Q&A: Emilia Mikanovich's journey from Belarus to U SPORTS success

Moving across the world is never easy. For Emilia Mikanovich, it became the start of a remarkable university career.

The Saint Mary's University left-side hitter arrived in Halifax from Belarus in 2023, knowing only one teammate and navigating a new language, a new culture and a new style of volleyball. Four years later, she leaves as one of the most decorated players in Huskies history and one of the premier athletes in U SPORTS. 

Mikanovich capped her final season by earning AUS Female Athlete of the Year honours and a second consecutive AUS Volleyball Most Valuable Player award. A two-time U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, she helped lead Saint Mary's to back-to-back AUS championships and three consecutive appearances at the U SPORTS Women's Volleyball Championship. She finished her career with 910 kills and 1,052 points, ranking among the most productive players in conference history. 

Her success extended well beyond the court. Mikanovich earned Academic All-Canadian honours in each of her four seasons, completed a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a 3.75 GPA and volunteered in the Halifax community, all while balancing injuries, work and the challenges of living far from home. 

As she reflects on her nomination for the Lois and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Award and prepares for the next chapter, Mikanovich spoke with U SPORTS about her journey, the people who helped her along the way and the lessons she learned during her time in Canada.

U SPORTS: How did you first begin playing volleyball?

Mikanovich: Sports were always part of our daily lives. My dad was often travelling because of volleyball, and my mom was involved in sports administration, so we were always active. It felt normal to grow up around competition and athletics.

U SPORTS: Why did you decide to come to Canada?

Mikanovich: My dad always encouraged me to study abroad. In Europe, athletes usually play for club teams while attending school separately. Canada offered a unique opportunity to combine high-level volleyball with a university education. Education was always a priority for me, but I also wanted to keep playing volleyball. Canada gave me the chance to do both.

U SPORTS: What was the transition like when you arrived at Saint Mary's?

Mikanovich: It was difficult at first. I was only 19 years old, I was far from home, and I was adapting to a completely different culture. There were definitely challenges. But I received so much support from my teammates, my coaches and everyone at Saint Mary's. Looking back, that's what I appreciate most about my experience.

U SPORTS: Where do you think you've grown the most over the past four years?

Mikanovich: As a person. When I first arrived, I was very emotional and sometimes struggled with my body language on the court. Now I feel much calmer and more confident. I've learned how to stay steady through difficult moments, and I think that growth has helped me become a better teammate and leader.

U SPORTS: How would you describe your leadership style?

Mikanovich: I'm not someone who gives big speeches. I prefer to lead through my actions and by taking responsibility when the team needs it. If I see someone struggling, I'll try to support them, help take some pressure off them or simply be there for them. That's more my style.

U SPORTS: What role did your teammate and fellow Belarusian, Alena Piatukhova, play in your journey?

Mikanovich: A huge one. Without her, my experience probably would have been very different. She's older than me and helped me through a lot of difficult moments. I'm not someone who naturally asks for help, but she always knew when I needed support. She helped me come out of my shell and adjust to life in Canada.

U SPORTS: How would you describe the culture within the Huskies program?

Mikanovich: Unity. That was actually one of our team words last season. Everyone supports each other. Everyone is friends with everyone. We study together, spend time together and genuinely care about one another. It's a really special environment.

U SPORTS: What do you think has been the key to your team's success over the past two years?

Mikanovich: The culture. We've always had talented players, but I think we became more connected as a team. We started communicating more, trusting each other more and focusing on the group instead of ourselves. Once that happened, everything changed. Even this year, when we faced some challenges during the regular season, I never doubted our team because I knew how strong our culture had become.

U SPORTS: What did it mean to win back-to-back AUS championships?

Mikanovich: It was incredible. Maybe this sounds funny, but I always believed we were going to win. I had so much confidence in our team and in the people around me. That's how much trust we had built together.

U SPORTS: How do you view all the individual awards you've received?

Mikanovich: Honestly, I still don't know if I've fully processed them. I'm very grateful, but individual awards were never my goal. I always wanted my team to succeed. If my performances helped our team win, that's what matters most to me.

U SPORTS: What does this athlete of the year nomination mean to you?

Mikanovich: It's overwhelming in a good way. I'm grateful, but it's difficult for me to think about myself that way because there are so many amazing athletes. It's a huge honour, but I still see myself as someone who is just trying to help her team.

U SPORTS: Who would you like to thank?

Mikanovich: First, Coach Darren Russell. Without him, I probably never would have come to Canada. I would also thank Alena, who became like family to me here, my teammates, who welcomed me from day one, and of course, my parents, who supported me through everything.

U SPORTS: Your parents came to Canada for the awards ceremony. How special was that?

Mikanovich: Very special. I hadn't seen them in almost two years. They weren't able to attend my graduation or my final university match, so having them here for this event meant a lot. 

U SPORTS: What's next for you?

Mikanovich: I want to play professionally. Right now I'm looking for opportunities in Europe, and hopefully I'll continue playing for a few more years. After that, I'd like to complete a master's degree and explore careers in healthcare or research.

U SPORTS: What do you think the younger version of yourself would say if she could see you now?

Mikanovich: She would be shocked. When I was younger, I didn't even really want to play volleyball. None of this was part of the plan. I never imagined I would end up in Canada, earn a degree or be nominated for an award like this. I think she'd be surprised by everything that happened.

U SPORTS: What advice would you give young volleyball players?

Mikanovich: Don't be afraid. If you love volleyball, give it everything you have. Work hard, enjoy the process and trust yourself. If you're willing to put in the effort, good things will happen.