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Shahpazova and Karabasheva remain in Romania, despite the serious injuries of the libero, Alex Milanova leaves Brasov

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July 26, 2025 at 16:09

Shahpazova and Karabasheva remain in Romania, despite the serious injuries of the libero, Alex Milanova leaves Brasov

Corona Brașov women's volleyball team officially presented its squad for the historic 2025/2026 season, when it will make its debut in European club competitions. A special emphasis is placed on continuing the collaboration with the two Bulgarian players – setter Mirela Shahpazova and libero Galina Karabasheva.

Galina Karabasheva – a symbol of fighting spirit despite injuries

Bulgarian libero Galina Karabasheva (23) remains in the Corona squad, despite suffering two serious injuries in just one month while representing the Bulgarian national team.

  • First, during the friendly tournament "President Koszalin Cup" against France (a 2:3 loss), she sustained a laceration on her hand after hitting a panel while attempting to save a ball in defense. She required stitches and was absent for about 10 days.

  • Subsequently, during her participation in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Japan, she tore her Achilles during the match against Brazil (a 1:3 loss). This requires months of recovery, and Karabasheva will be under medical supervision to determine the exact period of absence.

Despite these circumstances, the management of Corona Brașov demonstrated full confidence in her, retaining her in the squad for the new season.

The third Bulgarian player, Alex Milanova, is leaving the team and is a free agent. Milanova played strong matches in VNL 2025, where she recorded impressive statistics:

📊 Alexandra Milanova's Statistics – VNL 2025

🔥 Attack and Block

IndicatorValue
Total Points139
Average per match11.58
Attack Points129
Attack Efficiency37.18%
Block Points9
Block Success14.29%
Service Points1
Service Success0.58%

PlaceNameTeamDigsErrorsReceptionsAverage per matchSuccess rate %Total appearances
6Aleksandra MilanovaBulgaria124344310.3361.69%201


Being among the top 6 best defenders in the VNL, considering you play as an outside hitter, speaks volumes about exceptional versatility. With over 10.3 digs and receptions per match on average, Milanova reaches the level of elite liberos, and her success rate exceeds 61%, which puts her on par with players like Giulia de Gennaro and Gelin from France.
We eagerly await to see where the national team player, who is currently preparing for the World Championship, will go next.

Corona Brașov squad for the 2025/2026 season

Remaining players

NamePositionYear of birthCountry
Mirela ShahpazovaSetter1997Bulgaria
Galina KarabashevaLibero2002Bulgaria
Simina StrachinescuDiagonal1999Romania
Diana AritonMiddle Blocker1998Romania
Daria CocanMiddle Blocker2007Romania
Alexandra KolesnikovOutside Hitter2008Romania

NamePositionPrevious clubCountry
Marina AngelakeSetterCSM TârgovișteRomania
Ioana BaciuDiagonalAl-Ahly (Egypt)Romania
Gabriela BălaeOutside HitterCSM ConstanțaRomania
Joyce AgbolossouOutside HitterEnerga MKS Kalisz (Poland)Germany
Skye HowardMiddle BlockerBusto Arsizio (Italy)USA
Diana RomanMiddle BlockerAlba BlajRomania
Alexandra CiucuLiberoAlba BlajRomania

NamePositionNew club / Status
Shaylah RefftMiddle BlockerFC Porto
Stefania ChelutaDiagonalDinamo Bucharest
Adriana MateiOutside HitterAEK Athens
Adriana PopaLiberoFree Agent
Adachi AguroOutside HitterFree Agent
Aleksandra MilanovaOutside HitterFree Agent
Maja LasicMiddle BlockerFree Agent
Andjelija DraskovicSetterFree Agent