Two young Cuban volleyball players have defected from their respective teams within a span of just a few hours. The athletes who escaped are Ronald Luis Limonta Massó from the national Under-21 team and Odaimis Naomi Leliebre Palma from the senior women's volleyball team.
Limonta Massó fled while in Mexico, and Leliebre Palma took advantage of a layover in Tampa while returning to Cuba from Puerto Rico. "On the afternoon of June 10, after the Under-21 team arrived in Mexico for the NORCECA Continental Men's Championship starting Tuesday, athlete Ronald Luis Limonta Massó decided to take a different path than his delegation," the Poder Voleibol Cubano Facebook page reported.
The source mentioned alleged differences between the player and the coaching staff, which may have influenced Limonta Massó's decision to defect. "His stay at the National School wasn't ideal due to various issues with the coaches and how he was treated. This situation is a recurring theme in Cuba, and with volleyball, despite contract policies, things haven't changed," Poder Voleibol Cubano added, wishing the young athlete luck in his new phase.
Play-off Magazine detailed that the team had a layover in Mexico City, and when they were called for the second flight to Nogales, Ronald Luis Limonta—who was an assistant on the team—had already disappeared.
Hours later, Odaimis Naomi Leliebre Palma, a setter for the Cuban women's national volleyball team, abandoned the Cuban delegation participating in the NORCECA Final Four in Puerto Rico. Play-off Magazine reported that for the return trip to the island, the players were divided into two groups, one with a layover in Panama and the other in Tampa, Florida. Leliebre, who was in the latter group, decided to stay in the United States.
Leliebre Palma, 22, hails from Cienfuegos and was a setter for the Cuban national team, although she took on other roles in national championships. Of the team that traveled to Puerto Rico, she was the only player without a professional contract, along with libero Ellemay Miranda.
Defection of Cuban Volleyball Players: Key Questions Answered
The recent defections of Ronald Luis Limonta Massó and Odaimis Naomi Leliebre Palma have raised several questions. Here we address some of the most pressing inquiries about these events.
Why did Ronald Luis Limonta Massó defect in Mexico?
According to Poder Voleibol Cubano, Limonta Massó had ongoing issues with the coaching staff and his treatment, which influenced his decision to defect.
How did Odaimis Naomi Leliebre Palma manage to stay in the United States?
Leliebre Palma took advantage of a layover in Tampa, Florida, while returning to Cuba from Puerto Rico and decided to remain in the United States.
Were there any other players on the teams without professional contracts?
Yes, along with Leliebre Palma, libero Ellemay Miranda was also without a professional contract.