SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, October 28, 2024.- Gianluca Grasso, outside hitter for the Guaynabo Mets, was named the “Comeback Player of the Year” for the 2024 season in the Men’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation (FPV).
Grasso, who was an All-American hitter with USC’s men’s volleyball program before graduating in 2019, played four years of professional volleyball. He spent three years in Puerto Rico, starting with the Mulos de Juncos. In 2021, he continued with the Caribes de San Sebastián and with the Dallas-based Texas Tyrants. His most recent season was with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel in 2023.
The 6-foot-2-inch, 28-year-old native of São Paulo, Brazil, plays as a domestic player in Puerto Rico. He was recruited by the Guaynabo Mets management for this season, receiving a total of 46 votes to secure first place.
In 38 sets, Gian accumulated 129 attacks, 12 blocks, and 19 aces, totaling 160 points with an average of 4.21. He also registered 65 digs, averaging 1.71, and 104 receptions, averaging 2.74.
“I didn’t expect it since I only played a few games and was coming off an injury, so I really wasn’t expecting it. But I’m very happy with the recognition,” said Gian after receiving the good news.
Coming off a season in Israel from August 2022 to May 2023, Grasso made the wise decision to take a break. In May of last year, he received the joyful news of his wife’s pregnancy, and as a priority, they moved to the United States to await the birth of their daughter.
“We need to keep working on our physical health; a healthy and complete team is the one that wins. We’ve had a great regular season. We keep fighting and are prepared for the results from Yauco and the Plataneros,” added the newly crowned Comeback Player of the Year.
As for returning to Europe to play volleyball, it’s something he’s still considering and has discussed with his agent. “I dedicate this award to my daughter and wife, and to my family,” Gian concluded.
Close behind Gianluca, Oscar Fiorentino from the Changos de Naranjito and Luzgardo Liciaga from the Plataneros de Corozal tied for second with 42 votes each.
They were followed by Francisco Pomar of the Gigantes de Adjuntas and Ramon Burgos of the Guaynabo Mets with 10 votes each, and Erick Ramos (Gigantes de Adjuntas) with 7 votes.
Others who received votes included Jovany Torres (Indios de Mayaguez) and Yassiel Cruz (Gigantes de Carolina).
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