Nebraska Pro Volleyball adds two international players to roster
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Two experienced international players are joining Nebraska Pro Volleyball, the team announced Tuesday.
The Omaha-based team signed Olympian Bethania de la Cruz from the Dominican Republic and middle blocker Hristina Vuchkova from Bulgaria.
“With Betty and Hristina, we have two players who have proven they can win and be individual stars in some of the best professional leagues in the world, so certainly we will look forward to them bringing their talents and experience to our Omaha squad in January,” head coach Shelton Collier said in a press release.
Vuchkova and de la Cruz have played a combined 34 professional seasons, winning several awards, according to the release.
In 2021, de la Cruz was named MVP of the Olympic Qualification Tournament. She was also selected as the best outside hitter in the 2021 NORCECA Championships.
“I have heard so many good things about the coach, the team, and the amazing support in Omaha, and I look forward to coming to play there in January,” de la Cruz said in the release. “I am confident that we will have a very strong team in our first season together.”
Vuchkova has 15 seasons of experience in professional leagues around the world. She was voted the best blocker in the Chinese Volleyball Super League last season.
“I’ve played professional volleyball for many years in several countries, and it was a dream of mine to have a chance to someday play in America, so this opportunity with the PVF, playing for Nebraska Pro Volleyball, is very exciting for me and my family,” Vuchkova said in the release.
Nebraska Pro Volleyball now has 12 players on its roster, including former Husker Gina Mancuso-Prosoki and former Wisconsin Badger Sydney Hilley.
Omaha’s team is part of the Pro Volleyball Federation, which is expected to launch its first season in January.
So far, six teams have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus.
Nebraska Pro Volleyball is owned by Omaha businessman Danny White and singer Jason Derulo.
