All you need to know about Türkiye’s women’s volleyball team

Türkiye’s national women’s volleyball team, known as the “Sultans of the Net,” has established itself as a powerhouse on the international stage.

With a remarkable 2023 season, highlighted by victories in the European League of Nations and the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), the team is now poised to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris from July 26 to Aug. 11.

Head coach Daniele Santarelli leads a talented squad that blends seasoned veterans and promising young talents, aiming for their first Olympic medal.

Türkiye’s women’s volleyball team composition

The 2024 Olympic roster for Türkiye’s women’s volleyball team features a mix of experienced players and rising stars.

The lineup includes:

• Setters: Cansu Ozbay, Elif Sahin
• Outside hitters: Ebrar Karakurt, Hande Baladin, Meliha Diken, Tugba Ivegin, Derya Cebecioglu
• Middle blockers: Eda Erdem Dundar (Captain), Zehra Günes, Asli Kalac
• Opposite hitter: Melissa Vargas
• Libero: Gizem Orge
• +1 Player: Beyza Arici

Eda Erdem Dundar, the team captain and an iconic middle blocker, continues to be a cornerstone of the team with her leadership and skill.

Rising star Melissa Vargas, a Cuban-born opposite who recently became eligible to represent Türkiye, adds significant firepower to the squad​.

Turkish women’s volleyball team’s training, preparation

The team’s preparation for the Olympics has been thorough and intensive. They have participated in various high-stakes tournaments, including the VNL and the European Championship.

These competitions have helped the team refine their strategies and build cohesion. Head coach Daniele Santarelli, who took over the team in December 2022, has brought a new approach and fresh energy to the squad.

Under his guidance, the team aims to capitalize on their recent successes and perform at their peak in Paris.

Historical performance of Türkiye’s women’s volleyball team

Türkiye’s women’s volleyball team has seen a rapid ascent in recent years. Historically, they have performed admirably in European and global competitions, but their recent achievements mark a new high.

The team made its Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games but did not progress past the group stage. They missed out on the 2016 Rio Olympics but returned in 2020 to Tokyo, finishing in fifth place, which is their best result to date​.

In 2023, the team secured its Olympic qualification by going undefeated in the Group B tournament of the Olympic qualifiers held in Japan. They achieved impressive victories over top teams like Brazil and the host nation, Japan.

Challenges and expectations

Türkiye’s national team faces a challenging group stage at the Paris Olympics, competing in Group C against Italy, the Netherlands, and the Dominican Republic. 

The match schedule is as follows:

• July 29: Türkiye vs. Netherlands at 10 a.m. (Türkiye local time)
• Aug. 1: Türkiye vs. Dominican Republic at 10 a.m. (Türkiye local time)
• Aug. 4: Türkiye vs. Italy at 10 a.m. (Türkiye local time)

These matches will test the team’s mettle, but their recent form and strong lineup give them a good chance to advance to the knockout stages and potentially secure a medal.

Players for Paris 2024

Player Name	Position	Height (cm)	Age	Market Value (USD)	Original Team	International Caps	Olympic Participation
Asli Kalac	Middle Blocker	185	28	271,750	Turk Hava Yolları (THY)	60+	Paris 2024
Beyza Arici	(+1 player) Middle Blocker	188	28	217,400	Eczacibasi Vitra	40+	Paris 2024
Cansu Ozbay	Setter	182	27	489,150	VakifBank	130+	Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024
Derya Cebecioglu	Outside Hitter	185	23	195,660	VakifBank	30+	Paris 2024
Ebrar Karakurt	Opposite	194	24	598,500	Igor Gorgonzola Novara	80+	Tokyo 2020
Eda Erdem Dundar	Middle Blocker	188	36	543,500	Fenerbahce	300+	London 2012, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024
Elif Sahin	Setter	180	23	163,050	Eczacibasi Vitra	30+	Paris 2024
Gizem Orge	Libero	168	31	217,400	Eczacibasi Vitra	120+	Paris 2024
Hande Baladin	Outside Hitter	189	26	380,450	Galatasaray	110+	Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024
Ilkin Aydin	Outside Hitter	184	23	217,400	Galatasaray	50+	Paris 2024
Meliha Diken	Outside Hitter	186	30	326,100	Fenerbahce	70+	None
Melissa Vargas	Opposite	193	24	815,250	Fenerbahce	50+	Paris 2024
Zehra Gunes	Middle Blocker	197	24	652,200	VakifBank	100+	Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024

Sultans of Net have massive fanbase

The Sultans of the Net enjoy immense support from Turkish fans, known for their passionate and vocal backing. This support is a significant morale booster for the team, both at home and abroad.

Social media platforms are flooded with messages of encouragement, and the team’s matches are expected to draw large audiences. This enthusiastic backing reflects the pride and hope the nation has placed in their volleyball team.

Türkiye’s national women’s volleyball team heads to Paris with high hopes and strong momentum. Led by experienced players and fueled by passionate fan support, the team aims to secure their first Olympic medal. Their recent victories and rigorous preparation position them as strong contenders at the Paris 2024 Olympics.