This post was updated June 2 at 11:57 p.m.

A wish of “bonne chance” – or “good luck” – is in order for Desiree Becker.

The graduate student middle blocker has a chance to make her mark on the French volleyball scene.

After a single season with UCLA women’s volleyball, Becker will join Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud Volleyball for its 2024-2025 season, marking the beginning of her professional career abroad. The Levallois Paris Saint-Cloud competes in the French League, French Cup and Champions Cup.

“I’m just really excited to continue my career,” Becker said. “Keep doing what I started at my career at UCLA. My love for volleyball was just reignited even more through my short time there, and it only felt right to keep playing.”

Before her tenure at UCLA, Becker spent four seasons at Northwestern, playing in 82 matches and leading the Wildcats with 187 blocks during her senior campaign – Northwestern’s highest since 2010.

Becker quickly became one of the Pac-12’s most valuable transfer additions after her switch to Westwood. She played in all 30 of UCLA’s matches, starting in 27 – and showcased her defensive prowess with 1.15 blocks per set, good for seventh in the Pac-12. Offensively, she totaled 167 kills with a .335 hitting percentage.

“Des’ best volleyball is ahead of her, and it’s been awesome just to see her raise her level of play every single year that I’ve gotten the opportunity to coach her,” said associate head coach Amir Lugo-Rodriguez.

Lugo-Rodriguez, who coached Becker from her days at Northwestern, added that her characteristics beyond the game go a long way.

“Des always makes everybody around her better, whether that is friends, players, teammates or even coaches, and I think that is a huge asset for American players going abroad,” Lugo-Rodriguez said.​

On the international stage, Becker will join senior outside hitter/opposite Iman Ndiaye in France, as the latter will represent the country in the Volleyball Nations League. This marks Ndiaye’s first time playing overseas and representing France on the national stage.

“There’ll be an opportunity where we’ll definitely see each other – whether or not it’s across the net or whether it’s just hanging out,” Becker said. “It really speaks to the testament of UCLA volleyball that both of us have continued to play and want to play at a high, high level.”