Il Bisonte Firenze signed American outside hitter Caitie Baird for the upcoming season, the team announced days after her first senior U.S. national team call-up.
Baird, 24, arrives from Brazilian powerhouse Osasco Voleibol Clube, where she enjoyed a breakout campaign, winning the Brazilian Super Cup and Brazilian Cup while helping the club earn bronze at the FIVB Club World Championship.
The 191-centimeter outside hitter will join Il Bisonte’s outside attacking group alongside Paulina Damaske.
Born in Indianapolis, Baird starred collegiately at Stanford University, winning an NCAA title and earning All-America honors twice before beginning her professional career in Turkey and later Brazil.
Her performances with Osasco also earned her a place in U.S. coach Erik Sullivan’s 30-player Volleyball Nations League roster.
“Playing in Italy has always been a dream of mine,” Baird said in a club statement. “I’m excited to join Il Bisonte and compete in one of the strongest leagues in the world.”
