Donoval has signed a one-year contract with Cherno More Bask Volleyball Club in Varna, Bulgaria.
“I am excited to continue playing a sport I love full-time.” Said Donovan. “I feel as if I still have lots left to give to the sport of volleyball, and I am very grateful that I have been given the opportunity to keep playing. Off the court, I am excited that I get to live in a different country for the first time and immerse myself in a new culture.”
Calnan’s team, CVB Barça, is based in Barcelona, Spain, and currently plays in the Spanish Superliga, which is the top level of women’s volleyball in Spain.
“On the court, I’m looking forward to experiencing a different style of coaching and playing,” says Calnan. “My coach this season is very focused on player development and wants to push his players to be their best, so I think I’ll be able to learn and grow a lot with this team. Off the court, I’m excited to explore the city and experience life in Spain. My teammates are mostly from Barcelona, so I’m grateful to have them show me around the city and to introduce me to new parts of the culture.”
Donovan’s team competes in the first division in Bulgaria, known as the National Volleyball League (NVL). Donovan, who had a successful university career playing for the Tigers from 2019-2025, racked up a total of 865 points, 747 kills, 34 blocks, and 61 service aces.
“The level of talent and competition in the NVL will certainly force me to improve and grow as much as I can,” said Donovan. “The league is very competitive from top to bottom, and I will be playing against many players who are older and more experienced than I am. I am excited to experience this level of competition, and I believe it will make me a much better player.”
Calnan, who had an accomplished university career playing for the Tigers from 2019-2025, racking up 633 points, 394 kills, 218 blocks, and 73 service aces, all while maintaining a .362 hitting percentage. In her final season, she was named an AUS second-team all-star, and this past summer was named to Volleyball Canada’s Next Gen program for the fourth year in a row.
“From my first impressions, it’s important to be able to adapt quickly when playing pro,” said Calnan. “Everything is new, which can be exciting but can also challenge what I’ve become so familiar with. Over the years, I’ve developed a routine that I know will help me perform my best, and I still expect to perform well in a new environment, which will push me to grow as an athlete. I also think that playing pro requires a different level of independence than I experienced as a varsity athlete. I had a large support system at Dal that helped me play at my best, and now I get to choose what worked well for me and try to replicate it on my own.”
Donovan’s club Cherno More Bask opens its season on October 24, against Montana, while Calnan’s club CVB Barça started their season with a win over Indescar Zaragoza on October 4.
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