VEGAS PRO VOLLEYBALL PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS PRELIMINARY ROSTER FOR THE INAUGURAL 2024 SEASON, JOINING ALISHA GLASS CHILDRESS AND HEAD COACH FRAN FLORY
Russ Rose Officially Appointed as Analyst and Consultant
Vegas Pro Volleyball proudly announces the official preliminary roster filled with Olympians, National Champions, All-Americans and more, in addition to recently announced franchise player Alisha Glass Childress, to join the very first professional volleyball team in Las Vegas, and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in the United States.
To date, five more world-class professional players have been signed to a contract including:
- Berkeley Oblad – A remarkable athlete hailing from Las Vegas, Oblad is a Coronado High School graduate and 2015 Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year. She distinguished herself as a local talent by earning the title of Second-Team All-American during her collegiate career at the University of Utah. Her contributions were instrumental in leading the college team to two NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearances, showcasing her prowess on the court and ability to excel at the highest levels of competition. She earned a spot on the Top Volleyball League All-Star team in Taiwan, highlighting her versatility and impact on a global scale.
- Saskia Hippe – Hailing from Germany, Hippe boasts the title of the 2015 and 2016 German Championship Top Scorer. Known for her multiple European League and Championship wins, Hippe quickly rose through the ranks of, showcasing dedication, talent and sportsmanship that set her apart from her peers.
- Molly McCage – Middle blocker and distinguished Athletes Unlimited Athlete, McCage represented the United States during the 2017 Pan-American Cup games. McCage boasts two third-team All-American NCAA Championships and holds the prestigious title of National Champion from the University of Texas in 2012. She honed her skills through years of dedication.
- Layne Van Buskirk – New middle blocker and celebrated member of Team Canada’s Volleyball Team. Originally from Canada, Van Buskirk is a formidable presence on the volleyball court, adding strength and skill to the team. Throughout Van Buskirk’s career, she has achieved remarkable milestones, including two-time AVCA All-America Honorable Mention and East Coast All-Region Team while playing at Pittsburgh.
- Kayla Banwarth – A seasoned libero renowned for her exceptional skills and accomplishments on the volleyball court. In 2014, Kayla played a pivotal role in securing a Gold Medal for the USA National Team against China in the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship. In 2016, she represented the United States during the 2016 Rio Olympics, helping Team USA earn a bronze medal.
Joining the players in their quest to victory in 2024 also includes Russ Rose, known as the winningest head coach in the NCAA Division I volleyball history, in his official Las Vegas role as Analyst and Consultant. In his new capacity, Rose will serve as a staff advisor, offering invaluable insights and expertise related to players, practices and statistics. With an illustrious coaching career at Penn State spanning decades, Rose has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an understanding of the sport. His unparalleled success at a college level, including numerous national championships and accolades, solidifies his reputation as a visionary leader in the volleyball community.
These stellar athletes are poised to illuminate Las Vegas when the team makes its debut on Wednesday, February 7, in Omaha.
Vegas Pro Volleyball joins six other U.S teams for the inaugural season: Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Omaha Supernovas, Orlando Valkyries and San Diego Mojo. Two more teams – Dallas Pro Volleyball and Kansas City Pro Volleyball – have been announced as the League’s additions for 2025. Overall, in season one, the League will be showcased in three different time zones in the United States. Matches will take place on 67 different dates between January and May 2024 as opponents will be competing every day of the week.
For more information including home arena, team name, player roster, ownership groups and to stay up to date on the latest news, please visit vegasprovb.com.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
