Sesc RJ Flamengo already has its full squad ready for the first warm-up matches for the Campeonato Carioca and the Superliga. Last Monday (September 15.09), the Rubro-Negro welcomed some of the most eagerly awaited names among fans: outside hitter Helena, opposite hitter Tainara, middle blocker Lorena and libero Laís, bronze medalists at the World Championships in Thailand, and Serbian middle blocker Maša Kirov, another player who played in the tournament in Asia and is one of the new additions to the group.

Still without coach Bernardinho, who is leading the Brazilian men's national team at the World Cup in the Philippines, Sesc RJ Flamengo is working under the command of assistant Helio Griner for the new squad's first challenges. This Friday (19.09), at 17 pm, the Rio de Janeiro team faces Batavo Mackenzie, in a training match at the Army Physical Education School (EsEFEx), in Urca, behind closed doors. 

The following week, Sesc RJ Flamengo faces its first competition of the season. From September 23rd to 25th, the team will compete in the Taça Brasil in Londrina, Paraná. This quadrangular tournament will also feature the home team, Sancor Maringá, and Gerdau Minas, at the Moringão gymnasium. The Carioca tournament begins on October 1st, while the Superliga will kick off on the 20th of the same month.

"We've been training for a few months, but this year there were many selections, with several of our athletes participating. Whether college, under-23, under-21, under-19, or adult. Four of the adult players and Maša arrived from the World Cup and will gradually adapt. I think it's a great time, full of excitement. The team has revamped. I believe we have a group in good shape to compete in major competitions. Now, we need to respect each team's limits so we can finish this week on a positive note and perform well in the tournament next week," said Helio Griner.

New and motivated faces

At 20, Maša Kirov arrived in Rio de Janeiro aware of the responsibility of representing Sesc RJ Flamengo and motivated by the opportunity to learn from the group. The youngster is coming off a year of growth with the Serbian national team and says she aligns herself with the Rubro-Negro's philosophy.

"My first impression of Brazilian volleyball is definitely, in a word, energy, because the players and coaching staff are very energetic. I think the league here is very strong. It's definitely a big step in my career. Brazil is a relaxing place, but in volleyball you have to work hard to be at the level of these girls. It's truly historic to be part of this team. I'm very proud. It's a great opportunity and I'm very happy about it," said Maša Kirov, who played last season for Volero Le Cannet in France.

Of the bronze medalist quartet with the Brazilian national team at the World Cup in Thailand, 25-year-old opposite Tainara is one of Sesc RJ Flamengo's key signings. A native of Jandira, São Paulo, she's coming off a strong season in China. In her first year in Rio de Janeiro, the athlete will fulfill a long-held goal of wearing Flamengo's colors.

"It was exciting to experience all of this for the first time. I'm very happy and excited. I think it's going to be a very successful season for us. I already feel very welcomed and at home. Of course, I'll adapt slowly, but if I can contribute with my experience, I'll be extremely satisfied. I hope they help me a lot too. It's a very good group. Everyone welcomed me well. My first impression couldn't have been better," said Tainara.

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

Centers: Adria, Juju, Lorena and Maša Kirov

Liberos: Laís and Victoria