By Chloe Scheer
Jill Gillen, a Stilwell, Kansas native, is a highly skilled volleyball player traded to the Orlando Valkyries in the first-ever Pro Volleyball Federation College Player Draft. At the University of Arkansas, Jill was awarded several accolades including being selected to the SEC All-Selection team, SEC All-Freshman team, and Preseason All-SEC team, along with shattering program records. These awards were not merely given to her, rather they were earned, and behind each one is a story of the athlete Jill Gillen has always dreamed of being. As a standout force on the court, Jill Gillen has carved a formidable niche in the volleyball world. She has become a beacon of inspiration as she stands at just 5’7” and has proved herself to be one of the best outside hitters in the country.
After an incredible career at Arkansas, where Gillen earned her degree in Marketing and is currently finishing her MBA in Marketing and Retail, she knew her volleyball career could not be over. The thought of playing overseas was in her favor, but after her college coach put her on the Pro Volleyball Federations’ radar, she realized the thought of playing in the States could be a reality. Gillen knew then that if she were drafted to one of the teams in the league, she would decide to stay in the States to remain close to family. Being inserted into the draft is anything but linear; she knew that just because she was drafted didn't automatically mean she would make the team. However, Jill has never been one to back down from a challenge.
From an early age, Jill was told that she was “too small” or “not tall enough to play in college.” These words were hurtful to the young girl who dreamed of playing Division 1 volleyball but fortunately, Jill was never discouraged. “Those words and people have forged me into the person and player I am today,” said Gillen. “Having a great attitude towards people who tell you that you can’t do something, makes me want to go out and prove them wrong.”
And prove them wrong she did. Gillen quickly asserted herself as a force to be reckoned with in the first year of the new league earning the starting role as a six-rotation outsider hitter for the Orlando Valkyries. She has already established herself as a fan favorite for the team, bringing her fan base from Arkansas to the city of Orlando. The Valkyries along with Jill have a roster filled with diversity and experience. With about 58 years of professional experience under the Valkyries belt, you can expect the competition in the gym to be at a high level. Gillen expected nothing less but has found something much greater, a new family within this Orlando team. “Being in a gym with people who have learned so much from their time playing pro has been more than amazing” says Gillen. “It has been awesome to have those people looking after you. I want to learn and want to get better; they have taken me in and helped me do that.”
In Gillen’s debut for the Valkyries, she tallied 15 kills and two aces giving her team 17 points in the match against the Atlanta Vibe. She then went on to give the Valkyries their first franchise win, scoring the game-winning point against the Vegas Thrill on February 10th.
As the 2024 season unfolds, fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness Jill Gillen and the Orlando Valkyries in action once more. With her unwavering determination and unmatched skill, Jill continues to inspire audiences everywhere, proving that greatness knows no bounds.