Posts by Gymnicus

Quote from voly

When Kulan was in Toray she would say during interviews that she's Slovakian. Maybe it's her choice? and they took that into consideration but I'm just guessing here

It's off-topic, but I'd still like to answer again:

My statement is really about purely legal matters. At the time Jana Kulan accepted Azerbaijani citizenship, Slovak law didn't actually allow dual citizenship. So, by accepting Azerbaijani citizenship, she should have lost her Slovak citizenship. So much for the theory. Because of the "public" nature of her case, the Slovak state could have granted an exception for her, or it could simply turn a blind eye and know nothing about her acceptance of Azerbaijani citizenship.

This certainly fits in with this thread. In Switzerland, two well-known names, Laura Dervisaj-Künzler and Tia Scambray, have started their coaching training programs. With Tia, NUC is likely already grooming the successor to Lauren's successor.

Link: Laura Dervisaj-Künzler und Tia Scambray starten ihre Trainerinnenausbildung

Reading "Jana Kulan of Slovakia" is a bit funny. Because according to Slovak law, it's not entirely clear whether she's even still a Slovak. But that's another topic.

I'm happy for her that she's allowed to participate and I continue to hope that the Slovak Federation will finally forget the decades-old disputes with her and make use of her expertise. Hope dies last.

The Latvian team is participating in the European Silver League again this year and head coach Daniele Capriotti can rely on the following 17 players around Marta Levinska:

• setter: Elvita Dolotova (1997), Elza Reknere (2002)
• middle block: Lāsma Ozola (2001), Anna Rīta (2001), Līva Sola (1990), Karmena Struka (2007), Junora Vagele (2004)
• opposite: Megija Dambrehte (2002), Marta Levinska (2001)
• outsite hitter: Sindija Bože (1998), Anija Jurdža (1999), Kristīne Kramēna (2002), Paula Nečiporuka (1998), Sarlote Slitere (2007), Katrīna Struka (2007)
• libera: Megija Grundmane (2004), Elīna Zvaigzne

In the Latvian Federation's report, national coach Daniele Capriotti states that there were some cancellations, but the majority of players accepted the invitation. Unfortunately, from a Latvian perspective, Irbe Lazda is also among those who declined.

Link: Pirmdien gatavošanos Eiropas Sudraba līgas spēlēm uzsāks Latvijas sieviešu volejbola izlase

Slovakia also suffered a setback before the start of training camp. Middle blocker Katarína Körmendyová is out, at least for the Golden League. She will have to undergo surgery due to knee problems. National coach Michal Mašek hopes she will be fit again in time for the World Championships. Due to this absence, the return of Nina Wienand Herelová is even more important for Slovakia.

There was also a change at the opposite position: Diana Návratová (no reason given) will not be participating in the training camp. Radka Hašková will take her place.

Furthermore, the second previously vacant assistant coach position has been filled. This year, Michal Mašek will not be supported by his long-time assistant coach Bartłomiej Bartodziejski. Instead, he will rely on the Italian Martino Volpini.

Link: Slovenské volejbalistky odštartovali prípravu na Zlatú Európsku ligu

Finally, a little off-topic. But it doesn't really fit anywhere else. Former longtime regular libero Michaela Pállová is expecting her first child. The Instagram post about it can be found in the spoiler.

Micaya White played for Atlanta Vibe and also had — I'd say — a very good game. She was Atlanta Vibe's strongest receiver, with slightly more volume than Morgan Hentz and Leah Edmond. She was also her team's strongest offensive player, scoring 22 points.

Link to stats: Atlanta Vibe vs. Orlando Valkyries

After the end of the 2024/25 season, the Hamburger Abendblatt article ETV-Volleyballerin finden Sportchefin und neuen Trainer offered a certain outlook on the new season of ETV Hamburg. It was announced that former player and coach Ines Laube would return to the club and take on the newly created position of sporting director. For the past two seasons, she was assistant coach at the men's Bundesliga club SVG Lüneburg.

A contract with a head coach with Bundesliga experience is also said to have been negotiated. However, for him to sign, the club must find affordable housing for him and his family by July 1. One can now speculate as to who that might be. I'm throwing the name Jonas Kronseder into the mix. But perhaps other users have more than just speculation.

Because it was already written here: "Hamburg will have more money and get stronger [...]." – It's true that ETV Hamburg is increasing its budget. But according to the Hamburger Abendblatt, it will "only" be €200,000 in the Bundesliga.

I've certainly asked myself that question before. But since – as far as I know – she participated in the Bundespokal twice as part of the German youth national team, I assume she speaks at least a certain level of German.

A little hint: Her father is Latvian, not Lithuanian.

It's possible that the VNL doesn't list her nationality, but rather her Federation of Origin. Based on current information, this could still be France rather than Germany. Her nationality, however, is clearly Germany.

Quote from SR71

Wth is Kohn doing where is Straube

Probably recovering from the injury, which she sustained shortly before the semifinals of the playoffs amd despite which she played the semifinal and final matches.

According to her university's statement, she is the first female head coach to receive this honor.

Link: Nickie Sanlin Named 2025 AVCA Men's National Collegiate Coach of the Year

Quote from avid

Are there any countries in the VNL besides the USA where matches for their country aren't shown on tv at all? (or another streaming service)

Like you have to buy VBTV to watch the home country's games in that country?

In Germany, there's currently no streaming service other than VBTV that broadcasts it. I was hoping that Dyn might secure a sublicense or something. But not yet, and I think that's a shame.

Quote from Matthias

I think the 32 player list is meant for the whole summer, not necessarily everybody will be there from the beginning I guess. So I assume Timmer will join later this month indeed. I think also Sarah Straube and Anne Hölzig will take some time to fully recover from their injuries after playing the final series despite them.

Furthermore, of course, not all of the 32 players will be there the entire time. As you can see with Elena Kömmling, for example, she's already back home and is training individually, probably until preparations for the World University Games begin. This will certainly affect other players as well, but I only noticed it with her.

Quote from Matthias

Some article a while ago said she ended up in Germany because her Japanese boyfriend also plays here, so I suppose she'll play wherever he'll play. No idea who "he" actually is though

While there's no confirmation, it's most likely Shin Yoshida. He's been working as an assistant coach or rather a scout at SC Potsdam this season. Since he's currently looking for a club, it's more likely that he's following her and not the other way around.

Quote from Idefix

The SSC website now also contains information about the leaving players. As far as I know, Marie Hänle will play in the 2nd Italian league.

https://www.schweriner-sc.com/…or-personellem-neuanfang/

Seemingly almost the only option for German oppossites (Berger, Große Scharmann, Weske) 😂😂

Since the last matchday of the 2nd Bundesliga Pro, it has been clear that Meghan Barthel will be the new setter for the ESA Grimma Volleys in the 2025/26 season after her stint by the Ladies in Black.

Because she's still listed with a question mark. It was announced a few days ago that Rosa Entius is leaving USC Münster.

Quote from Playmaker

I can't find your conversation in this thread who are you talking about?

Matthias has thankfully probably already cleared up your confusion with his message. But thanks for pointing that out anyway. I didn't notice that in my post, neither the quoted post nor my reply mentioned her name, but always referred to "she". I've edited my post so it should be clearer now.

I'm not talking about the A-team. With Cekulaev, Schölzel, Strubbe, and Weitzel, we have a middle block quartet that sets itself up. But who do we have behind them who is a candidate for the World University Games? Last year, for the training camp, van Clewe, Berger, and Linke were nominated for the middle block. The first two should be certain to be selected based on their performances this season. But at least in my opinion, we should have significantly better options than Lena Linke, and that's where Athina comes to mind, or even Alexia Kühl. Theoretically, Lea Ambrosius could also be a possibility.

Again, I'm moving my answer to this thread, as it would be rather off-topic in the original thread.

Quote from Matthias

So it's either German NT or nothing for her [note: Athina Dimitriadis]? I hope Bregoli knows she exists and takes a look at her at least then...

Yes, that's right. She can only play for Germany now. She might even be considered for the World University Games. She only announced her graduation on her Instagram profile in May of last year, and if she really did take her final exam in 2024, then she qualifies for participation. That's why I hope Bitter, at least, has her on the list.