After it became clear that Radi Marinova was leaving coach Stefano Lavarini's Vero Volley Novara, the team is expecting a new addition to their roster. Canadian Ana Smrek, born in 2003 (21 years old, 207 cm tall), arrives from American colleges. She began her career as a middle blocker but has transitioned to opposite hitter in recent college seasons. Born in Welland, Ontario, she played for the University of Wisconsin in the USA from the 2020/21 season until the current year, 2024.