The VNL Finals’ finest moments altogether
Published 10:00, 26 Jul 2023
It has been days since the men’s Finals concluded and what a 2023 Volleyball Nations League it has been. New feats, new records, new triumphs but also new powers rising from this exciting tournament.
We compiled this list of men’s and women’s VNL Finals moments that made us go, ‘Whoa!’.
Crowning of new VNL champions
A block sealed both victories of Poland and Türkiye in the 2023 VNL. Both had to wait to climb the top podium after finishing as runners-up in previous editions. Patience is key, they say. And winning is sweeter and winners are more admired when the challenges they overcome are greater. Here are your new VNL champions - Poland and Türkiye.
Historic bronze medal triumphs for Japan and Poland
Japan won their first international medal since 2009. Their bronze medal win was 14 years in the making since finishing third at the World Grand Champions Cup in Nagoya. What a journey it has been for Ryujin Nippon!
Poland made their first podium finish after overcoming a five-set thriller against three-time VNL champions United States in the women’s VNL bronze medal match. The players and coach Stefano Lavarini proved that great chemistry precedes remarkable results.
Leading the Dream
Pawel Zatorski had a larger-than-life moment after he became the very first libero to be named as Most Valuable Player at the VNL. The long-time libero and key member of the Poland national team led to defend on their home turf and win their very first VNL title. Zatorski led a stellar cast of athletes who shone during the men’s Finals in Gdansk.
We can now say that Melissa Vargas was the final piece that Türkiye needed to complete the puzzle. The young athlete intensified the offense of the European side and helped them get to the top podium after their previous silver and bronze medal finishes. Vargas headed the distinguished list of the 2023 VNL Dream Team in Anaheim.
Best Coach
Daniele Santarelli is arguably on top of the list of current coaches whose successes on the court speak for itself. We first met him at the club level, leading Conegliano to win a World Championship trophy. Then in 2022, he steered Serbia to win its second World Championship title. And now, as Türkiye’s tactician who guided the team to its first VNL gold medal. When you have achievements like these, who doesn’t want to dance?
Thaisa is the Ultimate Star of the 2023 VNL
Her return rocked everyone’s world. Her performance made everyone’s jaw drop. But most of all, for a superstar like Thaisa, she is also one who shows great camaraderie among the players. After their semifinal match against China, Thaisa showed grace even in defeat, posing with Yuan Xinyue and some members of the opposing team who look up to her. What a star!
Yuki Ishikawa’s achievements unlocked
If there’s one player who had many achievements in this year’s VNL, it’s Japan captain Yuki Ishikawa. First, he led Japan to complete back-to-back VNL Finals appearances. He drove Japan to end its 14-year international medal drought by winning the bronze medal. He topped the VNL scoring charts in the Finals. Also, he joined the exclusive 1M Club on Instagram just before the quarterfinals.
We hope you enjoyed watching the 2023 VNL. Relive these VNL moments on-demand and watch more exclusive content on VBTV to get you through to the next event. Remember, there’s plenty more to come as we get CLOSER TO PARIS.
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