Yuri Solcà: how to cultivate talent between university classrooms and professional basketball

Yuri Solcà, born in 2000, is a professional basketball player and a student at USI. He is from Vacallo, Ticino and currently plays as a playmaker for Spinelli Massagno in the Swiss Basketball League (first division). He also plays for the Swiss national team in the European Championship qualifiers. In parallel to his sporting career, Yuri is in the second year of a Master's degree in Management at the Università della Svizzera italiana. In addition to his sporting achievements, including three Swiss league titles, two Swiss Cups, and numerous appearances for the national team, he is also about to complete his studies. He is an example for anyone who wants to pursue university studies while maintaining their sporting ambitions.

Yuri, how do you balance your sports commitments with academics?

"For me, it has always been quite simple: the key is to be organised in advance and to write down all your commitments precisely so that you know exactly when to do certain things. Ever since my time at Commercio in Bellinzona, I have always been accustomed to giving my best in both areas."

Is there anything you learnt from basketball that you can apply to your studies, or vice versa?

"Without a doubt: the dedication to work and the perseverance that are required every day in sport are also the basis for studies. A classic example is to avoid concentrating all your studying in the last two weeks before the exam. Maintaining a steady pace and paying attention in class allows you to review gradually during the semester and arrive prepared without pulling all-nighters to study."

How have your team and teachers supported you in this dual path?

"The response can be divided into two parts. In the initial phase in Fribourg, the team and the coach gave me a lot of freedom on the condition that I demonstrated determination in attending training sessions and always gave my best effort. Regarding my studies, there was more friction; some teachers were understanding, while others were not. I received significant support from my classmates, who helped me keep up even during the weeks I was absent for sports. I managed the Ticino phase better, as the two commitments overlapped less."

Are you more nervous before a free throw or an exam?

"Lately, I would say free throws because I miss a lot of them, but they're different situations. In basketball, you have a thousand more attempts, and then you score again. On the contrary, you have one exam, and at most, you can retake it a couple of times."

In the United States, the university system integrates sport and study in a very structured way, while in Switzerland, reconciling the two paths can be complex. What could be improved?

"A better balance is just a question of organisation and deciding where to set priorities. However, behind these organisational aspects, I believe there are cultural differences: in the United States, sport is seen as a way out of difficult neighbourhoods, and professional athletes generally enjoy greater respect than in our country".

Do you think you'll also combine your management training and your passion for sport in your professional future?

"I've done both together all my life. Doing one without doing the other would take something away from me. On the other hand, studying helped me detach myself from unpleasant situations in basketball and vice versa; before exams, I always train to release the tension."

What advice would you give those who, like you, want to pursue a career in sport without giving up their studies?

"Be prepared to sacrifice some things, to work hard every single day and always keep in mind the goal you want to achieve. It won't always be easy, but it's precisely in moments of discouragement that you have to react and grow as a person."