Today is a truly special day for our whole volleyball family! We send our warmest Happy Birthday wishes, full of respect and deep admiration, to Bianca Cenan (now Șoloc) — an iconic athlete, a character of steel and a coach who inspires with every gesture, on the court and off it!
An extraordinary life story: between firefighting missions and top-flight volleyball 🚒🖤🤍
Few athletes have a story as moving and inspiring as Bianca’s. For Cluj sports fans, she was not only an outstanding player for Universitatea Cluj, but a true community hero: one of the first women firefighters in the Cluj Emergency Inspectorate (ISU Cluj)!
Following in her father’s footsteps and family tradition, Bianca put on the heavy firefighting gear at just 19, passing extremely tough tests and fighting side by side with her colleagues at real fires and accidents.
“What Bianca does is extraordinary. She works shifts, still makes it to training, is always ready to step onto the court and lend a hand whenever the team needs her, and more than once she has helped out when injuries happen during matches — her job has taught her to react instantly,” says Raluca Bucur, former captain of the “U” Cluj women’s volleyball team.
Clear-sightedness, selflessness and dedication at the net 🧠⚡
Both on the court and on life-saving missions, the core qualities of Bianca have remained the same: self-control, a spirit of sacrifice, quick reactions in moments of crisis and unconditional dedication to the team.
On the volleyball court, Bianca has always brought the energy of someone you can count on in the toughest moments. The near-military discipline she built up in her years as a firefighter showed in every duel at the net, in her meticulous attention to detail and in her flat refusal to give up a single ball without a fight.
A role-model coach: how to build strong characters 💜✨
The move from the court to the coaching bench came naturally, turning Bianca into a perfect role model for the younger generations. When your coach has literally gone “through fire” for her career, words about sacrifice, punctuality, grit and pushing past your limits carry real weight.
For our players, Bianca doesn’t just teach ball trajectories, block positioning or tactical systems. She teaches them courage and the belief that a girl can succeed in any field if she works with all her heart, and she shows them that competitive sport prepares you, above all, to be a fair, brave and generous person in life.
A fantastic year full of joy and fulfilment! 🚀💜
Dear Bianca, on your birthday we wish you, with all our hearts, good health, happiness with your loved ones, boundless energy and immense satisfaction in everything you build! May you always be surrounded by the same admiration and respect you have earned through so much hard work, and may the joy in the eyes of the players you guide be your finest reward.
Thank you for the living lesson in life you give us, for your exemplary character and for all the passion you pour into volleyball!
