SAINT PAUL, Minn. — MLV Minnesota General Manager and Head Coach Pedro Mendes today announced the signing of liberos Patricia Llabrés and Maddy May to contracts for the 2027 season.
Llabrés, 30, has been a member of the Spanish national team for nearly a decade and has represented Spain in numerous international competitions, including this summer’s European League and European Championship. In addition to her international career, Llabrés built a successful professional career with several of Spain's top clubs before spending the last two seasons with SSC Palmberg Schwerin of Germany's Volleyball Bundesliga.
“Patri is one of the best defensive specialists coming out of Europe,” Mendes said.
“She is the type of libero who elevates your entire gym. She's a natural leader, brings great stability in serve-receive, reads the game exceptionally well on defense, and acts as a second setter on the court. I'm confident she will be one of the top liberos in the league, and I'm excited for the opportunity to coach her.”
“I am excited to be a part of this group of talented players,” Llabrés said. “Everyone brings a unique skill set that has the ability to make this team successful.”
May, 23, most recently played at the University of North Carolina (2022-25), where she was a four-year starter and appeared in every match during her collegiate career. As a freshman in 2022, she was a two-time ACC Freshman of the Week. As a senior in 2025, she was named Second Team All-ACC. She finished her career with the third-most digs in school history.
“Maddy is a model of consistent play,” Mendes said. “To play as hard as she does and never miss a match in her college career is incredible. She makes it her mission to never be outworked. She is an elite defender and a strong passer, bringing tremendous versatility to the back row. She will be a real asset to our team.”
“I am ready to come in and make an immediate impact with MLV Minnesota,” May said. “This is a unique opportunity to play with this group of players and coaches, and I am excited for the season.”
MLV Minnesota will begin league play in January 2027. To place a season ticket deposit for MLV Minnesota and for more information on the team, please visit MLVMinnesota.com and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.