Ukrainian Volleyball Star Svitlana Dorsman Makes History with First-Ever Contract in U.S. League

Svitlana Dorsman Signs with LOVB

According to Главком: Svitlana Dorsman, captain of Ukraine’s women’s national volleyball team, has signed with the American professional league League One Volleyball (LOVB), becoming the first Ukrainian player to join the league. The new LOVB season is set to begin in January 2027 and will feature 10 teams. Her most recent club was Poland’s Developres, where she achieved notable success.

Svitlana Dorsman’s Career Highlights

Dorsman, 32, plays as a middle blocker and serves as captain for Ukraine’s national team. Her career includes several accomplishments:

• Won the Polish Super Cup with Developres;
• Earned a silver medal in the Polish national championship;
• Reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League;
• Three-time Ukrainian champion with SC Prometey.

She began her professional career in 2009 with the club Severodonchanka and has also played in Azerbaijan.

This summer, Ukraine’s national team made its debut in the Women’s Volleyball Nations League, securing the first victory in the country’s history. Dorsman’s signing with LOVB marks a major milestone for Ukrainian volleyball, as it opens up new opportunities for the sport’s growth and visibility in Ukraine.

Dorsman’s move to the American league is a significant moment not only for her own career but also for Ukrainian volleyball as a whole. It has the potential to draw greater attention to the sport in Ukraine and create new pathways for other Ukrainian female athletes. Active participation by Ukrainian players in international leagues can raise the level of competition and provide fresh momentum for volleyball development in the country.

As Ukrainian athletes continue to make strides in various sports, the recent achievements of young basketball talents further highlight this trend. For instance, a new wave of promising players is joining successful teams, enhancing the nation's presence in international competitions. Discover how these developments are shaping the future of Ukrainian basketball in our detailed report on the rising stars in the sport here.