Sports

Minium: ODU Setter Wiktoria Zagumny’s Father is From Polish Volleyball Royalty

Published

4 months ago

August 25, 2025

By Harry Minium

NORFOLK, Va. – Wiktoria Zagumny was just 12 years old, and had only begun to learn the game of volleyball, when she was called on to serve in front of a sellout crowd of 12,000 and millions of people in Poland watching on live TV.

The occasion was an exhibition game in the southern Polish city of Katowice between Polish and international all-star teams. The game was staged to bade farewell to Pawel Zagumny, who is perhaps the most famous volleyball player ever in Poland.

Pawel is Wiktoria’s father and he was a four-time Olympian and a three-time world champion who in 2008 was named the best setter in the Olympic games.

The crowd was on its feet, applauding and cheering, in the final minutes of the match as Wiktoria, wearing No. 5, the same number as her father, stepped off the bench. Her father smiled broadly as he hugged his daughter.

Then she stepped on the court and the crowd grew silent as she prepared to serve.

“I was so nervous,” Wiktoria said. “I was still being trained and barely knew how to serve the ball.”

But she aced it, drilling the ball sharply across the net.

Nine years later, Old Dominion is hoping Wiktoria will similarly deliver a ton of aces for the Monarchs.

Wiktoria, a 6-foot junior, will start at setter for the Monarchs when they open their season Friday against Fairfield (12:30 p.m.) and West Virginia (7 p.m.) in the Quest For the Crown tournament at the ODU Volleyball Center.

The Monarchs host Towson at 4 p.m. Saturday in the final match of the tournament.

ODU lost a ton of players from last season, to both graduation and transfers, and Head Coach Fred Chao needed to recruit some good ones to replace them. Wiktoria was clearly a great get from the transfer portal.

She transferred to ODU after two seasons at Chicago State, where she helped lead the Cougars to their first conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth ever. She was named the first-team setter on the All-Northeastern Conference squad.

She led the NEC with 965 assists and also had 76 kills, 25 services aces, 224 digs and 50 blocks. She had 40 or more assists eight times, including a season-high 52 assists in the first round of the NEC Tournament.

Volleyball is in her DNA and not just from her father. Her mother, Oliwia, was a professional volleyball player who retired early once she got married. Both of her grandparents on her father’s side also played volleyball.

And they all played setter.

So does her younger brother, who is a 14-year-old high school player in Warsaw.

The setter is generally considered the equivelent of a football quarterback of volleyball. Setters are expected to be the second player to touch the ball after a dig or pass and set up her teammates to score a point. Setters are often team leaders, communicating with their teammates about strategy and often controlling the tempo of the match.

“It’s a very key position for every team,” Chao said.

She transferred to ODU in the spring and has been gradually growing into her role, Chao said.

“At first, she was trying to navigate her way through a new team and a new school,” Chao said. “But she’s grown in her time here. She’s more confident and she’s shown leadership qualities.

“She’s got a great sense of humor and that’s important in a leader. And she’s a really good volleyball player.”

Wictoria grew up all over Poland, and even spent some time in Greece, while her father played out his professional career. When he retired in 2016, the family settled in Warsaw, the Polish capital, and her volleyball career began to blossom.

She played three years for the Polish U-18 and U-16 teams while in high school.

“In my last year of high school, I didn’t know if I was good enough to play professionally,” she said. “So, I decided to come to America. Here, I knew I would get a college degree and find out if I was good enough to play professionally.”

She chose Chicago State in part because of the city’s large ethnic Polish community, and in her two years there, she was feted by the Polish community. Some Polish community leaders made contact with her through her father.

She made the decision to transfer because she felt like she needed to play at a higher level in order to make it to the pros.

Chicago State is much smaller than ODU and doesn’t have the same level of facilities.

ODU spent more than $3 million five years ago to refurbish the gym in the Jim Jarrett Administration Building to turn it into one of the nicest volleyball centers outside of the Power 4.

The gym seats more than 900 for volleyball, many with chairback seats, and the team’s locker room, team room, coaches’ offices, conditioning room and training room are just steps apart.

The Monarchs also tradtionally play a challenging schedule, including this season, when the Monarchs take on North Carolina State, West Virginia, Wake Forest and Maryland.

“I have a lot of friends at Chicago State and enjoyed my time there,” she said. “But I feel like the whole level of getting us prepared for the season is way different here.

“The practices are more intense. The facilities here and the campus are just great.”

And although ODU’s roster is smaller than usual, with just 13 players, that’s more than the nine on Chicago State’s roster.

“In practice, we could never play a simulated game,” she said. “Here, we work so hard in practice and we have such great coaches.

“I love it here.”

Because she was in Poland last December, she was recruited virtually, with no on-campus visits.

Her agent was Jesica Umansky, who played for Chao at George Mason and while Wiktoria said Umansky did not push ODU, she also spoke highly of Chao.

“Jesica told me, ‘Listen, I’m not going to tell you to go there, because you have to be happy in your choice,” she said. “It’s your decision.

“But this coach at Old Dominion, he’s amazing.’

“ODU was the first of about 25 schools to reach out to me,” Wiktoria added.” At first, I wasn’t considering them. But then after all the conversations, I realized she was right. Coach Chao was a very special coach. I love all the coaches here.”

Her famous father never pushed her to play volleyball. He offered to help her but said if she didn’t want to play, it was her choice.

“I’ve had teammates who have parents who were like mad at them if they lost or played bad,” she said. “But my dad was always like, ‘It’s your game. You know what to do.’

“He told me, ‘If you want to play volleyball, that’s great. But if you don’t, that’s also great. You don’t have to.’

“I think that freedom to do what I wanted has really helped me grow.”

She said her parents will watch ODU’s games this weekend on streaming television even though Warsaw time is six hours ahead of Norfolk.

“I’m so looking forward to” the opening weekend, she said. “I can’t wait to play.

“I feel like we have great potential. The talent here is great and we’re really working hard.

“I’m sure I’ll be nervous for our first game.”

But as she showed at the tender age of 12, she won’t let a few nerves rattle her.

Minium is ODU’s senior executive writer. Contact him at hminium@odu.edu or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram

Link

Sports

Outside hitter Eva Travis signs with Wisconsin volleyball

Published

5 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

State

Zip Code

Country

Link

Sports

Kentucky Volleyball Gained New Fans in Special Season That Ends Short of a Title

Published

21 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

If it feels too good to be true, it usually is. The Kentucky volleyball team felt like a team of destiny, but that destiny did not manifest in a National Championship. Even though the Cats came up one game short of a second title, this special season did unquantifiable good for the program.

Volleyball culture is embedded in the Commonwealth, with successful clubs racking up national titles, but that world is unknown to most sports fans around the state. In 2025, Kentucky hit all the right notes to grow the game.

Casuals turned on their TVs when the Cats jumped out to a two-set lead over top-ranked Nebraska in the opening weekend of the season. Even though it ended with a loss, that performance got plenty of people interested enough to turn on their TVs a week later. They watched the Wildcats sweep Penn State on the night the Defending National Champions hung their title banner.

It was a gauntlet of a schedule, one that produced plenty of dramatic moments. After falling behind 2-1 against Louisville, Kentucky rallied for a five-set rivalry win.

Kentucky owned the SEC for years. When perennial title contender Texas arrived, that dominance was in question. The Cats went on the road and swept the No. 2 team in the country.

It’s not just that they won. This Kentucky volleyball team played an entertaining and inspiring style of volleyball. Brooklyn DeLeye and Eva Hudson created an explosive 1-2 punch on the outside, while Lizzie Carr’s length looked like Spider-Man in the middle. You didn’t have to know ball to have fun watching this team.

As the Cats picked up steam, BBN got behind them in a way that I didn’t think was possible. Craig Skinner stood on a table to ask fans to show up to Historic Memorial Coliseum. He climbed to the rafters of Rupp, went to the top of the tallest building in Lexington, and even hopped in a fighter jet to rally Kentucky fans to support this team.

They showed up in droves and packed Historic Memorial Coliseum to propel Kentucky to the Final Four for just the second time in school history. When fans couldn’t make it to the game, they packed KSBar for watch parties. It was surreal to hear a harmonica playing a fight song in front of a full restaurant late on a weeknight while Kentucky reverse-swept Texas in the SEC Tournament Title.

Just when you thought you couldn’t love this team any more, they did the unthinkable in the Final Four. It’s easy to become jaded by college athletics in the money-driven world of NIL and the transfer portal. This team sacrificed for one another and played together, no matter the circumstances.

Wisconsin looked destined to dominate. Carter Booth was possessed in the middle. A dozen blocks would be a great game for a middle, and she had nearly two dozen. The Cats only scored 12 points in the first set. It didn’t look much better in the second, yet somehow, some way, they rallied under pressure. Brooklyn DeLeye’s defense was outstanding, while Eva Hudson powered the Cats’ offense with nearly 30 kills in a gutsy, five-set win, a victory that will make lifelong Kentucky volleyball fans.

All good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, they could not capitalize on a hot start in the National Championship. After letting the first set slip away, Texas A&M took over. Kentucky did not have one more rally in the tank.

The season ended with a loss, but they won’t be losing much from this team. Eva Hudson was the star, but the only senior on the roster. After making countless new fans, the Kentucky volleyball team will surely give them more reasons to cheer in 2026.

Sign up for the KSR Newsletter to receive Kentucky Wildcats news in the most ridiculous manner possible.

Link

Sports

Thomas Earns First ASUN Honors

Published

37 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lameria Thomas of Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Newcomer of the Week the league announced Monday.

Thomas made her first start of the season against Illinois-Chicago on Saturday and had an 11-point, 14-rebound performance. The Montgomery, Alabama native shot five of six from the field while picking up one assist and one steal.

The junior is averaging 5.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season, with her 11 points and 14 rebounds at UIC being career-highs.

Thomas and the Govs are back home on Dec. 28 for a 2 p.m. matchup against Berry at F&M Bank Arena.

Link

Sports

Gainesville High’s Rowan Kage is the 2025 Big School Volleyball POY

Published

53 minutes ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dec. 23, 2025, 4:02 a.m. ET

Rowan Kage’s first three years at Gainesville High School each offered something different.

A losing record and injury struggles her freshman season. A district title for the first time in a decade with a Division I laden roster her sophomore year. The team lost in the region semifinals in an arduous region. Junior year brought a new coach and roster. It was a remarkable season with another district title, a No. 1 seed…and a first-round playoff upset.

Link

Sports

Volleyball Assistant Coach in Clinton, SC for Presbyterian College

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Details

Posted: 22-Dec-25

Location: Clinton, South Carolina

Type: Full-time

Categories:

Coaching

Coaching – Volleyball

Sector:

Collegiate Sports

Required Education:

4 Year Degree

Presbyterian College invites applications for the position of Assistant Coach for Women’s Volleyball. This position is responsible for assisting the Head Coach with all aspects of the Women’s Volleyball program, including recruiting, player development, academic monitoring, operations, and compliance. The successful candidate will contribute to a competitive NCAA Division I program while supporting the academic and personal growth of student-athletes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist in coaching and instructing the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball program.

Support all recruiting efforts, including evaluating prospective student-athletes, maintaining recruiting records, coordinating campus and home visits, communicating with high school and club coaches, and assisting with admissions processes.

Monitor student-athlete academic progress, including class schedules, study hall, and academic checks.

Assist with monitoring financial aid, squad lists, eligibility forms, and required documentation.

Assist with scouting opponents and preparing match analysis.

Support pre-season and post-season conditioning programs.

Assist in organizing and administering summer volleyball camps.

Coordinate team travel logistics, including pre- and post-game meals, hotel arrangements, and cash advances.

Coordinate and oversee all video exchange and video-related operations.

Operate in full compliance with NCAA, Big South Conference, and Presbyterian College rules and policies.

Attend faculty, college, and athletic department meetings and events as required.

Participate in college and community service initiatives.

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Head Coach.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and community members.

Ability to supervise, train, and support student workers or support staff.

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong computer and technology skills.

Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment.

Knowledge of or ability to stay current with emerging technologies related to video, data, and computing.

Enthusiasm, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in an environment of continual change.

Education and Experience Prior collegiate coaching experience preferred.

Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands Travel, evening, and weekend work required.

Application Procedure Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, current résumé, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references via email to: Human Resources at hr@presby.edu

Qualifications:

Prior collegiate coaching experience preferred.

Strong communication, organizational, and computer skills.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

About Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College is a private liberal arts institution located in Clinton, South Carolina, and competes at the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Big South Conference and affiliate membership in The Pioneer Football League and The Southern Conference. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, competitive athletics, and the holistic development of student-athletes, Presbyterian College provides an environment where integrity, teamwork, and leadership are core values.

The Blue Hose Athletics Department sponsors 19 NCAA Division I sports and is dedicated to building competitive programs while prioritizing student-athlete success in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. Presbyterian College emphasizes compliance, sportsmanship, and a student-centered approach that supports both athletic and personal growth.

Located in a close-knit campus community, Presbyterian College offers employees the opportunity to work collaboratively with dedicated faculty, staff, and coaches who are invested in developing young leaders. The College values service, inclusion, and innovation, and encourages professional growth within a supportive and mission-driven environme…nt.

Presbyterian College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Show less