ORLANDO, Fla. – After their debut as a member club within the recently established Pro Volleyball Federation, the Orlando Valkyries have announced the first five players to their roster that will represent the team on the court. Comprising a formidable blend of talent and dedication, the Orlando Valkyries aim to make their mark on the professional volleyball world when the league begins play in January 2024.
The current Orlando Valkyries roster features five athletes, including Paula Cerame, Wilma Rivera, Carly Graham, Blake Mohler and Kaz Brown. These athletes have been meticulously selected for their skills, courage and empowerment, embodying the values the Orlando Valkyries stand for. The team is confident that the diverse skills and backgrounds of these players will contribute positively to the Orlando Valkyries' competitive endeavors in the Pro Volleyball Federation.
“I think these five players give a really good snapshot into the entire makeup of our roster,” said Amy Pauly, Head Coach of the Orlando Valkyries. “Each one of them has had successful collegiate careers, playing in the toughest conferences, or has experience on the international stage, and that was our goal when putting our roster together in the early stages. We want competitors in Orlando, and I think this group represents just that.”
In a testament to the Valkyries' commitment to cultivating excellence and ensuring achievement, the team is pleased to introduce, Gordon Mayforth, as their Assistant Coach. With an extensive background in coaching since 1995, Mayforth has contributed significantly to the development of volleyball across various nations. Notable among his recent coaching achievements is his leadership of the Sakai Blazers in Japan's V-League and the Japan National Team. Mayforth's coaching prowess extends across the globe, including coaching positions in the United States, Greece, Puerto Rico and Indonesia. With such a distinguished coaching history, Mayforth is poised to lead the Valkyries toward victory.
Amy Pauly expressed her enthusiasm for the addition of Mayforth to the coaching staff, stating, “I’m very happy to add Gordon as the first addition to my coaching staff. Gordon brings invaluable experience from his time coaching overseas and is extremely passionate about seeing the Pro Volleyball Federation become the best league in the world. It was evident through our initial conversations that we expect the same style of play on the court, but also that we care deeply for the well-being of our athletes. Gordon will be a great asset to our team and I’m excited that he is part of the Valkyries.”
The Orlando Valkyries, as part of the Pro Volleyball Federation, is set to redefine the standards of competition in professional volleyball. With a carefully assembled roster and the expertise of Head Coach Amy Pauly and Assistant Coach Gordon Mayforth, the team is primed to showcase their talents.