(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Volleyball Nations League: Mothers Return to Elite Competition in Inspiring Comeback Stories
Several athletes competing in the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) are balancing professional sport with motherhood, marking a notable chapter in their careers and in the tournament.
The VNL requires full-time commitment, with players traveling internationally, training intensively, and competing at the highest level. Despite these demands, a number of athletes have successfully returned to international volleyball after becoming mothers.
American middle blocker Anna Hall is among them. She resumed her career earlier this year after the birth of her son and recently returned to the U.S. national team. During the opening week of the tournament in Canada, she was able to have her child with her while competing internationally.
Brazilian libero Nyeme Nunes also made a return to the national team after becoming a mother. She expressed appreciation for being able to balance her sporting career with family life while representing Brazil in the competition.
Dominican Republic team captain Niverka Marte returned to international action after giving birth in late 2025. She has spoken about managing national team duties while staying closely connected with her young daughter during tournament travel.
Czech setter Pavla Å mÃdová also returned to the national team after several years away following maternity leave. She rejoined the squad for the 2026 VNL season, balancing her professional career with family responsibilities.
Across different teams and backgrounds, these athletes highlight the increasing support systems in professional volleyball that allow players to continue their careers after becoming parents. Their experiences reflect the evolving nature of elite sport, where family life and athletic performance can coexist.
The players have emphasized that while balancing motherhood and professional sport requires planning and support, it remains possible to pursue both roles successfully at the highest level.
