BOULDER – Meegan Hart, a four-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week, has signed a professional contract with the Olympias Neapolis volleyball club in Cyprus.
The former Buff graduated from Colorado in the spring and has spent the last several months training before finding a pro team.
“My main job was to stay in shape,” Hart commented. “I practiced with the [Colorado] team throughout the spring and continued to workout through the summer. I traveled a lot this past summer to coach camps all over the country.”
Associate head coach Lee Maes put Hart in touch with a prior player of his who played professionally for numerous years and now works as an agent. Hart’s agent did all of the reaching out to potential teams as Hart focused on remaining ready to play professionally.
Despite being a middle blocker, Hart said that she’s adjusted quickly to the international style of play. International volleyball rules only allow six substitutions per set while American rules allow 15. The international game also does not allow liberos to serve while the United States does. As a result, both changes impact a middle blocker more than other players because they’re required to serve and play in the back row for at least half of a rotation.
“I feel like it’s a pretty similar style,” Hart said. “Playing at a high level at Colorado and in the Pac-12 has allowed me to trust my game and made the overall transition to international style go smoother!”
Hart, a transfer from Iowa State, made a significant impact during her four seasons with the Buffs, accumulating 812 kills and 418 total blocks. In 2022, Hart led the Buffs and the Pac-12 in hitting percentage with a .418 attack percentage, putting her at ninth in the NCAA overall. Hart also led CU in blocking last season with 138 blocks. She finished second in the conference in blocks and 49th in the NCAA.
Hart said the experience has been everything she could have hoped for.
“I am really enjoying it so far!” Hart exclaimed. “The people here are extremely nice and have been so welcoming. The weather and island are beautiful. Also, I’m loving the food!”
Hart’s team has already played two matches, and their season will last until the spring.
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