German volleyball legend Georg Grozer continues to make history. At 42 years old, the opposite hitter has once again been included in Germany's extended squad for the upcoming edition of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
The new head coach of the German national team, Massimo Botti, announced a group of 30 players, from whom 14 volleyball players will be selected each week for the tournaments of the commercial competition. The Germans will play a total of 12 matches within six weeks, and the hosts of the individual tournaments will be Canada, Poland, and Serbia.
Grozer's presence on the list once again drew attention. The veteran has an impressive 217 matches for the national team under his belt and, despite his age, continues to be among the leading figures in German volleyball.
Under the leadership of the new coach Massimo Botti, Germany began its preparation at the beginning of May at the Olympic and Paralympic training center in Kienbaum. The Italian specialist joined the team later, after the end of the season with his club team Asseco Resovia Rzeszów.
The Germans' first test will be on May 30 in Neu-Ulm against Olympic champions France.
Among the experienced names in the selection are Jan Zimmermann, Moritz Reichert, Ruben Schott, and Tobias Krick. At the same time, Botti is also giving a chance to a number of young players without a single match for the men's national team, including Joris Backhaus, Luis Kunstmann, Simon Kohn, Hannes Gerken, and Artur Wehner.
Absent from the squad are Johannes Tille, who is taking a temporary break and will return for the European Championship, Lukas Maase due to a shoulder injury, and Moritz Karlitzek, who will also not play in the VNL.

The biggest intrigue undoubtedly remains around Georg Grozer, who at 42 years old continues to be a factor on the international stage and a symbol of the German national team.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov