It's precisely these moments that show something special is developing.
When a team like VfB Suhl not only impresses on the court but suddenly finds itself in the national spotlight, it's more than just a footnote. It's a sign. A sign that passion, team spirit, and consistent performance are being recognized – even beyond the confines of their own arena.
The Sport Bild article about Mackenzie Foley isn't just giving an outstanding player the attention she deserves. It's also a story about a club that has worked its way up step by step. About a city that may not be one of the major metropolises, but has long since established itself in the world of volleyball.
Suhl now represents more than just a dot on the map. It stands for emotions, for fighting spirit – and for an arena that has a very special reputation in the league. The Wolfsgrube is no ordinary venue. It's an experience. Loud, passionate, and exhilarating. Anyone who plays here immediately senses that volleyball in Suhl is more than just a sport.
This report is therefore not just a tribute to an individual player. It's a recognition of what has been created in Suhl – on the court, in the stands, and in an entire region that stands behind its team.
Sport Bild report:
Surprise team Suhl fights for volleyball title
They are the team of the moment and now want to make history. The Women's Volleyball Bundesliga is entering its crucial phase of the season. Four teams are still in the running for the championship. The title chase in the playoff semifinals begins this Easter weekend.
Right in the thick of it: VfB Suhl. The Thuringian team sensationally snatched the cup at the beginning of March. Riding the momentum of their victory over the reigning champions MTV Stuttgart in front of 12,000 fans in Mannheim, they now aim to make the season historic – and achieve their first-ever double! In the playoff semifinals for the title, they will face none other than record champions SSC Palmberg Schwerin. The first match will take place on Easter Saturday in the infamous "Wolfsgrube" fortress in Suhl, which boasts a capacity of around 2,000.
A key component of VfB Suhl's success is their summer signing, Mackenzie Foley (24), who came to the Thuringian Forest from university in the USA (St. Cloud State University in Minnesota). The 1.86-meter-tall outside hitter is having an outstanding debut season, has immediately established herself as a key player, and is considered one of the strongest players in her position in the league. Foley and Suhl are the sensation of the Volleyball Bundesliga!
Although she has shown no signs of adjustment problems on the court, the move to Europe was a big one for Foley personally, as she reveals to SPORT BILD: "The biggest adjustment for me was definitely the distance from my family. I have a very close relationship with them, so the distance and the seven-hour time difference are sometimes challenging." Nevertheless, the move has "helped her grow personally and become more independent." Foley attended high school in Iowa, so she's quite used to rural life and has a penchant for country living: On her Instagram channel, she's shared several snapshots as a cowgirl at the Winstock Country Festival in Minnesota. She found a substitute for that in Germany: In the fall, "Kenzie" donned a dirndl and visited Oktoberfest in Munich.
Regarding their upcoming opponent, Foley says: "Honestly, it's hard to say who the underdog is. We're tied 1-1 in the regular season, so I see the situation as pretty even. Both teams know what to expect from each other, and I think it will be a very hard-fought game from start to finish." Is the double actually possible this year? Foley: "I think this team is capable of something special, but at the same time, we've consistently remained focused on taking it one step at a time – one game at a time, one point at a time."
Intense battle for volleyball title: Mackenzie Foley aims to knock out the record champions
The good news for VfB in the semifinals: They finished second in the regular season, ahead of Schwerin (3rd). This gives them a significant advantage. Suhl will play the first match of the best-of-three series at home. This means that a potentially decisive third game would again take place in their own arena.
The Black and Yellows are a real force there. VfB has won all of their last 15 competitive matches in front of their home crowd, including the regular season match against Schwerin last December (3-1). How much of a role do their own supporters play in this? Foley: "Our fans play a huge role in our home strength. Suhl has the most passionate and dedicated fan base, and the atmosphere they create in the arena is palpable throughout the entire match." That makes a big difference for us as players and definitely creates a difficult environment for our opponents.”
So things are going to get heated on Saturday at the Rennsteig. But the opponents aren't going to be intimidated. Palmberg's outside hitter and captain, Anne Hölzig, said on the club's website: “Suhl is a great team, but we've already beaten them at home. We'll prepare well.” SSC setter Hannah Kohn said: “We don't really have anything to lose; we can push ourselves and play freely.” The battle for the volleyball crown is on.