Paola Egonu is an Italian professional volleyball player, playing as an opposite hitter for Vero Volley Milano and the Italy women’s national volleyball team.
She is renowned for her remarkable abilities, holding records for the highest jump, fastest serve, and fastest spike in women’s volleyball.
Early Life And Education
Paola Egonu was born on December 18, 1998, in Cittadella, Italy, to Nigerian parents, Ambrose Egonu and Eunice Egonu. She has two siblings, Angela Egonu and Andrea Egonu.
Egonu received Italian citizenship at the age of 14, reflecting her experience as a child born in Italy to immigrant parents. She identifies as Nigerian-Italian in terms of ethnicity, and details regarding her religious beliefs are not widely shared.
Career
Paola Egonu’s rise in professional volleyball began at a young age, quickly establishing her as one of the sport’s most dominant players. She joined the Italian national team in 2015 and led junior squads to major victories, including gold at the U18 World Championship and bronze at the U20 World Championship.
At just 17 years old, she made her Olympic debut in 2016, marking the start of a remarkable international career. One of her standout moments came in the 2018 World Championship, where she helped Italy secure a silver medal and set a record for the most points scored in a semifinal match against China.
At the club level, Egonu has played for some of the most prestigious teams in Italy and beyond. She began her professional career with Club Italia before moving to AGIL Novara, where she won multiple titles, including the CEV Champions League.
Her success continued with Imoco Volley Conegliano, where she solidified her reputation as one of the top players in the world, leading the team to numerous championship victories. After a season with the Turkish powerhouse VakıfBank, she returned to Italy to play for Vero Volley Milano.
Throughout her career, Egonu has set several records, including the highest jump and fastest serve in women’s volleyball, further highlighting her exceptional athleticism.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Egonu is a vocal advocate against racism and discrimination in sports. She has openly addressed the challenges she has faced as a Black athlete in Italy, taking a brief hiatus from the national team to reflect on her experiences.
However, under new leadership, she made a strong return, continuing to represent Italy at the highest level. Her influence extends beyond volleyball, as she uses her platform to inspire inclusivity and challenge social barriers, making her a role model for athletes worldwide.
Personal Life
Paola Egonu is currently in a relationship with Polish volleyball player Michał Filip. She was previously in a well-known relationship with Polish setter Katarzyna Skorupa, but the two have since gone their separate ways.
Egonu identifies as pansexual and has openly shared that her attraction is based on the person rather than their gender. At this time, there are no reports of Egonu having children. Her primary focus remains on her volleyball career, where she continues to excel at the highest level.
Net Worth
Paola Egonu has an estimated net worth of approximately $1.5 million, largely accumulated through her successful volleyball career.
Her earnings come from professional contracts, sponsorship deals, and media appearances, all contributing to her financial success.
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