European champion VakıfBank have strengthened its squad with five new signings ahead of the upcoming season. The yellow-and-blacks have added setter Naz Aydemir Akyol, middle blocker Emily Maglio, libero Eylül Akarçeşme Yatgın, opposite hitter Monika Brancuska, and outside hitter Vanja Ivanovic to their squad.
Champion of Europe VakıfBank have strengthened their squad with five new signings ahead of the upcoming season.
Naz Aydemir Akyol
The 36-year-old setter returns to VakıfBank after eight years. Her impressive trophy case includes four CEV Champions League titles, three FIVB Club World Championships, and nine Turkish League titles. "VakıfBank is always among the top contenders for every title — that's been true for years," Akyol said. "We'll also be competing at the Club World Championship next season. We have a shot at five trophies this year, and I hope it turns out to be a rewarding season."
Eylül Akarçeşme Yatgın
The 27-year-old libero, a member of the Turkish national team, won the CEV Cup last season. "I've joined one of the biggest clubs in the world," she said. "I can't wait for the new season to start. This is a club that knows how to win, and I'm thrilled to be working under a coach like Giovanni Guidetti. With our fans behind us, we're aiming to bring home all five trophies."
Emily Maglio
The 29-year-old Canadian international middle blocker arrives with a French league title on her résumé, along with a silver medal in the CEV Champions League. She helped Canada win the 2019 FIVB Challenger Cup, where she was also named the tournament's best middle blocker. "Playing for VakıfBank has been a dream of mine since I turned professional, and now it's become a reality," Maglio said. "I'm really excited for the new season."
Monika Brancuska
The 22-year-old Czech opposite hitter joins after stints with PVK Olymp Praha and VfB Suhl LOTTO Thüringen. Last season, she won the German league and German Cup double, adding to her three Czech Cup titles and one Czech Super Cup. Brancuska also helped the Czech national team win the 2024 Challenger Cup and finished as the top scorer in the German league last season—a feat she achieved in the Czech league the year before. "Playing for a club with this much history and such big ambitions is an honor," she said.
Vanja Ivanovic
The 22-year-old Serbian outside hitter Vanja Ivanovic was named MVP of the Serbian league after winning the title in the 2024–25 season, along with the Serbian Cup and Super Cup. "Seeing my dream come true makes me so happy," Ivanovic said. "I can't wait to wear the VakıfBank jersey — I'm here to win trophies and championships."
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