Stivrins Sisters Hope to Compete in Los Angeles Olympics After Obtaining Latvian Citizenship

Sisters Lorena (28) and Embera (25) Stivrins, who obtained Latvian citizenship in May, have set their sights on competing in beach volleyball at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. They plan to play as a pair and gradually accumulate ranking points to qualify for the Games.

Both sisters have indoor volleyball backgrounds. Lorena played NCAA volleyball at the University of Nebraska, winning a national championship and earning All-American honors. She later played professionally in the U.S. and Italy. She was a candidate for the U.S. Olympic team for Paris but missed out due to injury. Embera played for three different NCAA schools, including the University of Georgia, where she was named SEC Best Server and Best Opposite.

In the 2024/2025 season, the sisters played together for Omaha's LOVB Nebraska in the League One Volleyball (LOVB Pro). They consider the league the second best in the world and appreciate its competitive balance. After the season, Lorena decided to end her indoor career and fully focus on beach volleyball.

Although the Latvian Volleyball Federation invited them to join the national team for the European Championship, they declined to concentrate on beach volleyball. In June, they trained in Latvia alongside world champions Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova, which inspired them.

Late June, the sisters competed in the "Saulkrastu kokteilis" tournament, reaching the quarterfinals. Their main goal this season is to complete formalities to represent Latvia, gain experience, and earn ranking points, with the ultimate aim of securing an Olympic berth for 2028.