News Summary
Wiktoria Zagumny, a talented volleyball player, is ready to debut as a setter for Old Dominion University during the Quest For the Crown tournament. This pivotal moment in her career follows a historical connection to volleyball through her family and her success at Chicago State. Standing at 6 feet tall, Wiktoria’s role as a setter will be crucial for ODU while she embraces the opportunity to showcase her skills on a larger stage.
Norfolk, Virginia – Wiktoria Zagumny, a promising young volleyball player, is set to make her debut as a setter for the Old Dominion University (ODU) volleyball team during the upcoming Quest For the Crown tournament. The tournament will see ODU facing off against Fairfield and West Virginia at the ODU Volleyball Center, marking a significant moment in Wiktoria’s burgeoning sports career.
Wiktoria’s journey to this stage has been unique. At just 12 years old, she had a memorable moment when she subbed for her father, Pawel Zagumny, during his final game in Poland, which took place in front of a crowd of 12,000 people in Katowice. Pawel is a celebrated figure in the volleyball world, having been a four-time Olympian and three-time world champion. During that emotional farewell match, Wiktoria, wearing the same number (No. 5) as her father, successfully served the ball over the net, leaving an indelible mark on her budding volleyball career.
Now, nine years later, Wiktoria stands at 6 feet tall and is poised to take on the key role of setter for ODU. This position is often referred to as the quarterback of volleyball and is vital for directing plays and guiding the team’s strategy during matches. Her recruitment to ODU comes after a successful stint at Chicago State, where she helped the Cougars achieve their first conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth. In her previous season at Chicago State, Wiktoria was named a first-team setter in the All-Northeastern Conference. She recorded impressive stats that included 965 assists, along with 76 kills, 25 service aces, 224 digs, and 50 blocks.
Her family has a deep-rooted tradition in volleyball; her mother, Oliwia, was also a professional volleyball player, and both her grandparents played the sport. Her younger brother is also involved in volleyball, entwining the sport with their family identity. Wiktoria has expressed her enthusiasm for ODU’s volleyball program, particularly after transferring in the spring. Head coach Fred Chao praised her growth in confidence and leadership qualities since joining the team.
Wiktoria’s volleyball journey has taken her across various countries due to her father’s career. Growing up in Poland and Greece, she honed her skills at a young age. After her family settled in Warsaw in 2016, she played for Polish U-16 and U-18 teams, realizing her potential to play professionally. However, she decided to pursue volleyball in the United States for broader opportunities.
Transferring from Chicago State was a significant change for Wiktoria. The facilities and level of intensity at ODU were much superior, offering a better environment for competition and growth. ODU has committed over $3 million to upgrade its volleyball facilities, a stark contrast to what she experienced at Chicago State, where she played in a smaller program and a nine-player roster. In contrast, ODU has a more competitive 13-player roster.
Wiktoria’s recruitment to Old Dominion occurred virtually from Poland, highlighting her commitment to the program without visiting the campus beforehand. She was encouraged by positive feedback about Coach Fred Chao, which played a substantial role in her decision to join ODU. Throughout her volleyball journey, her father has emphasized the importance of personal enjoyment and choice in the sport, rather than imposing expectations on her career.
As Wiktoria prepares for her debut, she has expressed excitement about the opportunity to showcase her skills on the court. With games streamed for her family back in Poland, she eagerly anticipates balancing the competition and enjoyment that volleyball brings, while making a name for herself in collegiate athletics.
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Additional Resources
- NCA&T Aggies Volleyball
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Norfolk Daily News: Mizzou Volleyball
- Google Search: Volleyball Training Techniques
- MaxPreps: Volleyball Recap
- Google Scholar: Volleyball Techniques
- Rural Radio: Volleyball Day in Norfolk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Norfolk NERA: NSIC Preseason Volleyball Poll
- Google News: Volleyball News
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
