After USA, Anna Haak to Continue Volleyball Career in Japan

Following a two-season stint in the nascent professional league in the United States, Swedish volleyball star Anna Haak is embarking on a new international adventure. After playing for Austin, Texas, where she secured a championship, and then Madison, Wisconsin, Haak has signed a one-year contract with Victorina Himeji in Japan.

“

Japan is impossible to say no to.

Haak, who will participate in the European Championship with the Swedish national team in August, described the move to Japan as "very exciting and motivating," while also acknowledging a degree of nervousness. She expressed her eagerness to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await her in a new country and league.

She highlighted the Japanese league's reputation for a highly technical and fast-paced style of play, which she sees as a step up from the more physical game in the U.S. Haak also conveyed her fascination with Japan as a country, including its culture. "Japan is impossible to say no to," she stated, emphasizing the allure of the new experience.

“

Yes, I would say so. The USA's league is quite new, they are in the process of building it. The game there is more physical, you jump high and hit hard.

Having previously played professionally in France and Italy, Haak noted her adventurous spirit and enjoyment of exploring new environments. She believes this move aligns with her current career stage and her desire to continually test herself in different volleyball landscapes. Her journey reflects a consistent pattern of seeking new challenges and experiences throughout her career.

“

I think it's fun to try new things, even things that perhaps not everyone else does.