Centre back Andreea Popa was widely regarded as one of the best prospects in Romanian handball in the last years, ever since she became the top scorer of the youth league in the 2016/17 season.

Three years ago, CS Minaur Baia Mare pulled a coup when they signed Popa, as the 21-year-old centre back has become an integrant part of their squad, developing under pressure, both in the Romanian league and in the EHF European League Women.