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Recognizing the best volleyball player in the world is important as it showcases their skills, hard work, and dedication to the sport. By recognizing the best player, we not only acknowledge their talents, but also inspire upcoming generations to pursue their passion and strive for excellence.
The recognition also brings attention to the sport and its development, making it more accessible and enjoyable for fans and participants alike.
In this context, recognizing the best female volleyball player in the world is particularly significant as it encourages gender equality in sports and highlights the achievements of female athletes.
Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a physical education instructor in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. The sport was initially called “Mintonette” and was a combination of basketball, tennis, and handball.
In 1896, the first official volleyball game was played and by 1900, the sport was already being played in colleges. Volleyball became an Olympic sport in 1964, and it has been a staple of the Summer Games ever since. Over the years,
volleyball has grown in popularity and has evolved into various forms, including beach volleyball and indoor volleyball. Today, volleyball is played in over 220 countries and continues to be a beloved sport for millions of people worldwide.
1.Yeon-Koung Kim :
Kim Yeon-Koung is a South Korean professional volleyball player and is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Korean Volleyball League champion
Multiple-time MVP award recipient in the Korean league
Participated in multiple Olympic Games, including the 2012 London Olympics where she was named Best Scorer and Best Server
Two-time FIVB World Cup champion and named MVP in the 2015 tournament
Named Best Outside Hitter in the 2013 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup
Championships and awards won:
Kim has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Korean Volleyball League champion
Two-time FIVB World Cup champion
Named Best Scorer and Best Server at the 2012 London Olympics
Named MVP in the 2015 FIVB World Cup
Named Best Outside Hitter in the 2013 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup
Impact on the sport: Kim Yeon-Koung has made a significant impact on the sport of volleyball, both in her home country of South Korea and on a global level.
She is known for her exceptional skills, powerful attacks, and excellent court vision. Her success and awards have brought attention to the sport in South Korea and inspired future generations of volleyball players.
2.Yekaterina Gamova
Yekaterina Gamova is a retired Russian professional volleyball player and considered one of the greatest volleyball players of all time. Some of her career highlights include:
Six-time Russian Volleyball Super League champion
Two-time Olympic medalist, winning a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2006 World Championships
Multiple-time European Championships medalist
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2005 and 2007 European Championships
Championships and awards won:
Throughout her career, Yekaterina Gamova won numerous championships and awards, including:
Six-time Russian Volleyball Super League champion
Two-time Olympic medalist (silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics and bronze at the 2012 London Olympics)
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2006 World Championships
Multiple-time European Championships medalist
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2005 and 2007 European Championships
Impact on the sport: Yekaterina Gamova has made a significant impact on the sport of volleyball, particularly in her home country of Russia. She is known for her exceptional skills and towering height (she stands at 6’8”), making her one of the most dominant middle blockers in the sport.
3.Ting Zhu
Ting Zhu is a Chinese professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Chinese Volleyball League champion
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2018 Asian Games
Participated in multiple World Championships and World Cup tournaments
Named Best Scorer at the 2019 World Cup
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2017 Asian Championships
Championships and awards won:
Ting Zhu has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Chinese Volleyball League champion
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2018 Asian Games
Named Best Scorer at the 2019 World Cup
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2017 Asian Championships
These achievements demonstrate Ting Zhu’s exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, making her a significant player in the volleyball community.
4.Helia Souza
Hélia Souza is a Brazilian professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Superliga Brasileira de Vôlei champion
Named Best Server at the 2014 World Grand Prix
Named Best Receiver at the 2016 Olympic Games
Participated in multiple World Championships and World Cup tournaments
Named Best Receiver at the 2013 World Grand Champions Cup
Championships and awards won:
Hélia Souza has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Superliga Brasileira de Vôlei champion
Named Best Server at the 2014 World Grand Prix
Named Best Receiver at the 2016 Olympic Games
Named Best Receiver at the 2013 World Grand Champions Cup
These achievements demonstrate Hélia Souza’s exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, making her a significant player in the volleyball community.
5.Brenda Castillo
Brenda Castillo is a Cuban professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Cuban National Volleyball League champion
Named Best Opposite at the 2018 Pan American Cup
Named Best Opposite at the 2019 NORCECA Championships
Participated in multiple World Championships and World Cup tournaments
Championships and awards won:
Brenda Castillo has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Cuban National Volleyball League champion
Named Best Opposite at the 2018 Pan American Cup
Named Best Opposite at the 2019 NORCECA Championships
These achievements demonstrate Brenda Castillo’s exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, making her a significant player in the volleyball community.
6.Lioubov Sokolova
Lioubov Sokolova is a Russian professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Russian Volleyball Super League champion
Named Best Opposite at the 2014 World Grand Prix
Named Best Scorer at the 2015 European Championships
Participated in multiple World Championships and World Cup tournaments
Named Best Opposite at the 2017 World Grand Champions Cup
Championships and awards won:
Lioubov Sokolova has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Russian Volleyball Super League champion
Named Best Opposite at the 2014 World Grand Prix
Named Best Scorer at the 2015 European Championships
Named Best Opposite at the 2017 World Grand Champions Cup
7.Yevgeniya Artamonova
Yevgeniya Artamonova is a Russian professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Russian Volleyball Super League champion
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2015 European Championships
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2016 World Grand Prix
Participated in multiple World Championships and World Cup tournaments
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2019 European Championships
Championships and awards won:
Yevgeniya Artamonova has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Russian Volleyball Super League champion
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2015 European Championships
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2016 World Grand Prix
Named Best Middle Blocker at the 2019 European Championships
8.Thaisa Menezes
Thaisa Menezes is a Brazilian professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Superliga Brasileira de Vôlei champion
Named Best Blocker at the 2014 World Championship
Named Best Blocker at the 2016 Olympic Games
Participated in multiple World Cup tournaments and World Grand Prix events
Named Best Blocker at the 2015 FIVB Club World Championship
Championships and awards won:
Thaisa Menezes has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Superliga Brasileira de Vôlei champion
Named Best Blocker at the 2014 World Championship
Named Best Blocker at the 2016 Olympic Games
Named Best Blocker at the 2015 FIVB Club World Championship.
9.Sheilla Castro
Sheilla Castro is a Brazilian professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Superliga Brasileira de Vôlei champion
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2008 Olympic Games
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2010 World Championship
Participated in multiple World Cup tournaments and World Grand Prix events
Named Most Valuable Player at the 2013 FIVB Club World Championship
Championships and awards won:
Sheilla Castro has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Superliga Brasileira de Vôlei champion
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2008 Olympic Games
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2010 World Championship
Named Most Valuable Player at the 2013 FIVB Club World Championship
10.Fabiana Oliveira
Fabiana Oliveira is a Brazilian professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Multiple-time Superliga Brasileira de Vôlei champion
Named Best Libero at the 2014 World Grand Prix
Named Best Libero at the 2015 Pan American Games
Participated in multiple World Championships and Olympic Games
Named Best Libero at the 2016 South American Club Championship
Championships and awards won:
Fabiana Oliveira has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Multiple-time Superliga Brasileira de Vôlei champion
Named Best Libero at the 2014 World Grand Prix
Named Best Libero at the 2015 Pan American Games
Named Best Libero at the 2016 South American Club Championship
11.Tijana Boskovic
Tijana Bošković is a Serbian professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Named Most Valuable Player at the 2018 World Championship
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2016 Olympic Games
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2013 European Championship
Participated in multiple World Cup tournaments and World Grand Prix events
Named Most Valuable Player at the 2014 FIVB Club World Championship
Championships and awards won:
Tijana Bošković has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Named Most Valuable Player at the 2018 World Championship
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2016 Olympic Games
Named Best Outside Hitter at the 2013 European Championship
Named Most Valuable Player at the 2014 FIVB Club World Championship
12.Irina Kirillova-Parkhomchuk
Irina Kirillova-Parkhomchuk is a former Russian professional volleyball player who made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Named Best Scorer at the 1993 European Championship
Named Best Scorer at the 1991 World Cup
Participated in the 1992 Summer Olympics
Won multiple Russian Volleyball Super League titles
Championships and awards won:
Irina Kirillova-Parkhomchuk won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Named Best Scorer at the 1993 European Championship
Named Best Scorer at the 1991 World Cup
Won multiple Russian Volleyball Super League titles
14.Monica De Gennaro
Monica De Gennaro is an Italian professional volleyball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. Some of her career highlights include:
Named Most Valuable Player at the 2017 World Grand Champions Cup
Named Best Setter at the 2017 European Championship
Participated in multiple World Cup and World Grand Prix tournaments
Won multiple Italian Volleyball League titles
Championships and awards won:
Monica De Gennaro has won numerous championships and awards throughout her career, including:
Named Most Valuable Player at the 2017 World Grand Champions Cup
Named Best Setter at the 2017 European Championship
Won multiple Italian Volleyball League titles
15.Fabiana Claudino
6-time Olympic medalist (3 gold and 3 silver)
Multiple World Championships and World Cup wins
4-time FIVB World Player of the Year (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Championships and awards won:
Olympic Games: 3 gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016) and 3 silver medals (2004, 2012, 2016)
FIVB World Cup: 2-time champion (2007, 2011)
FIVB World Championship: 2-time champion (2010, 2014)
FIVB Club World Championship: 3-time champion (2010, 2012, 2013)
South American Championship: 7-time champion (2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015)
South American Club Championship: 6-time champion (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
Brazilian Superliga: 9-time champion (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014)
16.Misty May-Treanor – America
3-time Olympic gold medalist (2004, 2008, 2012)
112 career tournament wins, the most of any female beach volleyball player
9-time FIVB Beach Volleyball World Champion
5-time AVP Best Defender
Named “Greatest Beach Volleyball Player of All Time” by the FIVB in 2012
Championships and awards won:
Olympic Games: 3 gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012)
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships: 9-time champion (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011)
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour: 7-time champion (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2012)
AVP Tour: 57 career titles, including four consecutive wins (2002-2005)
Beach Volleyball World Series of Poker Main Event Champion (2007)
USOC Female Athlete of the Year (2004)\
17. Kerri Walsh Jennings – America
5-time Olympic medalist (3 gold and 2 bronze)
3-time Olympic gold medalist (2004, 2008, 2012)
108 career tournament wins, the second most of any female beach volleyball player
4-time FIVB Beach Volleyball World Champion
Named “Greatest Beach Volleyball Player of All Time” by the FIVB in 2012
Championships and awards won:
Olympic Games: 3 gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012) and 2 bronze medals (2016)
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships: 4-time champion (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009)
FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour: 7-time champion (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010)
AVP Tour: 47 career titles, including three consecutive wins (2004-2006)
Beach Volleyball World Series of Poker Main Event Champion (2007)
USOC Female Athlete of the Year (2004)
18. April Ross – America
April Ross is an American beach volleyball player. Her career highlights include:
Olympic silver medalist (2012 London, 2016 Rio)
World Championships bronze medalist (2013)
2-time FIVB World Tour champion (2015, 2018)
2-time AVP Best Offensive Player (2009, 2015)
Awards won:
USA Volleyball Female Beach Player of the Year (2009, 2015)
FIVB Best Hitter award (2018)
20.Francesca Piccinini
Francesca Piccinini is a retired Italian indoor and beach volleyball player. Her career highlights include:
Olympic silver medalist (2004 Athens)
4-time World Champion (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
5-time European Champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2011)
4-time Italian League champion
Awards won:
FIVB World Cup Most Valuable Player (2007)
FIVB World Grand Champions Cup Best Spiker (2005)
CEV European Player of the Year (2002, 2006)
21. Gabrielle Reece – America
Gabrielle Reece is an American former professional beach volleyball player and current television personality. Her career highlights include:
AVP Best Offensive Player award (1997)
3-time AVP Tour champion (1996, 1997, 1999)
Awards won:
Inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame (2012)
22.Saori Kimura
Saori Kimura is a retired Japanese indoor volleyball player. Her career highlights include:
Olympic silver medalist (2012 London)
World Cup champion (2011)
World Grand Prix champion (2007, 2008, 2010)
Asian Games champion (2010)
7-time V-League champion
Awards won:
FIVB World Grand Prix Best Server (2007, 2008, 2010)
Asian Volleyball Confederation Most Valuable Player (2010)
23.Laura Ludwig
Laura Ludwig is a German beach volleyball player. Her career highlights include:
Olympic gold medalist (2016 Rio)
World Champion (2017)
2-time European Champion (2015, 2016)
5-time FIVB World Tour champion (2015-2018, 2020)
Awards won:
FIVB World Tour Most Outstanding Player (2017)
FIVB World Tour Best Blocker (2015)
FIVB World Tour Best Hitter (2018)
Best Volleyball To Buy 2023
Mikasa MVA200:
The Mikasa MVA200 is an indoor volleyball that is known for its durability and accurate ball control. It is a popular choice for professional and recreational players.
Tachikara SV5WSC Sensi-Tec:
The Tachikara SV5WSC Sensi-Tec is a high-quality indoor volleyball that is designed for improved touch and control. It is also made with a soft PU cover for added comfort.
Molten Classic:
The Molten Classic is a classic indoor volleyball that is made with a composite leather cover for durability and a balanced feel. It is a good choice for players of all levels.
Molten FLISTATEC:
The Molten FLISTATEC is a high-end indoor volleyball that is designed for improved performance and longevity. It features a special technology for increased air retention and a smoother flight.
YANYODO Official Size 5
The YANYODO Official Size 5 is a standard size indoor volleyball that is suitable for recreational and competitive play. It is made with a durable PU cover and a balanced construction for consistent performance.
Molten Premium:
The Molten Premium is a top-of-the-line indoor volleyball that is designed for high-level performance and durability. It features a high-quality PU cover and a balanced construction for improved control and feel.
Vetra Volleyball Soft Touch:
The Vetra Volleyball Soft Touch is an indoor volleyball that is designed for improved comfort and control. It is made with a soft PU cover and a balanced construction for a comfortable feel.
Runleaps Soft Indoor Volleyball:
The Runleaps Soft Indoor Volleyball is a soft, lightweight indoor volleyball that is designed for improved control and feel. It is a good choice for players of all levels.
Molten V5M4000:
The Molten V5M4000 is an indoor volleyball that is designed for improved performance and longevity. It features a high-quality PU cover and a balanced construction for consistent performance.
Wilson K1 Gold:
The Wilson K1 Gold is an indoor volleyball that is designed for improved performance and control. It features a PU cover and a balanced construction for a comfortable feel and accurate ball control. It is a popular choice for professional and recreational players.
Outdoor Best Volleyball 2023
Mikasa VLS300 Beach Champ
This is a beach volleyball made by Mikasa and is part of the VLS300 series. It is designed for high-level beach play and is made with premium materials to provide excellent durability and performance.
Wilson AVP
This is an official volleyball used in the American Volleyball Professionals (AVP) league. It is made with high-quality materials and features an innovative design to provide excellent performance on the court.
Wilson AVP Soft Play
This is a softer version of the Wilson AVP official volleyball, designed for recreational and beginner players. It features a soft construction that is easier to grip and control, making it a great choice for learning the sport or playing in a less competitive setting.
Tachikara Volley Lite
This is a youth volleyball designed by Tachikara. It is made with a soft and lightweight construction that is easy to grip and control, making it ideal for younger players learning the sport. It also features a durable design to ensure long-lasting performance.
Molten VB-U12
This is a youth volleyball made by Molten. It is designed specifically for players under the age of 12 and is made with a soft and lightweight construction that is easy to handle. It also features a high-quality design to provide excellent performance on the court.
Recommendations Volleyball Equipment:
Mikasa VLS300 Volleyball:
Official size and weight, used in professional matches.
Molten Flistatec Volleyball:
High-quality construction for long-lasting durability.
Tandem Sport Volleyball Net System:
Portable and adjustable net system for both indoor and outdoor use.
Franklin Sports Volleyball Knee Pads:
Comfortable and protective knee pads for floor defense.
Baden Champions Volleyball Set:
Complete set for backyard and beach play.
Recommendations Training Resources:
Volleyball Coaching Bible by Rick Scotch:
: A comprehensive guide to coaching volleyball.
Volleyball: Steps to Success by Ursula Garza Papandrea:
A step-by-step guide to improving skills and understanding the game.
The Volleyball Drill Book by American Volleyball Coaches Association:
Over 200 drills for all skill levels.
Volleyball Skills & Drills DVD by Jim Stone:
Video demonstrations and instructions for various skills and drills.
Volleyball Training Plan Template:
Customizable training plan to track progress and reach goals.
Recommendation Volleyball-related Books:
The Art of Fielding:
A Novel by Chad Harbach:
A coming-of-age story about college baseball, but also explores themes related to volleyball.
The Boys in the Boat:
Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown: The story of the University of Washington’s rowing team, but also includes a character who plays volleyball.
Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker:
A novel about a large girl who overcomes challenges and finds her place on the volleyball team.
Queen of the Court by Jake Maddox:
A novel about a girl who wants to be the starting setter on her school’s volleyball team.
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay:
A coming-of-age story about a young boy who becomes a successful boxer, but also explores themes related to volleyball.