Busto Arsizio places the hit Leana Grozer
It’s official: UYBA Busto Arsizio places one of the most fascinating shots on the international market by securing Leana Grozer for the 2026/27 season. Class of 2007, already starring with SSC Palmberg Schwerin in Bundesliga and CEV Champions League, Grozer is considered one of the brightest rising stars in European volleyball. After making her debut in 22/3 in a BSP MTV Stuttgart jersey, she became Schwerin’s offensive mainstay, contributing to the path that led the team to Bundesliga victory in 24/25 and all the way to the semifinals in 2025/26, while also distinguishing herself in European competitions. A powerful and versatile, 186 cm tall setter, she is distinguished by an explosive attack and a powerful jump serve, qualities that allowed her to establish herself already at the highest level, collecting performances of over 20 points, 3 MVP awards during the season and ending the Champions League with numbers as her team’s top scorer.
Her international path is equally early and significant: Grozer made her debut with Germany’s senior national women’s volleyball team at just 16 years old during the Volleyball Nations League 2023, becoming one of the youngest rookies in recent German selection history. At the same time, she also played a leading role in the youth national team, participating in the 2025 U19 World Championships and confirming herself as the group’s technical leader.
Leana’s talent is rooted in a true volleyball dynasty: she is the daughter of international volleyball legend Georg Grozer, who is now married to Helena Havelkova, one of UYBA’s own historical icons and a protagonist of the butterflies’ extraordinary victories in 2012. The bond with Busto Arsizio therefore goes beyond the simple market: Havelkova’s words and stories about the red and white environment, the passion of the public and the identity of the club have contributed decisively to convince Leana to espouse the Busto cause.
For UYBA this is a strategic investment that combines present and future: Grozer arrives in Italy to make the ultimate leap into one of the most competitive leagues in the world, but also with the ambition to become a star player right away. The anticipation in Busto Arsizio is very high: the butterflies welcome not only a pure talent, but a player destined to make her mark in European volleyball.
“My first feelings about this important step are of great enthusiasm for the opportunity that presents itself to me and, in general, for the league, for the people and for the idea of getting out of my comfort zone. I think it will be really exciting. Of course, I talked a lot with my father, Helena, and also with my mother, and in the end I got a very good impression of the club and the plan they have to help me improve, both on and off the field. I really like it, which is why I chose Busto. The Italian league is definitely one of the best, if not the best, in the world. There are many top players and I follow Italian volleyball a lot. I have already watched some of Busto’s matches to get a feel for the game, and of course I was intrigued. So, my goals for next season are to learn as much as I can, try to help the team as best I can, and work hard on myself, technically and physically, to grow as a person and as a player.”
“My source of inspiration,” she added, “is? Obviously, my father. He is my idol for everything he does, and also for the person he is, he is a man from whom you can really learn a lot. So ever since I was a little girl, he is my hero. In women’s volleyball, I really enjoy watching Gabi because she is a player who takes responsibility and is also very skilled in all aspects of the game. It’s really fun and great to watch her play. Me on and off the court? I am a player who gives everything on and off the court, who gives a lot of energy to her teammates and brings good vibes to the court. Off the court, I am a person who likes to spend time with friends and family and I am always ready for an impromptu program.”
