EuroVolleyW: Fearless Sweden seek for another historic result

Powered by their super star Isabelle Haak, Sweden Volleyball is blooming. Over the last three years, Sweden women's team keep achieving historic results. This summer they were only a step from progressing to the Volleyball Nations League and even if they haven't succeeded (yet!), they are the team in hunt of big results as it's a history in the making!

Unquestionably, Isabelle Haak and her extraordinary skill that let her become one of the greatest Volleyball stars nowadays stimulated a huge progress of Sweden national team, as her remarkable performances make her a leader of the team. Thus, the Sweden women's team keep on writing the history of the sport, breaking new grounds almost every summer. In 2021, under the guidance of coach Ettore Guidetti, they ended a 38-year absence from EuroVolley, returning in fabulous fashion. In the eighth finals they beat in dramatic five-setter the co-hosts Bulgaria, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in their history - actually in their only 4th performance at EuroVolley, because in the past they only competed at the European Championships in 1967, 1971 and 1983. Last summer, under the wings of the new coach Lauri Hakala they stayed on the track. Sweden won the European Silver League, getting a spot in the 2023 European Golden League, and this summer they eliminated Belgium (winning 3-2 at home and 3-0 on Belgian soil) in the semi-finals to fight for the trophy. And although they lost to Ukraine, they qualified for the FIVB Challenger Cup in France, where, along with seven other teams, they battled for a ticket to the VNL 2024. And they were only a step from joining the world’s elite, losing only in the finals to France. But they definitely already showed that they rise to a great height.

The 24-year-old and 1.94m-tall opposite Isabelle Haak keeps on breaking records, scoring mind-blowing digits. She is one of the most talented and powerful spikers nowadays and that is proved by her impressive collection of achievements and trophies earned mostly with her clubs, but she definitely dreams of leading her national team to the podium of Europe’s elite competition.  Actually, Sweden in their line up can count on two Haaks – as in the national team Isabelle has her older sister Anna Haak on her side, who is a skillful outside hitter, often producing a high number of points herself too. But they are not the only players who stand out in Sweden’s roster. Also, an outside hitter, Alexandra Lazic proved herself to be an excellent player, who, season by season, spreads her wings. A great opening of the national team season also recorded a 24-year-old middle blocker, Jonna Wasserfaller. Definitely players to watch are also both setters from Sweden – 24-year-old Vilma Andersson and only 20-year-old Hilda Gustafsson. Being on play-making duty, they try to keep a good balance and use the full potential of the team. 

After a historic comeback two years ago, Sweden keep on achieving another milestones. Therefore, anyone who will meet Isabelle Haak & co on their way at the EuroVolley 2023 should be aware that they have to deal with the resilient Swedish fighters who are on the mission, as they have already started to write the new chapter of Volleyball history in their country.