BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, key player of U.S. national volleyball team and MVP of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League 2018, will join the China Volleyball League champions Beijing BAIC Motor next season, according to Italian press.

By bringing in this star player, Beijing BAIC Motor hopes to improve its strength in attack and defense as well. After Bartsch joins in, Beijing BAIC Motor will have more choices for starting line-up and combination.

In 2018, Bartsch led the U.S. team to the champion in the first FIVB Volleyball Nations League, also winning her first MVP. Since her debut for the U.S. national team in 2015, she has quickly grown from a role player to the key figure.

Bartsch now plays for Italian team Asystel Volley this season. On April 5, Asystel Volley will face Vakfibank in the first-round semifinals of CEV Volleyball Champions League.