Volleyball is a sport that requires exceptional skills, speed, agility, and teamwork. Among the key positions on the court, the opposite hitter stands out as one of the most critical roles. These players are known for their powerful spikes and ability to score crucial points for their teams. Here, we present the top 10 best opposite hitters in the world of women’s volleyball, each with their own unique strengths and contributions to the game.
1. Tijana Bošković – Serbia
- Born: March 8, 1997
- Age: 26 years
- Place of birth: Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Height: 1.93 m
- Current team: Serbia
- Weight: 78 kg
A true veteran of the game, Tijana Bošković was born in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and currently represents Serbia. Her 1.93-meter frame and years of experience make her a formidable presence on the court.
2. Ekaterina Antropova – Italy
- Born: March 19, 2003
- Age: 20 years
- Place of birth: Iceland
- Nationality: Italian, Russian
- Height: 2.02 m
Born in Iceland, Ekaterina Antropova is a rising star in women’s volleyball. At just 20 years old, her towering 2.02-meter frame gives her a commanding presence on the court. Her dual Italian and Russian nationality adds to her versatility as a player.
See also: Best Middle Blockers of Women’s Volleyball 2023
3. Melissa Vargas Abreu – Turkey
- Born: October 16, 1999
- Age: 23 years
- Place of birth: Cienfuegos, Cuba
- Height: 1.94 m
- Nationality: Cuban, Turkish
- Weight: 76 kg
- Block: 315 cm (124 in)
- Current club: Fenerbahçe Opet
- Nickname: Vargas Airlines
Hailing from Cienfuegos, Cuba, Melissa Vargas Abreu has taken her talents to Turkey. Her explosive playing style and 1.94-meter height have made her a force to be reckoned with. She is a key player for Fenerbahçe Opet, earning the nickname “Vargas Airlines” for her incredible leaps and spikes.
See also: Best Outside Hitters in Women’s Volleyball in 2023
4. Tessa Grubbs – USA
- Nationality: USA
- Position: Opposite
- Birthdate: August 10, 1998
- Height: 190 cm
Tessa Grubbs, a native of the USA, stands at 190 centimeters. Her dynamic playing style and versatility make her a valuable asset to any team she plays for.
See also: Best Liberos in Women’s Volleyball in 2023
5. Elizabet Inneh-Varga – Romania
- Born: March 21, 1999
- Age: 24 years
- Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
- Nationality: Hungarian, Romanian
Born in Budapest, Hungary, Elizabet Inneh-Varga represents Romania and is an exceptional opposite hitter. Her Hungarian roots contribute to her diverse background in the sport.
See also: Best Female Volleyball Setters in the World
6. Laura Meynckens – Belgium
- Nationality: Belgium
- Position: Opposite
- Birthdate: January 17, 2003
- Height: 184 cm
Laura Meynckens, hailing from Belgium, is known for her precision and agility on the court. At 184 centimeters, she may be smaller than some, but her skills make her a force to be reckoned with.
See also: Best Women Volleyball Players in 2023
7. Anett Németh – Hungary
- Born: December 13, 1999
- Age: 23 years
- Birthplace: Budapest, Hungary
- Height: 1.88 m
Anett Németh, born in Budapest, Hungary, is another emerging talent in women’s volleyball. Standing at 1.88 meters, she possesses the height and power to make a significant impact in the opposite hitter position.
8. Isabelle Haak – Sweden
- Born: July 11, 1999
- Age: 24 years
- Place of birth: Lund, Sweden
- Height: 1.94 m
- Weight: 83 kg
- Nationality: Swedish
- Block: 316 cm (124 in)
Isabelle Haak, from Lund, Sweden, has a towering height of 1.94 meters. Her impressive block height and strength contribute to her dominance on the court for both her club and the Swedish national team.
9. Jovana Brakočević-Canzian – Serbia
- Born: March 5, 1988
- Age: 35 years
- Place of birth: Zrenjanin, Serbia
- Height: 1.96 m
As one of the more experienced players on this list, Jovana Brakočević-Canzian, from Zrenjanin, Serbia, brings her wealth of knowledge and a towering 1.96-meter frame to the game.
10. Iris Vos – Netherlands
- Nationality: Netherlands
- Position: Opposite
- Birthdate: October 15, 2002
- Height: 180 cm
Representing the Netherlands, Iris Vos may be one of the younger players on this list, but her exceptional skills and 180-centimeter height are already making her a rising star in women’s volleyball.
These top 10 best opposite hitters come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of skills and experiences to the world of women’s volleyball. As they continue to compete and showcase their talents on the international stage, they inspire young athletes around the world to pursue their dreams and aim for greatness in the sport. These women are a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and passion for the game of volleyball.
Who is the best opposite in women’s volleyball?
Tijana Bošković is widely recognized as one of the best opposite hitters in women’s volleyball. The 196cm (6’5″) Serbian athlete is not only a top performer in the game but is often referred to as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in her position.
Bošković’s remarkable physical dominance sets her apart, making her one of the most formidable and influential athletes to have ever graced the volleyball court. Her impressive height, combined with her exceptional skills and versatility, has solidified her status as the top opposite hitter in the world.
Who is the best women’s volleyball team?
Türkiye (Turkey) has emerged as the leading women’s volleyball team in recent times. Their exceptional performance and consistent success have earned them this title. Here’s why:
- Volleyball Nations League Victory: In July, Türkiye claimed the prestigious Volleyball Nations League title, showcasing their prowess on the international stage. This win served as a significant milestone in their journey to the top.
- Olympic Qualification Tournament Dominance: Türkiye further solidified their position by winning all seven of their matches in Pool B at the Olympic Qualification Tournament. This exceptional performance secured their spot in the Olympics, underscoring their strength as a team.
- European Championships Triumph: In September, Türkiye clinched the European Championships, further confirming their dominance in women’s volleyball. This victory showcased their consistency and ability to perform at the highest level.
The combination of these achievements has positioned Türkiye as the best women’s volleyball team in the world. Their dedication, teamwork, and exceptional talent have made them a force to be reckoned with in the sport.