COLUMBUS, Ohio / FRISCO, Texas – Pro Volleyball Federation, the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America, has announced that the Columbus Fury have signed the League’s No. 1 overall draft pick - Asjia O’Neal.
“I’m so excited to kick off my professional career here with the Columbus Fury and in Pro Volleyball Federation,” stated O’Neal. “Being able to play high-level pro volleyball at home in the States is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to see all that this team accomplishes this season!”
O’Neal was a two-time National Champion and two-time All-America selection at the University of Texas. The first overall draft pick in the history of Pro Volleyball Federation, she led the Longhorns to their second national crown last month in front of a record crowd of 19,727 fans. The match also drew 1.7 million viewers on ABC, a record for the sport of volleyball.
“This is historic for our League,” boasted Pro Volleyball Federation CEO Jen Spicher. “In our inaugural season, before we have even played a single set, Pro Volleyball Federation has signed 30 of our 35 draft picks including our No. 1 overall pick! These Athletes know that this is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and they are so ready to showcase their talents at home on U.S. soil!”
O’Neal has been part of the Team USA program as well, making her senior national team debut in 2023 Volleyball Nations League. In Austin, she set Texas program records for career blocks (601) and career blocks per set (1.24) while ranking third in career hitting percentage (.405).
O’Neal, the daughter of six-time NBA All Star Jermaine O’Neal, overcame health concerns off the court, including two open heart surgeries - the second of which was between her freshman and sophomore seasons at UT.
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.