West Plains – Two sophomore members of the 2025 Grizzly Volleyball team at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) have signed with their new teams at four-year institutions.
Violeta Bachvarova signed with Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon, competing at the NAIA level, and Elidjah Abomo signed with Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, competing at the NAIA level. They are the fourth and fifth Grizzly Volleyball players to sign with new schools to continue their volleyball career.
“We are proud of Violeta and Eli for all they have done in their two years as Grizzlies. We’re excited for them in their next step of their athletic and academic journey,” former Grizzly Volleyball head coach Paula Wiedemann said. “Their growth and commitment to working through hard things this past season was beautiful to watch, and they know they mean a lot to our program. We look forward to seeing what they will do for their new teams, both academically and athletically, and hope they continue to show what being a Grizzly is all about.”
In the 2025 season, Bachvarova recorded 95.5 points, 74 kills, 13 service aces and 22 digs in 104 sets in 29 matches.
“Violeta is an offensive point scorer and made a difference for us when she was on the floor. Her ability to produce points will make an immediate impact on her new team, and I look forward to watching her continue to grow as a player.” former head coach Paula Wiedemann said. “She brings a strong arm, excellent work ethic, fun personality and is a great teammate on and off the floor. She adds a lot of positives to her new team.”
Bachvarova was a 2024 All-Region 16 first team honoree.
In the 2025 season, Abomo recorded 61 points, 34 total blocks, and 43 kills in 77 sets in 26 matches.
“Elidjah has grown as a player so much in the past year. She is naturally athletic and it’s been great to see her get more comfortable both offensively and defensively at the net.” Wiedemann said. “She has become more consistent and that makes a difference for her and her team moving forward. She creates a lot of energy with her communication and her personality for her teammates, which is always valuable.”
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit the team’s website, msuwpgrizzlies.com.
