ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Valkyries, a proud member of the Pro Volleyball Federation, welcome Blake Omartian as the newest assistant coach and Erin Olson as technical coordinator to join the professional volleyball team’s staff.
Omartian brings a broad background in both playing and coaching to the Valkyries. His playing career includes being a member of the NCAA men’s volleyball team at Concordia University Irvine. Prior to his time at Concordia, Omartian competed at Los Angeles Pierce College, captaining the CCCAA Men’s Volleyball Team to a California State Championship in 2018, and was named to the Western State All-Conference team as a libero twice.
“It is an honor to join the Pro Volleyball Federation and the Orlando Valkyries. This league is full of coaches and athletes who are committed to the growth of our sport. I am so proud to be a part of the upcoming inaugural season and the beginning of a new era for professional women’s volleyball in the United States,” said Omartian.
Omartian recently served as an assistant coach for the Concordia University Irvine men’s and women’s volleyball teams for the last two and a half years. During his first year, he aided the women’s team to a third-place finish in the PacWest Conference, the highest since 2016. His coaching experience extends to assistant coaching roles with Prime Volleyball Club’s 18-1 and 15-1 teams, and T Street Volleyball Club’s 12-2 teams. Omartian is well-positioned to contribute valuable insights to the team.
“I’m thrilled to bring Blake’s energy and volleyball IQ into the Valkyries gym,” Valkyries Head Coach Amy Pauly said. “I’ve been able to work with him before and without a doubt, he’s not only a connector and motivator, but also has a great eye for the game. He’s had wonderful mentors in his short time playing and coaching that have prepared him to take on this professional endeavor.”
Joining Omartian on the staff is Olson, who will serve as the technical coordinator for the Valkyries. She brings experience as a former UCF volleyball player, playing from 2017-20. Following her time as a player, Olson seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role, currently serving as the UCF Director of Volleyball Operations. Olson’s understanding of the sport extends to coaching, having actively coached at the club level since 2018.
“I am thrilled for the chance to boost professional volleyball in the United States and be a part of its growth and journey,” said Olson.
In her new role as technical coordinator, Olson will play a pivotal part in enhancing the team’s technological framework, optimizing performance analysis, and contributing to the overall strategic development of the Valkyries.
“Erin is a great benefit to our staff because of her experience with the technology our league is using,” said Pauly. “She has experience in coding, scouting, playing, and coaching, and I think that gives her a keen sense of what makes teams, and players, successful.”
The Valkyries will host a minicamp this week, beginning Wednesday, December 6 through Friday, December 8, prior to training camp scheduled for January 4 at Top Select Volleyball Academy in Maitland, Fla. The entire Valkyries organization will be preparing to take on the Atlanta Vibe for the team’s inaugural home game on Friday, January 26 at 7 p.m. at Addition Financial Arena.
For more information on how to get tickets, contact the Orlando Valkyries sales department at (321)-244-4600 Ext. 113, email Tickets@OrlandoValkyries.com, click on OrlandoValkyries.com , visit the Addition Financial Arena box office, or go to the Ticketmaster website: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/22005F5195400BBB
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.
ABOUT ORLANDO VALKYRIES
The Orlando Valkyries, proud member team in the Pro Volleyball Federation – the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. The Valkyries will play out of Addition Financial Arena, located in the heart of the University of Central Florida campus, and will begin play in January 2024. Home opener and season tickets for the inaugural season are on sale now. For more information on how to get tickets, contact the Orlando Valkyries sales department at (321)-244-4600 Ext. 113, email Tickets@OrlandoValkyries.com, click on www.OrlandoValkyries.com visit the Addition Financial Arena box office, or go to the Ticketmaster website: https://www.ticketmaster.com Fans can follow the team on Facebook or via Twitter Instagram, and TikTok – @ORLValkyries or visit OrlandoValkyries.com.
* Orlando Valkyries, Pro Volleyball, DIG IT! *