Serena Ortolani is an accomplished Italian professional volleyball player, celebrated for her strength, precision, and leadership on the court. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, she has become a respected name in European volleyball and a role model for aspiring athletes around the world.
Born in Ravenna, Italy, Serena’s athletic journey began early, and her natural talent quickly set her apart. Playing as an opposite hitter, she’s known for her powerful spikes, game intelligence, and ability to perform under pressure. Serena has played for some of Italy’s top clubs and has represented the Italian national team, earning accolades in international tournaments including the FIVB World Cup, European Championships, and the Olympic Games.
Off the court, Ortolani is admired for her calm demeanor, team-first attitude, and dedication to the sport. She’s not just a competitor—she’s a leader who uplifts her teammates and inspires the volleyball community with every serve, block, and point.
With numerous national and international titles under her belt, Serena Ortolani has cemented her legacy as one of Italy’s most iconic volleyball players, blending experience, skill, and passion in every match she plays.
🏐 Serena Ortolani – The Powerhouse of Italian Volleyball
👋 Introduction: Who Is Serena Ortolani?
Serena Ortolani is a celebrated Italian volleyball player, renowned for her powerful presence as an opposite hitter. With a career spanning over two decades, she has been instrumental in Italy’s national team successes and has left an indelible mark in club volleyball. Beyond the court, Serena is a devoted mother, wife, and an enthusiast of nature, gardening, and traditional Italian cuisine.
📄 Bio Data & Personal Profile
- Full Name: Serena Ortolani
- Date of Birth: January 7, 1987
- Place of Birth: Ravenna, Italy
- Nationality: Italian
- Profession: Professional Volleyball Player
- Position: Opposite Hitter
- Current Club: Omag San Giovanni Marignano (as of 2025)
- Jersey Number: 12
📏 Physical Stats
- Height: 1.87 meters (6 feet 2 inches)
- Weight: 63 kilograms (139 pounds)
- Build Type: Athletic
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
🌍 Race / Ethnicity
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
🎓 Education
While specific details about Serena’s formal education are not publicly documented, her early life in Ravenna and subsequent professional career suggest a strong foundation in both academics and athletics.
👨👩👧 Family
- Spouse: Davide Mazzanti (Former head coach of the Italian women’s national volleyball team)
- Children: One daughter, Gaia
💼 Career Journey
Serena’s volleyball journey began with Reda Volley in her hometown. Her talent quickly propelled her to top-tier Italian clubs, including Foppapedretti Bergamo, Imoco Volley Conegliano, and Saugella Team Monza. Internationally, she debuted with the Italian national team in 2004 and has since been a pivotal player, contributing to numerous victories and earning accolades for her performance.
💖 Personal Life & Interests
Beyond volleyball, Serena is passionate about nature and sustainable living. She maintains an organic garden, affectionately named “Ortoland,” where she cultivates a variety of fruits and vegetables. Her interests also extend to beekeeping and traditional Italian cooking, often preparing homemade pasta and preserves. These hobbies reflect her deep connection to her roots and commitment to a wholesome lifestyle.
🌟 Career Highlights & Achievements
🏆 National Team Achievements
- European Championships:
- Gold: 2007 (Belgium/Luxembourg), 2009 (Poland)
- Silver: 2005 (Croatia)
- World Cup:
- Gold: 2007 (Japan)
- World Championships:
- Silver: 2018 (Japan)
- 4th Place: 2006 (Japan)
- Olympic Games:
- 5th Place: 2008 (Beijing)
- 9th Place: 2016 (Rio de Janeiro)
🏆 Club Achievements
- CEV Champions League:
- Winner: 2008–09, 2009–10 (with Volley Bergamo)
- Italian League (Scudetto):
- Champion: 2005–06, 2010–11, 2014–15, 2015–16
- Italian Cup (Coppa Italia):
- Winner: 2005–06, 2016–17
🏅 Individual Awards
- CEV Champions League MVP: 2009
- Serie A2 Coppa Italia MVP: 2025
⚠️ Controversies
There are no known controversies associated with Serena Ortolani.
🏳️🌈 Sexual Orientation
- Orientation: Heterosexual
✨ Distinctive Features
- Tall and athletic build
- Strong presence on the court
- Passionate advocate for sustainable living
📱 Social Media & Online Presence
- Instagram: @serenaortolani
- Facebook: Serena Ortolani
💖 Favorite Things
- Hobbies: Gardening, beekeeping, cooking traditional Italian dishes
- Favorite Dish to Prepare: Lasagna
- Favorite Dish to Eat: Cappelletti made by her mother
- Preferred Cooking Style: Traditional Romagnola cuisine
💰 Net Worth
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Serena’s successful volleyball career, endorsements, and ventures suggest a comfortable financial standing.
🔢 30 Facts About Serena Ortolani
- Born on January 7, 1987, in Ravenna, Italy.
- Started her volleyball career with Reda Volley.
- Debuted with the Italian national team in 2004.
- Won gold at the European Championships in 2007 and 2009.
- Secured gold at the 2007 World Cup in Japan.
- Participated in the 2008 and 2016 Olympic Games.
- Named MVP of the 2009 CEV Champions League.
- Married to Davide Mazzanti, former national team coach.
- Mother to daughter Gaia.
- Maintains an organic garden called “Ortoland.”
- Practices beekeeping and produces her own honey.
- Enjoys cooking traditional Italian dishes.
- Advocates for sustainable and chemical-free farming.
- Has a passion for nature and outdoor activities.
- Known for her leadership qualities on the court.
- Played for top Italian clubs, including Foppapedretti Bergamo and Imoco Volley Conegliano.
- Captained Saugella Team Monza.
- Awarded MVP of the Serie A2 Coppa Italia in 2025.
- Actively engages with fans on social media.
- Promotes healthy living and organic food consumption.
- Participated in the 2009 Universiade, winning gold.
- Recognized for her powerful spikes and serves.
- Has a deep appreciation for traditional Romagnola cuisine.
- Enjoys preparing homemade pasta and preserves.
- Believes in the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
- Uses natural methods for pest control in her garden.
- Has a strong connection to her roots in Ravenna.
- Continues to inspire young athletes in Italy.
- Values family time and traditions.
- Embodies the balance between professional sports and personal passions.
🏆 Conclusion / Legacy 🌟
Serena Ortolani’s illustrious career in volleyball, marked by national and international successes, showcases her dedication, talent, and leadership. Beyond her athletic achievements, her commitment to sustainable living, family, and traditional values paints a picture of a well-rounded individual who serves as an inspiration both on and off the court.
