How did Štefan Zelenák join the team? What were his feelings upon winning, and what helps him handle the pressure in goal? You’ll find out all this in our interview.
What do you do at the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University?
I work as a researcher in the Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology at the Department of Experimental Biology. My supervisor is Dr. Jiří Pacherník. I focus on induced pluripotent stem cells created from cells of patients at the Faculty Hospital Brno. We try to develop laboratory in vitro heart cells from these and then analyze them.
How did you get into floorball?
I wanted to do some kind of sport, and floorball seemed like the best alternative. Occasionally, I go to races in the forest or mountains-I really love nature-but running isn’t my thing. I like games, so I decided to try floorball.
How long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing floorball for about a year. I only started training with the Campus team after the Open Day when I finally gathered the courage to ask one of the players what I needed to do to play.
You won after penalty shots, and as the goalkeeper, you made the decisive save. Did you have any rituals or tricks during the penalty shootout?
I always checked my position in the goal and how the opponent was holding the stick, and I tried to focus only on him. I tried not to think about anything else and be fully present in the moment. Also, since I’m a bit superstitious, I always carry a talisman for luck.
Did the controversial moments, when opponents played a tougher style and several players went down, affect you?
As a goalkeeper, there’s nothing I can do about it. At most, it motivated me to save even better.
What was the atmosphere like in the team and how were the spectators?
The atmosphere was very friendly, full of humor, and the spectators were amazing and supportive.
What motivates you during the game? Do you feel the support of the fans?
The energy of the team and the crowd is important, but when a shot is flying at me, I don’t have time to notice anything else. After the game, people told me they were chanting my name, but during the save, I didn’t hear it at all.
The Dean of the Faculty, Tomáš Kašparovský, was delighted that the trophy finally filled its chosen spot in his office. What does it personally mean to you that you fulfilled that promise?
I’m really glad we fulfilled that promise for him.
You were named the best player of the CAMPUS team. Which save do you consider the most important?
Every save was important, but probably the last one during the penalty shootout was decisive. I caught the ball several times literally by millimeters.
Do you consider yourself a person with good reflexes?
Quite yes, I think I’m not bad at that.
How did you feel when receiving the best player award?
I didn’t expect it; I thought someone who scored a goal would get it. When I heard my name, I went to receive it a bit shocked.
Are you planning any celebration?
We haven’t celebrated yet, but it’s a good idea-I’ll probably suggest it to our group today.
Will you participate in the next edition?
Definitely yes, if I have the time and opportunity, I’d be happy to join again.
Thank you for the interview.
Zuzana Jayasundera
Photo: Radek Miča
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