Maja Ognjenović may return to the Serbian national volleyball team for the upcoming World Championship, as the longtime captain appeared on the 25-player long list released by the defending champions. The star setter, who was part of Serbia's first world title campaign in 2018, could strengthen the squad as they pursue a third consecutive championship in Thailand this August.
"Having experienced leaders like Maja back in the roster gives us additional tactical options and leadership on the court," a team representative might say about the veteran's potential return.
Serbia isn't the only team potentially bolstering their lineup with returning stars. The United States, silver medalists at the Paris Olympics, included middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu and high-scoring outside hitters Khalia Lanier and Alexandra Frantti on their long list after these players missed the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) action so far.
The tournament, scheduled for August 22 to September 7 in Thailand, will see teams finalizing their rosters from these 25-player lists to between 12 and 14 athletes shortly before the competition begins.
Interestingly, Li Yingying, China's leading scorer in recent seasons, also appeared on her team's long list. The talented outside hitter could join veterans like opposite Gong Xiangyu and middle blocker Wang Yuanyuan as the Asian powerhouse pursues the world title on home continent.
Turkish captain Eda Erdem, who sat out the VNL for rest, was also included in her national team's selection pool. With the 38-year-old veteran potentially reuniting with middle blocker Zehra Güneş, opposite Melissa Vargas, and outside hitter Ebrar Karakurt, Turkey might reconstitute the core that won both the VNL and European Championship in 2023.
Brazil has kept most of their VNL squad intact but could see the return of libero Nyeme Nunes, who missed the first part of the international season after becoming a mother.
Olympic champions Italy haven't made major additions to their VNL roster but will field an elite squad featuring ten players from their gold-medal winning team in Paris, including star opposite Paola Egonu.
Host nation Thailand is determined to perform well on home soil, with setter Pornpun Guedpard and high-scoring opposite Pimpichaya Kokram leading their campaign.
The Netherlands could also see significant reinforcement with setter Britt Bongaerts and several experienced players potentially returning to action.
Can the defending champions secure a historic third straight title, or will we see a new volleyball powerhouse emerge in Thailand? The countdown to one of women's volleyball's most prestigious tournaments has officially begun.
