Monica De Gennaro: A pillar of Italian Women's Volleyball bids farewell

Monica De Gennaro, the 38-year-old libero affectionately known as "Moki," has announced her retirement from the Italy women's national volleyball team following their triumphant 2025 FIVB Women's World Championship victory. Debuting internationally in 2006, De Gennaro leaves behind an illustrious 19-year career that defined defensive excellence and contributed to Italy's golden era in the sport.Key Achievements and ImpactDe Gennaro's tenure saw Italy secure major titles, including Olympic gold in Paris 2024, three Volleyball Nations League (VNL) wins (2022, 2024, 2025), the 2021 European Championship, and now the 2025 World Championship—their second ever. She earned individual honors like Best Libero at the 2021 Europeans and 2025 Worlds, and made history as the first libero to win VNL MVP in 2025, where her 160 digs and flawless passing anchored Italy's undefeated run. At the club level with Imoco Volley Conegliano, she amassed multiple Italian League titles, CEV Champions Leagues (2021, 2024), and Club World Championships.
Her role extended beyond stats: De Gennaro's court-reading prowess, quick reflexes, and leadership stabilized the backline, enabling stars like Paola Egonu and Alessia Orro to shine. As the longest-tenured player, she bridged generations, mentoring younger talents while facing personal storylines, such as competing against her husband, coach Daniele Santarelli, in high-stakes matches like the 2025 Worlds final.Why She Will Be MissedDe Gennaro's departure creates a void in experience and reliability. Italy's current dominance—29 straight international wins as of 2025—owes much to her unshakable presence, particularly in clutch moments like the 2025 VNL gold-medal match against Brazil (14 digs). Replacing her defensive mastery will challenge successors like Eleonora Fersino, as few match her longevity and accolades. Fans and teammates hail her as "unmatched" and "the heartbeat of Italy," underscoring the emotional and tactical gap she leaves in Julio Velasco's squad as they defend their world title.
Though she continues at Conegliano through 2025/26, De Gennaro's national exit marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a defensive maestro endures.