LOVB Continues to Set Pace for Future of Volleyball in the U.S. with Signings of Lauren Stivrins, Heydi Casanova, Audriana Fitzmorris and Marta Bechis to its Pro Roster
Continuing its announcement spree, LOVB today announced that four more renowned athletes – Lauren Stivrins, Heydi Casanova, Audriana Fitzmorris and Marta Bechis – will be joining its pro teams. These new LOVB Pro athletes, who range from All-Americans to NCAA finalists to World Champions, continue to help LOVB raise the bar on what to expect from game day matches, with team assignments announced later this year.
"Everywhere we go, we speak to world-class players who can’t wait to get involved with LOVB,” said Tom Hogan, director of sport for LOVB Pro. “The signing today of these four incredible athletes is not only humbling, but is yet another proof point that LOVB is onto something big.”
A middle blocker from Scottsdale, Arizona, Stivrins is a 3x All-American from Nebraska, and was named to the 2018 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team. She finished her collegiate career ranked fourth on the Huskers' all-time list with .378 hitting percentage, and tied the NCAA record with 24 career NCAA Tournament matches played.
Originally from La Habana, Cuba, Casanova is a member of the Cuban National Team and was recognized as the Best Scorer at the 2017 Pan American Cup. She has played professionally in Cuba, France, Brazil, Romania, Ukraine and China. She was also honored as Best Opposite in the Romanian League in 2020/2021 and at the 2021/2022 French Cup.
Hailing from Overland, Kansas, opposite hitter Fitzmorris won gold as part of the 2019 US Collegiate Team at the Global Challenge. While at Stanford, she won 3 NCAA Championships and was a 3x All-American. She earned Best Middle Blocker at the U18 World Championships where she won silver with the U.S. Youth National Team.
“I am extremely thankful for the experiences that I have been able to have these past few years while playing overseas in Switzerland, Greece, Puerto Rico, and Italy. I have developed friendships with such strong and kindhearted women from all walks of life. While I greatly appreciate my past overseas opportunities, I am beyond excited and looking forward to playing this upcoming season stateside and representing LOVB," said Fitzmorris. "To be a part of a volleyball league that has community at its core is truly unique. I am grateful for the many amazing people who intentionally work each day to create something so special that myself and each athlete is proud to be a part of.”
A setter from Torino, Italy, Bechis has played professionally in Poland and Italy. She has helped lead teams to multiple championship wins, including three Italian Serie A1 golds, the 2008/2009 CEV Cup, the 2006/2007 Coppa di Lega, the 2022/2023 Italian Serie A2 and the 2018/2019 Italian Supercup. She also competed on the Italian National team, winning bronze at the 2010 World Grand Prix and Yeltsin Cup.
"I’m really excited about starting this new adventure with LOVB in the USA. I can’t wait to start and see what the future is gonna hold for us," said Bechis. "Taking part in such an ambitious project since day one is a privilege and gives me the possibility to assist in the development of something unique that I’m sure will captivate the attention of so many people around the globe. Being surrounded by so many great players will be an honour and create the right atmosphere for an amazing spectacle!"
