West Plains, Missouri – Patty Figueiredo, head coach of the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team, announced the signing of four additional players to the 2024-2025 team. they are:
• Violeta Bahavarova, 5'10 outside hitter from Bulgaria
• Chesnia Blakey, a 5-foot-8 libero from Rogersville.
• Isabella Cal, a 5-foot-6 libero from Colombia.
• Elijah Abomo, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker from France.
Learn more about Bahavarova
Figueiredo said he is excited to have Bahabarova, who led the team to third place in the Bulgarian Volleyball Cup, join the Grizzlies' outside hitters next season.
“Violetta plays smart and has speed. She will also add good ball control to our team,” the coach said. “She is a complete player and will have a positive impact on our team both on and off the court.
“She's also a fun player to be around. She's very determined and loves to compete and win,” Figueiredo added. “She is also a smart student who loves connecting with her community and making a difference in people’s lives.”
Learn more about Blakey
Blakey will bring a lot of technical quality to the Grizzlies' back row and defensive system this fall, Figueiredo said.
“Chesney is a libero who plays with courage and is used to using the platform and practicing serve-receive,” the coach said. “We're always looking for liberos who have these qualities so they can anticipate the serve-receive line and maintain quality transitions when the team goes out of system. is very good at
“She has a great personality and is an incredibly positive player who can make the teammates around her better and give them confidence,” Figueiredo added. “She is confident that she will bring a lot of energy and voice to the team.”
Blakey was the Wildcats' team leader in serve-receive and was named all-conference and all-district honors. She also received the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Best and Brightest Award.
About him
Figueiredo said Calle, who won a national championship with Colombia's club team, should bring a lot of dynamism and energy to the Grizzlies.
“Isabella is an agile libero who plays with determination,” the coach said. “Her experience will be a great asset to the team both defensively and as a leader. Even when we are out of system and relying on her for sets from the back row, she is able to build strong transitions.” will help you.
“She is fun and a natural leader. We look forward to having a strong and competitive team to create more scoring opportunities,” Figueiredo added.
About Abomo
Abomo plays for a prestigious volleyball club in France and will bring a lot of experience to MSU-WP. Figueideo said she has competed at a high level for the past four years and helped her team finish seventh out of 260 teams competing nationally.
“Elijah will add athleticism and energy on the offensive end. She is a very competitive player and will bring courage and determination to our team on the court,” the coach said. “She will be a strong addition to our returning sophomore middle blockers.
“She reads the game well and will help our team defensively by building a strong block, working hard in transition and giving us quick options in attack,” Figueiredo added.
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, please visit the website MSUWPGrizzlies.com.