Fukuoka, Japan, November 15, 2009 – Italian stalwart Simona Gioli was awarded the FIVB Women’s World Grand Champions Cup 2009 Most Valuable Player award for her key role in taking the European champions to the FIVB Women’s World Grand Champions Cup 2009 title after Italy finished the tournament unbeaten following their 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-21) victory over Japan on Sunday.

Gioli, better known as La Mama having had a baby earlier this year, was to the fore, playing a motherly role as the world number five swept all before them to claim their first FIVB title since the 2007 World Cup, also in Japan.

The 32-year-old also received the Best Spiker award and was Italy’s top scorer in the tournament (6th overall) with 68 points, 32 behind the leader from Korea Yeon-Koung Kim.

The award is the second she has received at a FIVB tournament, having also been named the 2007 World Cup MVP. 

Award Winners

MVP
Simona Gioli - Italy
Born: 17/09/1977
Number of Caps: 113

For more info: Richard Baker - FIVB Deputy Communications Director
Mobile in Japan: +81 (0)80 1311 9988 or press@fivb.org