Two sophomore members of the 2025 Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly volleyball team have signed to continue their athletic careers at four-year institutions.
Violeta Bachvarova signed with Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Ore., and Elidjah Abomo signed with Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss. Both programs compete at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level. They are the fourth and fifth Grizzly volleyball players from the 2025 squad to sign with new schools.
“We are proud of Violeta and Eli for all they have done in their two years as Grizzlies. We’re excited for them in the next step of their athletic and academic journeys,” former Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said. “Their growth and commitment to working through hard things this past season was beautiful to watch, and they know they mean a lot to our program. We look forward to seeing what they will do for their new teams, both academically and athletically, and hope they continue to show what being a Grizzly is all about.”
In the 2025 season, Bachvarova recorded 95.5 points, 74 kills, 13 service aces and 22 digs across 104 sets in 29 matches. She was also a 2024 All-Region 16 first-team honoree.
“Violeta is an offensive point scorer and made a difference for us when she was on the floor," Wiedemann said. "Her ability to produce points will make an immediate impact on her new team, and I look forward to watching her continue to grow as a player. She brings a strong arm, excellent work ethic, fun personality and is a great teammate on and off the floor. She adds a lot of positives to her new team.”
During the 2025 season, Abomo recorded 61 points, 34 total blocks and 43 kills across 77 sets in 26 matches.
“Elidjah has grown as a player so much in the past year," Wiedemann said. "She is naturally athletic, and it's been great to see her get more comfortable both offensively and defensively at the net. She has become more consistent, and that makes a difference for her and her team moving forward. She creates a lot of energy with her communication and her personality for her teammates, which is always valuable."
For more information about the Grizzly volleyball team, visit the team's website at msuwpgrizzlies.com.
