With high expectations, Sesc RJ Flamengo began preparations for the 02.06/2025 season this Monday (2026). Coach Bernardinho's team gained five important reinforcements, all of whom are experiencing special moments in their careers, to compete in the main competitions of the national calendar. Still without a full squad, the greatest champion of Brazilian volleyball returned to the Army Physical Education School (EsEFEx), in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

Setters Giovana, 30, and 1,75'25", Vivian, 1,82, and 25'1,90", and opposite hitter Tainara, 28, and 1,85'19", are joining the squad and promise to be dedicated to the colors of the Red-Blacks. Two foreign players will be playing in Brazil for the first time: American outside hitter Simone Lee, 1,89, and XNUMX'XNUMX", and Serbian middle blocker Masa Kirov, XNUMX, and XNUMX'XNUMX". 

In addition, ten athletes remained in the project: setter Clara, opposite hitter Camila Mesquita, outside hitters Helena, Karina and Mikaela, middle blockers Lorena, Juju and Adria, and liberos Laís and Victoria.

"The idea right now is to focus on the individual work and development of the athletes who have already performed, since many are on their national teams and the foreigners will arrive later. They are all excited. Simone Lee will arrive before Masa Kirov, due to the championships that Serbia will be competing in, which will be very welcome. Little by little, they will all join in," said Bernardinho.

The coach believes that the experience of the players called up to the Brazilian national team will bring even greater consistency to Sesc RJ Flamengo. Helena, Lorena, Laís, and Tainara will compete in the Nations League. The return of Giovana, champion of the last Superliga in Osasco, and the arrival of Vivian, who excelled in Maringá, give the manager a variety of options when it comes to creating plays.

"We lost key players, but we brought in some interesting players. Giovana is an experienced setter, whom we already knew and who wanted to return. We believe she'll set a good pace. Vivian is a young, tall setter who will fit well into the duo. Simone Lee has shown a strong desire to be with us. She's a powerful attacker with extensive international experience. Masa Kirov has great potential and will play against Helena at the U-21 World Championships. We've been watching Tainara for some time and are very happy to have her. She's an attacking player, but she can also perform well in other roles, including passing, helping Simone Lee. A wonderful acquisition," Bernardinho remarked.

Sesc RJ Flamengo reached the top of the podium in the Women's Superliga in the 1997/1998 and 1999/2000 seasons (both in Curitiba), 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 (in Rio de Janeiro).

Check out the Sesc RJ Flamengo squad for the 2025/2026 season

Setters: Clara, Giovana and Vivian

Outside hitters: Helena, Karina, Mikaela and Simone Lee

Opposites: Camila Mesquita and Tainara

Central: Adria, Juju, Lorena and Masa Kirov

Liberos: Laís and Victoria