Captain Gabi Guimaraes returns to the Brazilian women's national team for the upcoming South American Championship. Head coach José Roberto Guimarães announced an extended squad of 16 players for the team's preparation, with the star outside hitter available again after missing the final phase of the Nations League due to back problems. The Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) confirmed that Gabi has recovered and will be part of the preparation for the continental championship.
The Women's South American Championship will be held from September 8 to 13 at the Maracanãzinho arena in Rio de Janeiro. This will be the 36th edition of the tournament, and for the first time, the champion will earn a direct quota for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Brazil's extended squad:
Setters:
Macris Carneiro
Roberta Ratzke
Opposites:
Kisy Nascimento
Tainara Santos
Rosamaria Montibeller
Outside Hitters:
Ana Cristina
Julia Bergmann
Gabi Guimaraes
Helena Wenk
Middle Blockers:
Diana Duarte
Larissa Besen
Lorena Viezel
Luzia Nezzo
Libero:
Marcele Arruda
Natinha Araujo
Nieme Costa
After the start of preparations, José Roberto Guimarães will reduce the group to 14 volleyball players who will be registered for the championship. Gabi's return is the biggest news in the squad, as the captain of Brazil missed the final matches of the Nations League, but will now lead the "Seleção" again in the first major tournament of the new Olympic cycle.
photo: Nikolay Varadinov
