Officials with the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team have inked another recruit from Brazil for the 2021-2022 season.
Sthefany Maximo, a 5-foot, 6-inch defensive specialist from Uberlandia-Minas Gerais, recently signed a letter of intent to play for the Grizzlies.
Maximo is the fourth Brazilian to join the 2021-2022 squad and the ninth Brazilian to play for the Grizzlies since its inception in 1993.
“We are excited about adding Sthefany to our Grizzly Volleyball family,” head coach Paula Wiedemann said. “She is a high energy defensive player who will be exciting to watch play the position. Passing and defense are such important parts of developing a great team, and any time we can add good depth to that position, it helps make us better.”
A multi-sport athlete, Maximo began playing volleyball in 2015. That year, she helped her 14 and under Sesi Uberlandia squad take first place in the state championship.
As a member of the Praia Club team in Uberlandia, Maximo led the squad to first place finishes in regional and state competition in 2016; a first place finish in regionals in 2017; a third place finish in the Metropolitan League in 2018; and a fifth place finish in the state and third place finish in the Metropolitan League in 2019.
Always competitive and athletic, Maximo played basketball and soccer and was a swimmer in her homeland. University officials said she is eager to play volleyball and study in the United States.
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit its website at msuwpgrizzlies.com/sports/wvball/index or call 417-255-7950.
