U.S. Pro Volleyball Coach Makes Shocking Decision Despite the Sport’s Rapid Growth in the States

2025 saw a massive boost in the U.S. pro volleyball scene. While the PVF’s second season has retained its popularity from the first, LOVB’s inaugural run has received an equal amount of fanfare. Watching the athletes dishing out mouthwatering performances on a weekly basis has been incredible. And yet, it looks like the craze isn’t enough to make one pro volleyball pundit want to extend his stay in the States.

LOVB Houston has been one of the most exciting teams in the two pro volleyball leagues that are happening side-by-side. With three consecutive victories in its maiden campaign, the team is looking like a strong contender to lift the trophy in the first year of the tournament. Coached by Italian Massimo Barbolini, the squad has been electrifying. However, next year, we could see a new captain at the helm of the Houston battalion.

A post by Avid on X from January 21 has shared LOVB Houston’s top man’s decision to move closer to home for the next season. “LOVB Houston coach Massimo Barbolini has signed with Turkish team Galatasaray for next season,” reveals the social media update. Barbolini was a part of the staff for the Italian national men’s volleyball team that finished fourth in the 2024 Paris Olympics, sealing himself as one of the best of the game in the world right now. Naturally, his arrival at LOVB Houston only meant good things for the U.S. pro volleyball circuit, but sadly, the love affair didn’t last for long.

But this wouldn’t be the first time that Barbolini will be taking on a position of the Turkish club. He was the head coach of Galatasaray from 2012 to 2015, which might explain his desire to go back to familiar territories once again. The post’s accompanying photo shows the U.S. pro volleyball coach in his old job, holding up a memento from his old job, in what looks like the Galatasaray S.K. locker room. 

However, his previous stint in Turkey wasn’t filled with thrill. In neither the CEV Women’s Champions League nor the Women’s CEV Cup, Barbolini could help his team reach top finishes. However, as an assistant coach for Italy’s women’s volleyball team, the 60-year-old used his insights and wisdom to incredible success, beating the USA to the Olympic gold in the City of Love. Finally, his skills got him on the radar for the U.S. pro volleyball folks, and he was soon roped in by LOVB Houston to lead the camp. And his talent was reflected to the American fans almost immediately.

Barbolini’s thrilling offering to the U.S. pro volleyball fans

Jess Mruzik & Co. defeated LOVB Austin 3-2. While ex-Texas Longhorns star Madisen Skinner did her best to hold the fort on away turf, Barbolini’s LOVB Houston came out on top. While Barboini’s girls fell to Olympic gold medalist Lardon Jordan‘s LOVB Omaha 3-0 on the next day, Houston bounced back last Sunday. Barbolini’s team picked its first win on the road as they trampled over LOVB Salt Lake at the Wisconsin Field House in Madison.

Penn State alum Mruzik is also topping the charts in the LOVB points table, further cementing Massimo’s coaching prowess. In the next two weeks, Barbolini’s posse will be locking horns with Salt Lake and Madison, looking to retain its winning ways in the LOVB. But LOVB isn’t the only nail-biter that’s keeping the U.S. pro volleyball fans on their toes.

No, it’s not the PVF. Of course, it is there and is a huge it with stars like Ally Batenhorst, Merritt Beason, and Leyla Blackwell serving up incredible performances every day. But there’s a third pro volleyball league called Major League Volleyball on the horizon. MLV promises to bring even more treats for American fans from 2026. Naturally, it would seem like the U.S. pro volleyball scene is only going to get even bigger in the coming days. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and Barbolini will end his stay in America after just one season. Still, how would you like to see the Houston coach leave for Turkey after winning the inaugural LOVB trophy? Tell us in a comment!