International Prospects

[Millennium]

Dec 11, 2017 14:25:33 GMT -5 montechello said:

Dec 11, 2017 13:48:59 GMT -5 c4ndlelight said:

Some players in that batch for sure!

All of them are poisoned by the clearcut recruiting violations here. Unfortunate for them. Lucrative for Kristin and her husband.

Please elaborate or delete you post.

[Nomos]

One addition to the below, that in the first full match you also get to watch Ioanna Georgantzi, the 6'21/2" OH in the 2019 class as well, she's #16 white, playing for A.O. Markopoulo, starting for the Women's VolleyLeague in Greece and recently utilized also in the U19 and U17 competitions as her club advances to the national championships, which is the norm over the past few years. Ioanna Georgantzi's compilation from last year is: 

Mar 15, 2018 1:33:28 GMT -5 Nomos said:

Fresh full matches' footage from Ioanna Charitonidi and her recent highlight clips from women's league competition below:

Ioanna Charitonidi, 2019, OH/Lib, 5’11”

(Note: Ioanna was voted on the European Volleyball Exposure All-Star Team this January by Division I coaches in attendance) 







Two points to stress about Ioanna:
1) She always played against older and more experienced women; ONLY has footage playing with and against these seasoned and professional players, as opposed to other 2018-2019 athletes, who primarily include highlights from matches in their own respective age groups.
2) Because of her excellent defense, passing, and serve receive skills, she was the starting libero for the Greek Junior National Team in the CEV 2017 U18 European Championships, despite being a year younger than her teammates. She will be in the + column and will help be the “glue” for a high-performing team to win and be consistently competitive in NCAA Volleyball.
The highlights above are from Fall 2017 and the Greek Pre-League (Second Women's Division) as the youngest starting OH in the league. Played (up a class/year) as the starting Libero/DS for the Junior National Team of Greece U18 in the CEV European Championships in Holland. Clips from those national team matches and first half of 2017 under:



Ioanna is a sophomore in these older clips immediately above, by far the youngest player in the Second Division League, featuring older and seasoned players.

Email: [e-mail]

[Nomos]

Above is the link to the last match Elena Giourda played this season. It also captures her unfortunate ACL injury, repaired a month ago. 

She is available and considering coming over this summer to get ready for the 2018 season, which will commence approximately 6 months from the time of the ACL repair. 

Alternatively, she is thinking of staying in Greece, rehabbing there and reviewing her 2019 options. 

Since this case merits a couple of further qualifying thoughts, our take is that someone would be prudently investing in a 2018 spot for Elena, as: 

1) Players now come back sooner than in years past, stronger and ready with the proper support, S & C, and medical assistance. So she could conceivably contribute during the 2018 season. 

2) Via a medical hardship redshirt year, a program would be getting a difference-maker in ensuing years. It is always better for an international to have a smooth and deliberate transition both academically and athletically, and in her case it would be a strategic investment in someone with whom a program can work and build around as roster spots and program management would allow. 

Below are links to previous full matches and highlights from her past couple of seasons. 








Her email: 

[e-mail]

Viber/Whatsapp: 

[phone]

Mar 23, 2017 13:17:02 GMT -5 Nomos said:

Elena Giourdas – Class of 2018
6’ tall, OH (six-rotation) - Greek Jr. National Team top-20 selection


Full game videos available soon.

Elena currently plays OH for Olympiakos Piraeus in Athens, Greece. This is the top volleyball club in the country. Her dad, Marios Giourdas, is a very well-known and respected former starting OH of the Men’s National Team of Greece. He also played professionally in both Greece and Italy. He currently serves the Greek, European, and International Volleyball Federations as operations manager and competition director.

Elena is interested in psychology, is taking the SATs in May, and is very excited about coming to the US to study and play.

Mario’s email is: [e-mail]
Please advise should you need a direct introduction.

[Nomos]

This weekend is the Greek U19 national championships, the Final Four is taking place in Athens and links to live streaming, hopefully also will remain on this YT channel under:

www.youtube.com/channel/UC463MM8lFYGyXzoytqLiGxA


Best wishes for your spring season!

[Nomos]

The Greek Invasion continues

The prospects below (but for Elena G. and Nafsika) also participated in our EVE Tour in January:


The 2019s from Greece below are preparing for their transition next year, currently getting ready for tests, wrapping up junior year and club/national team commitments, and entertaining offers:

- Elena Baka, 6-1, OH:

[e-mail]


(these are 16-17 season clips, from half a year ago, so she's a sophomore in these highlights)

Recent full matches (#1 yellow/black) and VT post:

volleytalk.proboards.com/post/1803246

Elena is the reigning 2018 MVP of the Northern Greece region for the U17s, aiming at MVP honors in the national championships later this summer, the L1 for both her club team of Aris Thessaloniki in the U17s and her school team of Hellenic College of Thessaloniki vying for a national title and advancing to a world championship later this summer as well, the L2 of the national champions of Aris in the U19s, member of the junior national team, and national champion in beach volleyball. On the latter, she has been selected for Greece's national team preparation on sand for the 2020 Olympics, and intends to continue playing both in college in a balanced and competitive setting.

By the way in their matches v. cross-town rival PAOK you will see the other 2019 Elena (below, Leontaridou, 2019 MB) in #11 white and/or black:






- Ioanna Charitonidi, 5-11, OH/DS/Lib:

[e-mail]


(these are clips from Fall 2017, and she plays in the Second Division in Greece, against experienced and much older women)

Recent full matches (#11 white/blue) and VT post:



In the above match she is playing in the U19s Final Four of Greece, so still 2-3 years younger than the other girls participating in this competition.



In the above match she is playing in the Pre-League Women's League, the youngest starter there.

volleytalk.proboards.com/post/1809152

Ioanna is currently with the Junior National Team of Greece again, and the best receiver/passer, and defender in the country both in the 2018 and the 2019 classes. She was the youngest last year in the European Championships and still started as the libero/DS. She's back this year for their CEV European Championships qualifiers in April, in view of September Finals in Albania.


- Ioanna Georgatzi, 6-2 OH/OP:

[e-mail]


(these are 16-17 season clips, so she's a sophomore in these highlights)

Recent full matches (always #16 white) :



In the above match she's playing with her club of A.O. Markopoulo in the U17s, qualifying for the regional F4.





In the above matches she's playing with Markopoulo's U19s. Much like Ioanna C. she is 2-3 years younger than other girls competing in the U19s. In the first one vs Foivos she's checking in at the 20' mark. If you have a 2018 MB need, you can catch the best MB in the 2017 U17s national championships in this match, Ioli Georgakopoulou, she's #7 green, with solid games recently. Last year's footage:


- Elena Giourda, 6ft, OH:

[e-mail]

volleytalk.proboards.com/post/1812875

As you will read in the VT post, Elena is graduating this year, and could be a possible 2018, redshirt if necessary depending on ACL rehab, or defer to 2019. Have a good look at her for 2018.


- Elena Leontaridou, 6-1, MB:

[e-mail]



She's #11 black/white, above and in the PAOK vs Aris rivalries vs Elena Baka (top of this email...)
She was one of the most pleasant surprises during EVE, with several D1 coaches commenting on her athleticism, positive attitude, and wonderful engaging personality. A great one to work with


- Nafsika Papavasileiou, 6ft, OH/OP/MB:

[e-mail]



You will notice that Nafsika has been playing on this side this year, and will be between St. Louis and Chicago for the duration of May-June, if you would like a closer look at her.

Thanks for reviewing.

As always, please let us know if you'd like an introduction to them and their families.

Best from St. Louis!

[Nomos]

Links to some live action and hopefully some videos to keep for records below, on U19 CEV European Championships qualifiers and other regional and national championships for U17s:

www.laola1.tv/en-int/live-schedule

(you might need to play around with VPNs etc, worth it to catch the premier European talent in these age groups...)

Greece U17s regionals:

Western Attica U17s:

www.youtube.com/channel/UC9n76f3APYPC2vUofzheOqw

Eastern Attica and Athens U17s:

www.youtube.com/c/nstvwebtv/live

[Nomos]

We will soon have fresh footage from Elena Baka's competitions, but we wanted to give folks an update on her, as she's been collecting hardware almost every weekend now in national and international competitions on sand with her pair, Dionysia Matiou. After a few gold medals in juniors and taking place in the Youth Olympics qualifiers, this past weekend they became the youngest ever to win a women's Master's (you'll need to use google translate for the link below) :



www.greekvolley.gr/index.php/beachvolley/episimes-diorganoseis/item/55610-skyros-masters-matiou-mpaka-oi-nearoteres-xryses-athlitries.html



Important note, Elena will be trying to win the indoor MVP and the indoor national title for U17s in the upcoming Final Four in Athens, this coming weekend, June 22-24. Some coaches from the US will be in attendance. Elena and her parents consistently reiterate the goal for her is to play both sports in ensuing years. With the kind of drive and heart this 16-year-old phenom has, we do not put anything past her, even competing for both in future Olympics!

Apr 17, 2018 5:08:26 GMT -5 Nomos said:

The Greek Invasion continues

- Elena Baka, 6-1, OH:

[e-mail]


(these are 16-17 season clips, from half a year ago, so she's a sophomore in these highlights)

Recent full matches (#1 yellow/black) and VT post:

volleytalk.proboards.com/post/1803246

Elena is the reigning 2018 MVP of the Northern Greece region for the U17s, aiming at MVP honors in the national championships later this summer, the L1 for both her club team of Aris Thessaloniki in the U17s and her school team of Hellenic College of Thessaloniki vying for a national title and advancing to a world championship later this summer as well, the L2 of the national champions of Aris in the U19s, member of the junior national team, and national champion in beach volleyball. On the latter, she has been selected for Greece's national team preparation on sand for the 2020 Olympics, and intends to continue playing both in college in a balanced and competitive setting.







By the way in their matches v. cross-town rival PAOK you will see the other 2019 Elena (below, Leontaridou, 2019 MB) in #11 white and/or black:

[Nomos]

For Greek tours for teams/clubs, coaches visits, etc consider this:

volleytalk.proboards.com/post/1858985

[Nomos]

Here is the Master's Final on Skyros' island from last week, the historic match in which Baka & Matiou captured their first women's title as the youngest duo ever to do so:



Elena is playing her heart out literally inside out. This weekend she's leading her U17 club team of Aris Thessaloniki (indoor) en route to the national championship and the last MVP award of the indoor season. Sunday's (6/24) Final vs Iraklis Kifisias, last year's national champions.
We will post more video as soon as it becomes available.

[Nomos]

Baka's back!

Elena captured the last MVP award of the indoor season, and more hardware (also best attacker and the national championship for Aris Thessaloniki) during the U17 Final Four in Athens, Greece. Breathtaking performances again during a tie-break win vs. their cross-town rivals Elpida Ampelokipwn on Saturday, and a convincing final match vs. last year's champs Iraklis Kifisias on Sunday in three. Some pictures and coverage, and we'll have videos soon:

www.volleyball.gr/panellhnia/article/2317/panellhnio-korasidon-telikh-fash-protathlhths-o-arhs-mvp-h-mpaka-photos-xrush-biblos


This energizer bunny is just not ready to take a break, however. She will be playing beach volleyball for the rest of the summer in all the women's Master's all over Greece in July and international competitions in August, possibly in September as well.

[Nomos]

The CEV qualification matches for the U19 European Championships can be streamed and watched here:

www.facebook.com/Samos-Sports-406087542869813/

Enjoy the action today and over the next couple of days, good talent, both current and future college players.

[Nomos]

And as usual some more coverage of both beach and indoor, on LAOLA TV:

www.laola1.tv/en-int/live-schedule

[Nomos]

Elena Leontaridou - Class of 2019 (DoB: 3/16/2001)
6-1 MB, 10-1 spike reach, PAOK Thessaloniki VC & Jr. National Team of Greece



Other than the fact "Lion Girl" can jump, she can play... and hold her own in the classroom too! She was arguably the best surprise in January, voted by attending DI coaches on the All-EVE team, mainly because of her athleticism and positive attitude. She is an outstanding student interested initially in healthcare, health sciences, as well as econ/finance. She is very open to career pathways and concentration areas, and we feel she will do very well in anything she does in life, as she is the type of young lady that has both the intangibles and the talent to make it.

She also is very competitive. Is painfully shy and humble, but truly a lion on the court. And the definition of the ultimate teammate, the ideal middle (or OP... next to talk of switching her to OH as well due to good hands!)
This summer she has also been invited to beach volleyball competitions, and word on the street/sand is that she displays some great hops... and skills. She adores the game both indoor and on sand, but she knows her future is indoors. The above footage is only a quick preview of what is to come in the fall, as limited footage was available from her club competitions with PAOK Thessaloniki in the A2 Greek League playing against seasoned veterans. And the U19 Juniors fell victim to Baka and Aris, the cross-town rivals. So those full matches are available under the Elena Baka threads. Both Elenas are taking the SATs in October, registering and getting ready for NCAA VB.

Her email:
[e-mail]

Let us know if you would like a direct introduction to Elena and her wonderful family. Great people! A girl and player to love!

[Nomos]

As promised a month ago here are the last couple of matches from Elena Baka's indoor season en route to the Greek national championship and her indoor MVP, before a very busy summer on sand. 
First the nail-biter, a classic two-and-a-half hour epic battle against their Thessaloniki rivals:



And the rematch from last year, against defending U17 champs Iraklis Kifisias from Athens, this time in three sets:



Elena is always #1 yellow. 

More to follow from beach national and international competitions this Aug-Sept. 

Wishes for a great August. 

Jun 24, 2018 17:26:24 GMT -5 Nomos said:

Baka's back!

Elena captured the last MVP award of the indoor season, and more hardware (also best attacker and the national championship for Aris Thessaloniki) during the U17 Final Four in Athens, Greece. Breathtaking performances again during a tie-break win vs. their cross-town rivals Elpida Ampelokipwn on Saturday, and a convincing final match vs. last year's champs Iraklis Kifisias on Sunday in three. Some pictures and coverage, and we'll have videos soon:

www.volleyball.gr/panellhnia/article/2317/panellhnio-korasidon-telikh-fash-protathlhths-o-arhs-mvp-h-mpaka-photos-xrush-biblos


This energizer bunny is just not ready to take a break, however. She will be playing beach volleyball for the rest of the summer in all the women's Master's all over Greece in July and international competitions in August, possibly in September as well.

[Nomos]

Ioanna Georgatzi - Class of 2019

6' 2 ½" - OH/OP

A.O. Markopoulo & Junior National Team of Greece




[e-mail]