By Annie Walker

 3/23/2024

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Columbus Fury have added experience and star power with the signing of U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist, Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, and 16-year pro Nikoleta Perović out of Montenegro.

Bartsch-Hackley spent seven seasons with the U.S. Women’s National Team and was a member of the historic 2020 Olympic team that brought home the first gold in women’s indoor volleyball for the United States. She was named the Best Outside Hitter of the tournament alongside teammate, Jordan Larson. She also won a gold medal in the FIVB Volleyball Nations League in 2021 with the U.S. where she was named tournament MVP and Best Outside Hitter.

In addition to her national team experience, Bartsch-Hackley spent 10 seasons playing professionally in Puerto Rico, Germany, Italy, China and Turkey, winning 13 championships in various tournaments in that span. Bartsch-Hackley returned to the U.S. after the end of the 2022 season and joined the staff of Ohio State women’s volleyball in the spring of 2023. Most recently, Bartsch-Hackley has lent her expertise in a coaching and advising capacity for the Fury.

“Everybody knows what Michelle brings to the table,” stated coach Pérez. “She is an Olympic Gold Medalist, has played in the best leagues in the world with the best clubs in the world, she was a champion in the Champions League in Europe, and a member of the US National team for the last 5-6 years. She is a proven winner, understands the game of volleyball like few people do, and will bring a lot of experience to a young group. She will help with the development of Reagan, Jenaisya, Sam and all of our young middles. She is a great addition to our group, adds depth to a position that we needed, and we expect great things.”

Perović began her professional career in 2008 at just 14-years old, playing for ŽOK Luka Bar in her home country of Montenegro. After five seasons in Montenegro, she has since played in Norway, Romania, Germany, Hungary, China, Indonesia, Greece, Turkey and Italy. Perović had her most decorated season in 2018-19 in Hungary where she was named the Best Scorer, Best Opposite and Best Server while playing for Swietelsky Békéscsabai RSE. She won eight championships with various clubs during her career and also won two gold medals in the Games of the Small States of Europe while representing Montenegro.

“Nikoleta is an experienced international player,” explained coach Pérez. “She brings over 10 years of experience playing in different countries. She will add international flavor to what we are trying to do. She is a 6-4 opposite with a big arm who is coming off a great season last year in Italy and a great season this year in China. We are excited for her signing and hopefully she can provide some solutions for us on the right side to complement Sam.”

As a result of adding Bartsch-Hackley and Perović to the active roster, the Fury have waived outside hitter María Schlegel and opposite Ashley Wenz.

COURTESY COLUMBUS FURY COMMUNICATIONS