Monika Paulikienė
A Lithuanian beach volleyball powerhouse who, alongside her partner, has relentlessly put her nation on the map in a sport dominated by traditional giants.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Lithuanian beach volleyball player·Birthday: August 30·Millennials
Biography
Monika Paulikienė represents the rise of beach volleyball from non-traditional shores. Hailing from Lithuania, a country with no deep history in the sport, she and her longtime partner, Ainė Raupelytė, forged their path through sheer grit and synchronization. Their partnership is the story; they grew up playing together, developing an almost telepathic understanding on the sand. Paulikienė, known for her powerful attacks and solid blocking, has been instrumental in their climb up the world rankings. They have consistently challenged established powerhouses from Brazil, the United States, and Germany on the FIVB World Tour, securing podium finishes and turning heads. Their presence in major tournaments, including the European Championships and the Olympics, is a point of national pride, inspiring a new generation in Lithuania to see the beach as a viable arena for world-class athletic ambition.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Monika was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Monika Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Monika's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Qualified to represent Lithuania in women's beach volleyball at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
- Won multiple medals on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour with partner Ainė Raupelytė.
- Achieved a career-high world ranking as a team, breaking into the top 15 globally.
- Secured a bronze medal at the 2021 CEV European Championship in Vienna.
Did You Know?
She and her partner Ainė Raupelytė have been playing together since their youth.
She is married to Lithuanian indoor volleyball player Dovydas Paulikas.
Before specializing in beach volleyball, she also played indoor volleyball at a competitive level.
“Our strength is in our partnership, our understanding on the sand.”
