Former Italian national teamer middle blocker Simona Gioli has been announced by Conad Teodora Ravenna as the newest addition to its roster. The soon to be 41-year-old, who is transferring out of Brescia, will undergo her 25th professional season. She is a 3x Italian, 1x Russian, and a 1x CEV Champions League Champion. However, it was with Italy’s national team that she shined the most, winning two World Cups (with one MVP), two European Championships, and one Grand Champions Cup (also MVP).
Here are her first words as a Ravenna player:
“I am very happy with this choice. When the opportunity arose to come and play at Olimpia Teodora, I did not think much about it. The proposal immediately attracted me, first of all because Ravenna has already shown that it was a great team last year. The company is building a good team. Everything seems perfect to me, but we are at the beginning and it is normal that it is all roses and flowers. I throw myself headlong into this new adventure with the passion that distinguishes me. If I did not have the enthusiasm I have, at my age I would not be able to continue playing, the same I think it is worth for Lucia Bacchi and for all the other athletes with some experience. For me the important thing is still to have fun and play as best I can. This is why I hope that what will come will be a fun year.”
The team’s top brass was likewise very excited with the news:
“Simona Gioli is a player who does not need any introduction and therefore makes us hugely pleased that she accepted our offer. For my part it will be an absolute honor to be able to train a player of this caliber. I am sure that she will give further strength and determination to the group that is being created.” – Coach Nello Caliendo
“Bringing a champion of Gioli’s stature to Ravenna, with a curriculum like her own, is a great added value for everyone. With her we reach a level of experience that will certainly benefit our young players. All this further increases the value of the team and leads us to a balance that we are going to complete with the inclusion of the latest transfers to which our general manager Marco Bonitta is working.” – Team President Paolo Delorenzi
Leave a Reply