How many players do you know who scored an astonishing 43 points in their Champions League debut? Such a feat instantly grabs the attention of fans and experts alike. This is precisely the case with Vita Akimova, a 20-year-old talent playing for Volero Le Cannet.
Akimova burst onto the scene in her very first match in Europe`s premier club competition, facing CS Volei Alba BLAJ. The French squad secured a 3-2 victory over their Romanian opponents, largely thanks to Vita`s outstanding performance, which earned her the MVP title for the game. She continued to impress in the next match of the Champions League`s fourth round, adding another 26 points despite her team`s loss.
However, Vita Akimova`s brilliance on the court isn`t new. Two years prior, she was a key player for the Russian team that took third place at the U20 World Championship. In that tournament, Vita was recognized for her skills, being named the Best Opposite in the Dream Team and also leading the competition as the Top Scorer with 157 points.
Get to know Vita Akimova now, as she is widely regarded as a strong contender to be the next major star in the world of volleyball.
The Beginning
Volleyball has been an integral part of Vita`s life since her early childhood memories. It was her mother who first introduced her to a sports hall in second grade, marking Vita`s initial encounter with the sport.
Vita shares, “Later, in fifth grade, I moved to another city where I started playing sports more seriously.”
Standing tall at 197cm, Vita`s height is a significant asset to her teams. Her powerful hitting and ability to surprise opponents frequently play a crucial role in determining the outcome of matches. Having mastered the position of opposite, Akimova has remained in this role throughout her career.
She confirms, “I have always been an opposite. There were moments when coaches tried me in other roles, but I always came back to the opposite one.”
Going Pro
Vita considers herself fortunate to be among those who knew instinctively which career path to pursue, as her intuition guided her towards volleyball.
Volero Le Cannet
The 2022/2023 season is Akimova`s first competing internationally, having accepted the challenge of joining Volero Le Cannet. Before moving to the French club, Akimova played for Russian teams including Dinamo-Ak Bars and Sparta Nizhny Novgorod. Vita now expresses her happiness in France, enjoying this new experience while successfully integrating into her new team.
Champions League
Playing in the CEV Champions League Volley, the most competitive club tournament in Europe, represents a dream for every European player. For Vita, this dream became a reality during the current season.
Inspiration & Dream
Vita mentions she has never had a specific volleyball idol but harbors ambitious dreams for her career.
She states, “I want to win every championship I take part in. I also dream of making it to the world’s top players.”
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood