Zürich, 02.10.1991, 190cm

AMBITIOUS, EMOTIONAL, HONEST, DETERMINED

From playing in the sandbox at home to the beach volleyball courts of this world – that's how you could sum up Joana's story. Through the acquaintance of her childhood friend, she started to play volleyball at the age of 13.

After switching to beachvolleyball, she was immediately fascinated by the combination of athleticism and mental aspects: «When I'm on the court, I have to perform and can't hide – no matter how I feel at that moment. That motivates me to continue to grow as an athlete and as a person», says the businesswoman, who is currently completing her vocational baccalaureate.

Rather reserved off the sand, Joana really blossoms on the court. Still known by her maiden name Heidrich, the block player became U-21 world champion and Olympic fifth. In Tokyo 2021 she fulfilled her big Olympic dream together with Anouk, where the duo won bronze.

A year later, the World Championship medal was also within reach – until the 31-year-old dislocated her shoulder while they were leading in the bronze medal match. After months of painful rehabilitation, a surgery and countless hours of therapy, Joana - now called Mäder after getting married – has been back on the Pro Tour since April 2023. With more patience and the same ambitions as before, the team is setting new goals towards the Olympic Games in Paris.