WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Three sophomore members of the 2025 Grizzly Volleyball team at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) have signed with their new teams at four-year institutions.
Outside Hitter Victoria Antia, Candelaria-Valle, Colombia, signed with Missouri State University, competing at the NCAA Division I level.
She is the third Grizzly player to transfer to play for Missouri State, and the first since 2001. The two other Grizzlies who became Bears were Lakesha DeBerry (1998-99) and Amanda Sherwood (2001-02). Also, former Grizzly player (2008-09) and Grizzly assistant coach (14-19), Bri Walsh, is in her third season as an assistant coach for the Bears.
“It is exciting to have another Grizzly become a Bear. Vicky set her goals high last spring and put in a lot of work to be an offensive leader this past season,” former head coach Paula Wiedemann said. “She not only led our team but was ranked first in kills and points earned for NJCAA DI players. Her willingness to work to keep improving is a big part of what she brings as a player, and her fun personality is a big part of her being a great teammate.”
Antia was named a NJCAA second Team All-American, along with the 2025 All-Region 16 first team.
In 74 career matches, Antia recorded 996.5 points, 885 kills, 66 service aces, 42 assists, 516 digs and had a .208 hitting percentage in 234 sets.
Setter Mariana Franco, Cartagena, Colombia, signed with the University of New Orleans, competing at the NCAA Division I level.
“Mari did an amazing job this past season when we not only needed her to run the offense but also score for us as an attacker. It’s not easy being put in a position to do something you were not expecting, but she was willing to do whatever was needed, and it made such a difference for our team,” Wiedemann said. “I have no doubt she will make that kind of impact and difference for her team next season.”
Franco was named to the 2024 and 2025 All-Region 16 first teams.
In 77 career matches, Franco recorded 1,813 assists, 406.5 points, 240 kills, 109 service aces and 568 digs in 256 sets.
Libero Isabella Calle, Medellin, Colombia, signed with McPherson College, competing in the NAIA.
“Isa makes hard defensive plays look easy and has been rock solid in both the passing and defensive parts of the game,” Wiedemann said. “Her calmness and energy on the court and the work she puts in every day are such great qualities to have in a libero. She makes any team she’s on immediately better on and off the court.”
Calle was named to the 2025 All-Region 16 first team and the 2024 All-Region 16 second team.
In 76 career matches, Calle recorded 1,211 digs, 1,480 receptions, 58 service aces and 277 assists in 262 sets.
“We are proud of Vicky, Mari, and Isa for how far they have come and the impact they have made on Grizzly Volleyball. We are excited for them in the next step of their athletic and academic careers,” Wiedemann said. “Their growth and commitment to doing hard things this past season has been cool to watch, and they know how much they mean to us and our program. We feel very good about what they will be able to do for their respective teams, both athletically and academically, and hope they continue to show what being a Grizzly is all about.”
For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit the team’s website, msuwpgrizzlies.com.
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