Brazilian club Pinheiros has announced in its official Instagram page the signing of former Cuban national teamer Yusleinis Herrera to its squad. The 5’9″ outside hitter,now 34-years-old, is transferring out of Turkey, following a sabbatical period dedicated to her pregnancy. This will be Herrera’s second stint in Brazil after shining in Superliga from 2010-2014, when she led the competition in scoring for several seasons.
Here is how coach Sérgio Negrão reacted to the transfer news according to Melhordovolei.com.br:
“We have brought a player with enormous international baggage from the best clubs in the world to our team. For me, it was important for us to have a powerful hitter at the outside spot. She is coming to score the ball. Herrera will have no adjustment problems because she already knows the language, which makes it much easier. She is coming from the strongest market of women’s volleyball. Today, Turkey and Russia dominate the sport. Last season, this team had a lot of defensive volume, but could not translate it into points. Now with two or three powerful attackers, no player will be overwhelmed on offense. We are still far from ideal, but on the right track.”
Herrera was part of the Cuban national team hat finished forth at the 2008 Olympic Games, in what was probably the twilight of the Cuba’s once epic national team. In Pinheiros, she’ll find a team that finished its last Superliga in 7th place, before getting knocked out of the playoffs in the Round of 8. Former Kansas University standout Kelsie Payne will probably start alongside Herrera in the team’s line-up.
Funny to say that “Herrera led the Cuban national team to a fourth place finish at the 2008 Olympic Games,” when she only appeared in one match in those games.
You’re right, I mixed up Yusleini with Yanelis when researching this info…thanks for the heads up!
No problem! (no shade or downplay was intended by my comment!)