Fernanda Pinto addresses her Peru U19 Volleyball exclusion

Volleyball player Fernanda Pinto broke her silence to address her exclusion from the Peruvian under-19 national team that competed in the South American championship in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

The young attacker, who emerged as one of Peru’s standout offensive figures during the under-17 world championship with 101 points, stated that she never rejected a call-up to represent her country. Instead, she explained that her absence stemmed from overlapping academic, athletic, and familial commitments that could not be resolved in time for the tournament.

Conflicting Schedules and Family Responsibilities

According to her interview with ‘La Cátedra Deportes’, Pinto maintained her intention to continue training with the under-19 squad after wrapping up her duties at the under-17 world tournament. However, complicated logistics involving her family, her school, and the coaching staff at the Universidad San Martín created an unavoidable scheduling conflict.

Some problems arose, Pinto said in the interview. It’s important to emphasize that I’m not acting alone in all of this. My parents are involved, the San Martín coaching staff, who have helped me tremendously, and my school. So, these are all very complex issues that came together, along with championships. I never rejected the national team, never.

Pinto revealed that she was required to participate in a school competition because her academic standing was tied directly to financial considerations for her household.

I had to play for my school, and at my school I don’t just play for my scholarship; I play for my sister’s scholarship too. So, those issues got mixed up. I wasn’t in charge on my own; my parents gave me the responsibility. And in the end, that’s what happened. I never rejected the national team, but this happened, and I didn’t go to the South American Championship.

Diverging Explanations Over the Roster Cut

While Pinto emphasized that she actively sought permissions and attempted to negotiate a solution with national team officials, the accounts surrounding her departure differ slightly regarding internal team guidelines. Under-19 head coach Martín Escudero noted that Pinto was initially included among the 14 selected players for the trip to Venezuela, but ultimately missed out after failing to comply with an internal team rule. Escudero clarified that the decision did not stem from disciplinary misconduct, though he maintained that squad regulations applied equally to every athlete.

Despite missing the continental tournament—where the Peruvian side secured a runner-up finish and a berth at the upcoming world championship—Pinto insisted she harbors no animosity toward the Peruvian Volleyball Federation.

What happened, happened. I don’t want to go into too much detail because I’m on good terms with the federation, honestly, I have no problem with them. For me, it’s an honor to represent Peru, and I’m extremely happy about it.

Return to Competition in the Peruvian League

Looking ahead to her club career, Pinto will return to face players of her age group during the 2026/27 season of the Peruvian Volleyball League. She is scheduled to feature for the under-19 squad participating in the domestic competition as a wildcard team.

Reflecting on her development since her international exposure, the young hitter aims to channel her recent experience into the upcoming domestic campaign. Since the World Cup I have improved a lot, both in my physical, technical, and sporting aspects, she stated. These days I’m going to be giving it my all.

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