Two more players have been added to the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball team for the 2018 season.

Gabriela Boneva, a 6-foot, 1-inch lefty opposite/outside hitter from Sophia, Bulgaria, and Monika Leon, a 5-foot, 9-inch middle blocker from Hayward, California, recently signed letters of intent to join the team, Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann announced.

“We’re very excited about Gabriela and Monika being a part of our Grizzly Volleyball family,” the coach said.

Boneva Brings Something New To the Table

Boneva, a graduate of SSU General Vladimir Stoichev High School in Sophia, helped her club team win silver medals at the U15 and U17 levels and a bronze medal at the U19 level. She also has been asked to train with Bulgaria’s U23 national team, Wiedemann said.

“Gabriela will give us something we haven’t had in a while – a true lefty opposite who can also swing on the outside,” the coach said.

“She is long and has good power, and she will be a big presence at the net,” the coach added. “For a relatively new player to the game, she has shown growth very quickly. I think she will continue to grow as a player, and we’re looking forward to watching that growth.”

Former Grizzly Led Coaches to Leon

Leon, a graduate of Tennyson High School in Hayward, was named first team all-league and team MVP her senior season. She also received most improved player accolades by her club team, Encore VBC.

“Former Grizzly Lia Havili told us about her, and after having her in for a visit, we knew she would be a great fit,” Wiedemann said.

“She’s athletic with power and can be a versatile player for us,” the coach added. “Her athleticism in the middle will be fun to watch. She has great potential to grow quickly into someone who will be hard to stop on the court.”

For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, call 417-255-7950.