggle closely tied to the triumphs of the Sultans of the Net. The two 14-year-old friends, who had trained together just two days before the earthquake, had no idea that it would be their last practice together.

Ceren Topal, Hatay Volleyball Sports Club player, lost her life in the earthquake. Afterwards, her teammate, Pırıl Akdeniz, took a break from volleyball but later resumed playing the sport, which she described as “a form of struggle.” National volleyball player Zehra Güneş had played a Champions League match wearing the jersey of the late Ceren Topal, which had influenced Pırıl’s decision. Honoring her friend’s memory by playing volleyball, Pırıl Akdeniz came together with Zehra Güneş months later at ASAM’s event in Hatay.

Pırıl and Ceren were two very close friends and young volleyball players who played together at Hatay Volleyball Sports Club. But, in the February 6 earthquake, Ceren Topal lost her life. Overcome with the pain of losing her friend who was extremely passionate about volleyball, Pırıl took a break from the sport.

However, national volleyball player Zehra Güneş’s gesture of stepping onto the court with Ceren’s jersey before the CEV Champions League quarter-final match against Lodz deeply affected Pırıl. Determined to keep Ceren’s unfulfilled dream alive and make sure her name is remembered on the court, Pırıl decided to resume playing volleyball.

Highlighting that she no longer just plays for herself but also for Ceren, Pırıl came together with Zehra Güneş in Hatay. During this emotional moment, national volleyball player Zehra Güneş signed Pırıl’s jersey in memory of Ceren, who passed away in the earthquake.

We spoke with Pırıl, who conveyed that she feels stronger every time she senses that Ceren’s dreams and the impact she made continue to live on…

The healing power of sports and solidarity was once again demonstrated in Hatay, where major losses occurred due to the earthquake. Zehra Güneş came to Hatay, giving you all moral support. What does this mean for you?

“At first, I didn’t think it was very likely that Zehra would come to Hatay. After all, this place is Hatay, and how safe could it be for a national player to come here? There were problems related to accommodation and many other challenges. But Zehra came here to boost our morale, a gesture that was truly priceless.”

How do the pleasant memories you shared with Ceren give you strength and motivation while keeping her memory alive?

“Losing Ceren was extremely difficult, and it’s hard to put into words. Knowing her, spending time with her as a friend was such a truly special feeling. She wasn’t just my friend; she was also an important part of my life. Zehra stepping onto the court wearing Ceren’s jersey was a precious gesture to keep Ceren’s memory alive. At that very moment, I was very proud, and it was a gesture that warmed all of our hearts.”

Pırıl expresses that keeping Ceren’s memory alive has become her responsibility. Carrying the weight of surviving the February 6 disaster, the young volleyball player points out that she now considers volleyball as a means of struggle.

How has this period shaped your passion and motivation for volleyball? What kind of strength does keeping your friends’ dreams alive give you?

“On February 4, we had played volleyball and practiced together with Ceren and two other friends. But on February 6, I lost all three of them. I’m the only one left now, and I feel like it’s up to me to carry on. There are no words to describe the pain of such a loss. But volleyball has become a way, a form of struggle for me to honor the memories of Ceren and my friends. With each training, I grow stronger as I strive to make their dreams come true.

“The Sultans of the Net Have Always Been an Inspiration to Me”Volleyball is not just a sport for me; it’s a part of my life, my passion. Since childhood, my interest in volleyball has never faded. Being on the volleyball court gives me strength, not only physically but also mentally. It teaches me so many things. I’ve acquired new qualities that have a significant place in my life; not just teamwork, determination, and patience, but also discipline and concentration.”

“The Sultans of the Net Have Always Been an Inspiration to Me”

How have the Sultans of the Net been a source of inspiration for you, and how have their stories influenced your volleyball career?

“The Sultans of the Net have always been a great source of inspiration for me. The struggle, dedication and success they displayed on the court have always motivated me to do better. Knowing that they too were once children and taking inspiration from their journey to achieving their dreams has further strengthened my dream of becoming a professional volleyball player. From that moment on, I’ve always told myself, “One day, I want to be on that court as well”.

Pırıl expresses that she will do everything in her power to keep Ceren’s memory alive and, to describe her feelings, concludes with the following words:

“Keeping Ceren’s memory alive is very important for me. I visit her grave and share with her how I feel. I also do live broadcasts to honor her memory, making sure that she is always present. I will do everything I can to always remember Ceren and keep her memory alive.”