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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Rise on Thursday announced the first three player signings for their Pro Volleyball Federation franchise, securing outside hitter Claire Chaussee (CHAW-say), opposite Emiliya Dimitrova (eh-MEEL-yah dih-mih-TROH-vah), and middle blocker Alyssa Garvelink-Jensen (GAHR-veh-leenk).
Chaussee, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 2022 Player of the Year, recently completed her rookie pro campaign in Italy with CBF Balducci HR Macerata. The 6-foot native of Sun Prairie, Wis., played five seasons (2018-22) at the University of Louisville, culminating in a berth in the 2022 NCAA championship game. As a senior, Chaussee garnered spots on the AVCA All-American First Team and the Final Four All-Tournament Team, and she was named the AVCA All-East Region Player of the Year.
“Claire is a player who evolved over her time at Louisville. The strides she made over the years are a testament to her work ethic, ability to grow and the stellar staff at Louisville. Claires amazing athleticism, jumping ability, competitiveness makes her a fan favorite. She is hungry to learn and is so fiery! I was really encouraged when I watched her in her first season in Italy. Italy is recognized as one of the top leagues in the World and Claire became one of the top players on her team and in the league for her position,” said Rise head coach Cathy George. “I am excited to work with her as she continues to develop her game in the Pro Volleyball Federation!”
The 23-year-old was named to the AVCA All-East Region Honorable Mention Team and the All-ACC Second Team in 2021, when she registered 2.84 kills per set. As a sophomore, she helped guide the Cardinals to their first Elite Eight appearance in program history. Throughout Chaussee’s five campaigns at Louisville, she averaged 3.02 kills per set with an attack percentage of 0.250. On the defensive side of the net, Chaussee averaged 1.38 digs per set and 0.30 blocks per set.
“To be able to play the game I love at the highest level in the U.S. means the world to me,” Chaussee said. “It’s going to allow us female athletes to create real connections with fans and teammates. To top it off, being closer to our friends and family makes it that much more enjoyable.”
Dimitrova comes to Grand Rapids with 14 years of professional experience throughout Europe and Asia. A native of Shumen, Bulgaria, she most recently competed for VBC Trasporti Pesanti Casalmaggiore in Italy during the 2022-23 season. The 31-year-old has captured five medals, including two gold, for the Bulgarian National Team, earning her first national hardware in 2010 in the European Golden League.
“Emiliya is going to be our ‘mama bear’ as her experience will be a great asset to our team. She’s been playing at the highest level for a decade, is a huge point scorer, and understands the game very well,” George said. “I think for her, it’s her amazing intensity, passion for the game, no-nonsense attitude that sets her apart. She is willing to work and continue to learn because she always wants to improve. She is a major point scorer which will be huge for our team from the opposite position. Emiliya is focused on helping this team and the Pro Volleyball Federation a huge success.”
Dimitrova began her pro career at Slavia Sofia in Bulgaria during the 2007-08 campaign. She has since suited up for 12 different clubs in five countries (Bulgaria, Italy, Japan, Romania, Turkey). At the club level, the 6-foot-1 opposite has collected 18 medals, which includes four gold medals with three separate organizations. She most recently earned gold with VC Maritza in the Bulgarian League during the 2019-20 campaign.
“Playing across the world is going to be an amazing experience. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, a new culture, and trying a different volleyball style,” Dimitrova said. “I’m so thankful to the Grand Rapids Rise for the opportunity to make my dream come true. I think so many players were waiting for a professional volleyball league in the United States, and it’s really exciting for me to be part of it from the very beginning.”
