Omaha, Atlanta Lead Preseason Accolades

COLUMBUS, Ohio / FRISCO, Texas – By a razor-thin margin, the Omaha Supernovas have been selected as the preseason favorite to capture the regular season title in the league’s inaugural season. The vote was taken by the head coaches of Pro Volleyball Federation, who were not permitted to vote for their own teams or players.

A six-member Preseason All-League Team has also been announced, with six players representing five of the seven squads that will compete in 2024.

Omaha garnered four first-place votes in the tally to finish with 33 points. The Atlanta Vibe was just behind the Supernovas with two first-place votes and 32 points. The two teams will meet in the first match played in Pro Volleyball Federation history on Wednesday, January 24.

Leah Edmond (Atlanta Vibe) and Bethania De La Cruz (Omaha) led the preseason squad, with both earning unanimous selection. Edmond was a four-time AVCA All-America selection in her collegiate days at Kentucky. De La Cruz has a wealth of international experience, including being named MVP eight times. Edmond is joined by her teammate Morgan Hentz on the preseason team. She was a three-time AVCA All-America First Team choice and has represented the United States in international play multiple times since 2022.

Asjia O’Neal (Columbus Fury), Claire Chaussee (Grand Rapids Rise) and Molly McCage (Vegas Thrill) round out the squad. O’Neal was a two-time national champion at the University of Texas and the No. 1 pick in the first Pro Volleyball Federation draft in December. Chausse was the ACC Player of the Year in 2022, while McCage has also played internationally as a member of the USA Volleyball Team.

PRESEASON SELECTED ORDER OF FINISH

Rank Team Points
1.  Omaha Supernovas (4) 33
2.  Atlanta Vibe (2) 32
3. Columbus Fury (1) 23
  Grand Rapids Rise 23
5. San Diego Mojo 15
6. Orlando Valkyries 12
7. Vegas Thrill 9

First-place votes in parenthesis

PRESEASON ALL-LEAGUE TEAM
Leah Edmond, Atlanta Vibe*
Morgan Hentz, Atlanta Vibe
Asjia O’Neal, Columbus Fury
Claire Chaussee, Grand Rapids Rise
Bethania De La Cruz, Omaha Supernovas*
Molly McCage, Vegas Thrill

*-Unanimous Selection