Kenyan volleyball star lands international deal with Turkish side

Kenyan volleyball ace Sharon Chepchumba has taken another step in her impressive career after signing with Edremit Bld. Altinoluk, a team competing in Turkey's KFC Women’s League 1.

Chepchumba, widely known as Chumba in volleyball circles, brings her hard-hitting talent and international experience to the Turkish side, who are eager to build on their recent success, including a victory over powerhouse VakifBank.

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This new move comes after Chumba’s recent stint with Hoa Chat Duc Giang Lao Cai in Vietnam and her previous appearances in Greece for Aris and PAOK.

Before her international rise, Chumba dominated the local Kenyan volleyball scene, playing for Kenya Prisons, Kenya Pipeline, and KCB Bank, where she consistently proved herself as a top-tier athlete.

Chumba began her volleyball journey in the 2017-18 season with Kenya Prisons before moving to Kenya Pipeline.

During her time with Pipeline, she clinched the Kenya Volleyball Championship title and bagged a bronze medal in the African Club Championship.

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Her winning streak continued when she signed with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) for the 2019-2020 season, where she played a crucial role in securing both the Kenyan Volleyball Championship and the African Club Championship title.

The pandemic-shortened 2020 season did little to slow Chumba’s momentum, as her remarkable skill and determination solidified her as a dominant force on the court.

Known for her natural athleticism, Chumba transitioned from an outside hitter to an opposite attacker, a move that further enhanced her effectiveness and adaptability on the international stage.

Chumba’s rise to stardom began long before her professional career. She studied at Tartar Secondary School where she showcased her versatility as a football goalkeeper before transferring to Kwanthanze Secondary School, where her volleyball career flourished.

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She has since become a core player for Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national women’s volleyball team.

Chumba has represented Kenya in major global competitions, including the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Olympic Games.

At the Paris Olympics, despite Malkia Strikers' struggles against volleyball giants like Brazil and Japan, Chumba’s hard-hitting attacks and leadership were evident.

Beyond the court, Chumba’s personality shines through. Known for her comedic wit, she has a natural talent as a Master of Ceremony, effortlessly bringing laughter and energy to any gathering.