THIS IS HOW THE SOUTH TYROLEAN CENTER SPOKE: “I BRING MY HUNGER FOR VICTORIES AGAIN”
Raphaela Folie is back, exactly ten years after the sunny 31 May 2016 when she was presented for the first time in Piazza Cima, a new story begins between the Palaverde and one of its most iconic players: the South Tyrolean center takes back the number 7 jersey that was hers for six seasons.
FILE– An experienced centre-back, spectacular offensive skills, a special understanding with Asia Wolosz, an important presence on the block, Folie has left his mark on Italian volleyball as one of the centre-backs for the national team as well. Born in Bolzano on March 7, 1991, “Raffa” began playing in Caldaro Volleyball: at the age of 16 she made her debut in B2 in San Giacomo, then wore the jerseys of Ata Trento and Trentino Rosa. In 2010 she made her debut in A1 with Asystel Novara, two years later she moved to Villa Cortese, then Bergamo and Modena before the yellow-blue experience in Conegliano that consecrated her at the highest levels. After 6 seasons in Conegliano he moved to Milan for two seasons with Vero Volley, before flying overseas to the brand new US LOVB, where he played with the colors of Houston, winning the title in 2025. He made his debut in the Azzurri in 2011 and in 10 years with Italy he won a World Cup, the 2013 Mediterranean Games, a European bronze in 2019 and a silver at the 2017 World Grand Prix.
PALMARES AND NUMBERS WITH THE PROSECCO DOC IMOCO VOLLEY- Folie has entered the hearts of the Palaverde fans thanks to 6 seasons as an absolute protagonist, in a path of successes and rises after various injuries from which she has always recovered brilliantly. With 143 games with Prosecco DOC Imoco it is the 7th most present Pantera ever, it also has 1233 points (10th ever, 3rd among the middle blocks), 303 blocks (6th ever) and 80 aces. In his yellow-blue palmares shine 15 trophies, including 4 Scudetti, 4 Italian Cups, 5 Super Cups, 1 Club World Cup and 1 Champions League. In the 2020 Super Cup, he also won the MVP: in the final against Busto Arsizio where he collected 10 points and 2 blocks.
THE LAST SEASON- In the 2026 season, Folie played 17 games in 4 months on Houston’s way to the play-off semi-final of the newly formed and already competitive US LOVB: his statistics say 94 points of which 56 “kills” (attacks that fall to the ground without defense shots) and 30 blocks, the season highs show 13 points in the big match against Atlanta and 6 blocks in the Texas derby against Austin.
RAPHAELA FOLIE STATEMENTS
“Returning to Conegliano gives me strong emotions, I remember ten years ago when I arrived and said: I’m here because I want to start winning, then for six years we won many trophies and I met fantastic people on and off the field, the bond even from afar has never dissolved. Conegliano became home after the 6 years I spent at Palaverde: I built a strong relationship with the group of the time and found the best possible climate to work thanks to the support and support of the club. With Asia, Robin and Samanta Fabris we still talk almost every day, we have been friends since then. I have never forgotten the fans: they have an extra gear, the Palaverde remains the most beautiful arena I have ever played in, I can’t wait to feel the bedlam of the past again.
I have spent the last 4 years very well: in Italy I found myself competing against Conegliano with the Vero Volley jersey, in the first Scudetto final played against us we got to game 5, it was a strange feeling to play as an opponent at Palaverde. Then I had an experience in the United States: I wanted to go abroad for the first time, and the States have always been a passion of mine, I changed my life and I enriched myself a lot as a player and a person, two very formative and interesting years. When the opportunity arose to return to Conegliano I didn’t think much about accepting, it was an easy choice to make: I can only say that I am very happy to return home. Now comes a good season, I will have to get used to the rhythms again after two seasons in LOVB where there are certainly fewer matches and events than here in Europe: I still feel strong stimuli and hunger for victories, I want to grow again as a person and as an athlete. I will try to put my grit again, hunger to fight and desire to win, it is a mix of motivations that I have been carrying inside me for 10 years and that I will do everything again. I would like to make my contribution to get to the bottom of all competitions, also helping today’s young talents with my experience: I will make myself available to them, if needed, and to our technical staff. See you in August!”