Another crucial role is held by middle blocker Zehra Gunes, who was recognised as the best in her position at the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship. They now have an additional asset in Melissa Vargas, an opposite hitter born in Cuba. Türkiye: The team coached by Daniele Santarelli has consistently achieved top-four finishes in the VNL. She will be joined by other talented players such as Jordan Thompson, Kathryn Plummer, and Andrea Drews, who was named MVP in the last US victory in the competition. Tokyo 2020 MVP Jordan Larson returns to the line-up for the first time since winning gold at Tokyo 2020. United States: The most successful team in VNL history will be one of the teams to beat. Another significant addition for Serbia is the legendary 38-year-old setter, Maja Ognjenovic.

Serbia: Last year's VNL bronze medallists are looking forward to the return of World Championship MVP Tijana Boskovic to their roster, after she skipped the previous edition of the tournament. Over a span of 12 seasons from 2007 to 2018, she achieved remarkable success, including five FIVB World Grand Prix titles (2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2016) amd two World Championship medfals (silver in 2010, bronze in 2014). An Olympic champion in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, Thaisa is regarded as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the Brazilian national team. Egonu took a break from the national team following racist attacks on social media after winning bronze at the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship.īrazil: The three-time VNL silver medallists welcome back 35-year-old star middle blocker Thaisa Menezes, who last represented the team at the 2018 World Championship.

Even though the VNL 2022 Most Valuable Player (MVP) was included in coach Davide Mazzanti's list, she recently announced she will be making her return at the CEV European Championships in August. Italy: 11 of the 14 players who triumphed in last year's VNL final in Ankara are back in the team, but the reigning champions will once again be without their star player, Paola Egonu. Women's VNL 2023 - Teams and stars to watch

National Volleyball League website