Dresden snatches Suhl's top star Mackenzie Foley

Dresdner SC is strengthening its squad for the upcoming season with Mackenzie Foley. The 24-year-old American is transferring from VfB Suhl to Dresden – and arrives with the profile of a player who made an immediate impact in her first Bundesliga season: title winner with Suhl, individually honored, and stood out in direct duels with DSC.

The club made the transfer public on Tuesday (May 12). Previously, MDR had reported on the move.

A title winner for Dresden's outside attack

Foley plays as an outside hitter – a key role in which, in modern volleyball, mere specialization is no longer enough. Outside hitters must not only reliably score from the left side, but also remain stable in reception and defense, find clean solutions under pressure, and immediately switch back to attack after defensive actions. This very versatility is a quality criterion for top teams – and explains why Dresden is specifically looking for reinforcements in this part of the squad.

Foley quickly proved she can deliver this package at Bundesliga level in Suhl. She had only moved from St. Cloud State University to Thuringia last summer and immediately won two titles at her first stop in Germany. In the main round, she was also named the league's best outside hitter – an indication that her impact was not limited to individual games, but remained stable over weeks.

On her decision for Dresden, Foley says: “I chose Dresden because it felt like the right place for me from the start to develop both as a player and as a person.”

Foley also impressed in direct duels with Dresden

For DSC, the signing is particularly tangible because those responsible know the new player from direct observation: Dresden and Suhl faced each other six times last season. Foley contributed important points against the Dresden team both in the cup semi-final and in the final series – precisely in matches where serves are harder, block situations are tighter, and quality is especially evident in the 'second balls' and long rallies.

Coach Alexander Waibl describes the impressions from these encounters clearly: “We played against each other six times last season. However, I already knew after the first game that Kenzie is an exceptional player who combines two essential qualities for an outside hitter in excellent form.”

The fact that a player who caused Dresden problems in decisive matches is now on their side of the net is a sporting signal – and a strategic shift: DSC not only adds quality, but at the same time reduces the strength of a direct competitor who recently won titles.

Why the transfer is particularly interesting from a sporting perspective

Transfers in volleyball are often bets on potential, adaptation, and development. With Foley, the assessment is unusually clear, as the proof of performance has already been provided in Germany – including titles, individual honors, and impact in high-pressure matches. For Dresden, this means: less of a project, more immediate reinforcement.

Especially on the outside, much depends on consistency: A strong attacker is of little use if the reception falters and the play becomes predictable. Conversely, an outside hitter who stabilizes the first touch and also finds solutions in attack can change the dynamics of an entire team. This intersection is precisely where the appeal of the transfer lies – and the expectation that Foley will not only bring points to DSC, but also stabilize the game in phases when matches are on the line.