Aluron’s Rise: The Crucial Role of Aaron Russell and Bartosz Kwolek
Editorial
In the 2025 CEV Champions League season, two players, Bartosz Kwolek and Aaron Russell, have played key roles in Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie’s historic rise. Their consistent performances and strong teamwork have helped the club reach the Final Four for the first time.
Aaron Russell: Offensive Leader
Aaron Russell has been Zawiercie’s most reliable attacker this season. He finished as the club’s top scorer in the Champions League, recording 97 points. In the Polish Super Cup match against JSW Jastrzębski Węgiel, he scored 25 points, making him one of the top contributors in the team’s win.
Russell also stood out in the fifth round against Hypo Tirol Innsbruck, where he earned the MVP award. He scored 12 points with 63% attack efficiency and added two blocks. His ability to make effective plays under pressure has been important in difficult sets. His experience in top-level European competition has helped guide the team, especially during close matches.
While Bartosz Kwolek did not lead in total points, his impact has been seen in other areas of the game. In the quarterfinals against SVG Lüneburg, he was Zawiercie’s top scorer with 20 points, helping the team take control in the early sets. Kwolek’s role in building plays and maintaining court balance has been just as important as finishing attacks.
He started his career at JSW Jastrzębski Węgiel but did not feature in Champions League games during that period. Since joining Aluron, he has developed into a reliable all-around player. His reception, positioning, and communication have supported the team’s rhythm and helped maintain their unbeaten streak.
Russell and Kwolek have played a major role in Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie’s unbeaten 8–0 run in the 2025 CEV Champions League, which includes six wins in straight sets. This marks the club’s best-ever performance in the competition and puts them on par with past dominant campaigns like Cucine Lube CIVITANOVA’s perfect season in 2018/19. Russell has led the attack with consistent scoring, while Kwolek has provided stability through strong defensive support and smart transitions.
Their complementary playing styles have improved the team’s consistency and overall performance. Together, they have helped position Aluron as a genuine contender for the Champions League title and have set a new benchmark in the club’s European journey.