Who Can Stop the Twinz? Women's Individual Preview
Women’s Individual Preview: Roundnet World Championship
The anticipation is palpable as 66 elite athletes from 28 countries converge for the Women’s Individual Roundnet World Championship. This year’s competition promises a thrilling display of skill and strategy, with a level of parity that sets it apart from the men’s division. European women have consistently demonstrated their prowess, challenging the dominance of North American teams.
Notable performances include Kunzelmann’s two second-place finishes in the women’s pro division at the Spikeball Tour Series (STS) Championships, Stadler and Gulden’s third place in 2023, and Tiramisu’s fourth place in 2024. With German and Austrian squads finishing second and third respectively at the last worlds, the title is truly up for grabs.
The Mystical Twinz: Ali & Olivia Jenki
For the first time on European soil, roundnet enthusiasts will witness the legendary Twinz, Ali and Olivia Jenki from the US. Absent from the 2022 worlds, the Twinz are on a mission to cement their legacy as the most dominant women’s team in roundnet history. Having won the last three STS Championships and losing only once at a major event (to Pierson and Kunzelmann in Salt Lake City, 2023), the world titles are the only accolades missing from their impressive trophy cabinet. With impeccable fundamentals, exceptional serve receive skills honed against the world’s best servers, and a wealth of experience, they are poised to reign supreme in England.
The Challengers
The closest any European team has come to defeating the Twinz was “Towerful” in last year’s STS Championship final, where Kunzelmann 🇨🇭 and Lorenz 🇩🇪 narrowly lost both sets in extras. Despite Kunzelmann competing in mixed, the Twinz will face a formidable challenge from many other teams.
Tiramisu: After missing the last World Championship due to a best friend’s wedding, Daniela Kadlec, the newly crowned Dodgeball World Champion and MVP with Austria, is eyeing another world title in roundnet. Her partner, M. Leybourne, led Austria’s women’s squad to a sensational third place in 2022 without Kadlec. Known as “Tiramisu,” Leybourne and Kadlec aim to redeem themselves after a fourth-place finish at the 2023 STS Championship and a disappointing European campaign at the ETS Vienna Championship, where they had to forfeit their quarterfinal match due to Kadlec’s injury.
Pernigo/Zanella: When one team struggles, another flourishes. This was the case for Pernigo and Zanella at the ETS Vienna, where they surprised many, including themselves, with a sensational second-place finish, only losing to the super duo of Kunzelmann and Paysan. Can the Italian women make another deep run on Thursday?
Fleming/Morgan: Don’t be fooled by a name change! Formerly known as “THUS Parabatai,” Fleming and Morgan, both recently married (maiden names Wu & Miramonsten), are seeded second overall. As former STS Championship finalists and one of the best US women’s teams, they are determined to finally beat the Twinz and claim the world title.
Puces & Dives: After a year of “silence,” the agile French duo of Alt and Paysan will reunite, seeded fourth overall. Despite playing the regular club season with different partners, their chemistry from years of playing together remains intact. Paysan’s growth alongside Kunzelmann throughout the season could be crucial if the French team aims for a top-four finish.
Aspirot/Tardy 🇨🇦 is another team that can shuffle the final standings, as well as the newly formed team of Allen/Washburn 🇺🇸. Washburn, a dual citizen of the US and Denmark, played for the Danes at the last worlds. However, her stellar performances this year in Europe and the US (with Team Chitty Bang alongside Lorenz 🇩🇪) did not go unnoticed, earning her a spot on Team USA. While her departure brought some tears to the Danes, the entire Danish team supported Washburn’s decision. As the saying goes, “If you really love them, you let them go.” 😊
The German Wave is Coming
All four German women’s teams boast incredible qualities and experience. The top-seeded team is a slight mash-up of Lorenz/Knauf, both regarded as the best individual German women at the moment (hot take 🔥?). Next, we have the three-time European roundnet champion, J. Stadler, fulfilling her dream of playing alongside her sister at worlds (Franzi was injured in 2022). Their hustle, crisp setting, and stellar defense are among their biggest strengths.
Moreover, Bauer/Walter have been grinding intensively for over a year, securing some tournament wins in 2024. They remain relatively unknown on the big scene due to their lack of travel, which could work to their advantage. Lastly, the new team of experienced Gulden with the incredible Pfund will trouble almost any team. It wouldn’t be surprising to see all four German teams in the top 16.
Teams to Keep an Eye On
While teams from outside Europe may not be title contenders, there is a lot of excitement surrounding their different playing styles. How will the Colombian women fare against the Japanese or the Polish against Hong Kong?
However, one can never write off the Latin American champions Ripoll/Mussiett from Chile. With Bastos 🇧🇷 and Moreno-Medina 🇨🇱 competing in mixed, the second biggest hope lies with the three-time Brazilian national champions, Pereira/Barreto. Can the athletic Brazilian duo dance their way to a great result on Thursday?
The stage is set for an electrifying competition, with each team bringing their unique strengths and stories to the forefront. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their names in roundnet history? The world is watching and so can you - on the Spikeball YouTube channel this Thursday, August 29th! Follow the scores here.
-------
Do you want to be the first one to learn about new articles, and special offers (coaching or events) and interact more with us, Future Roundnet? Sign up for our free newsletter here and don't miss another set😉.
We recently developed our own Roundnet Coaching App - you can download it for free in the App Store or Google Play Store.