WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Paty Figueiredo, interim head coach of the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team, announced the signing of four international players to the squad for the 2023-24 season.
They are:
• libero Eduarda Portes, Curitiba, Brazil
• outside/right side hitter Rosa Brencic, Ljubljana, Slovenia
• outside/right side hitter Wiktoria Jakubik, Grajewo, Poland
• middle blocker Maja Bochenek, Olkusz, Poland
More about Portes
Portes, who describes herself as “dedicated, focused and ambitious,” earned the most valuable player (MVP) award for her team at the U18 international tournament.
“Eduarda brings a lot of experience as a libero and as an outside hitter,” Figueiredo said. “Her experience and dedication on the court and in the classroom will be a great asset to our team.”
The 5-foot, 9-inch libero has competed at the national and international levels in Brazil and is currently playing beach and indoor volleyball. Portes is working to be in her best shape for the fall, Figueiredo said.
“Eduarda brings a lot of ball control to our team, and we look forward to watching her take over the libero position and being a great leader on the court,” Figueiredo said.
More about Brencic
Brencic, who earned her school’s MVP award, said she is a hard worker who wants “to be the best on the court. I want to advance my knowledge everywhere I can.”
“Rosa is an experienced outside hitter and brings a lot of international experience to the Grizzlies after playing for Slovenia and, currently, in France where her family lives,” Figueiredo said. “She is a smart hitter and a great ball handler, and she is a leader on the court who leads by example and will fight for every point. She is a strong hitter with a great serve and will help us offensively on both pins.”
More about Jakubik
Jakubik, who was named MVP of the junior provincial tournament in Poland, says she is a conscientious person who doesn’t give up easily.
“Wiktoria is a strong hitter who will add a lot to our team offensively and defensively,” Figueiredo said. “She is an outside hitter who is used to getting exposed on serve receive and has been a key player for UKS Chemik SMS Olsztyn Club in Poland. She puts up a great block, which will help our defensive system, and she is also a strong hitter coming out of the back row. Her energy and positivity will be a great asset to our team.”
More about Bochenek
A five-time MVP award winner in the Polish championships, Bochenek said she is “clear headed, industrious and deeply devoted to my personal goals.”
“Maja is a fast hitter who gets up quickly offensively and will always be an option for our setters in the middle,” Figueiredo said. “She does a great job reading the opponent and anticipating her blocking. Maja also caught our attention with a great serve and great ball handling on the back row. She is a complete player who understands the game and will make us better offensively and defensively.”
Current Grizzlies find new teams
Figueiredo also announced that two graduating members of the Grizzly Volleyball team have signed with new programs to continue their collegiate journey. Manuela Bibinbe recently signed with Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and Alana Moesch signed with Missouri Southern State University in Joplin.
“Manu is already at Baylor and has been training hard in preparation for next fall,” Figueiredo said. “She is a special human being and athlete. She made an impact on the Grizzly program, and I know she will continue to make a difference in people’s lives. We look forward to watching Manu’s success on the court and in her life.”
Bibinbe recorded 367 kills, 102 blocks and 91 digs this past season and averaged 3.01 kills per set.
“I am happy for the opportunity Alana has to continue pursuing her dream of competing at the next level after having to medically redshirt this past season,” Figueiredo said. “She has been working hard to get back in shape, and we look forward to watching her achieve great things.”
As a freshman in 2021-2022, Moesch recorded 352 kills, 60 blocks and 215 digs and averaged 2.6 kills per set.
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit the team’s website, MSUWPGrizzlies.com.
