Orlando’s big hitter will begin training for the Volleyball Nations League
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Valkyries opposite hitter Shainah Joseph has been called up by the Canadian women’s national team. Joseph will be placed on the team’s exempt list, meaning that the Valkyries still own her rights and she cannot be claimed by another team for the remainder of the Pro Volleyball Federation inaugural season.
Joseph will begin training for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) as the Canadian national team begins its quest to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The opposite hitter’s last match with the Valkyries was against the San Diego Mojo on Monday night.
“I’m really sad about it,” Jospeh said after the Valkyries last home match against the Atlanta Vibe. “I’m definitely a hardcore Valkyries fan and lover. I think it’s really sad I’m leaving my team behind, but I’m also really excited to follow my dreams.”
Joseph, who began playing with the Canadian junior national team in 2012, made her debut with the senior national team in 2015.
“I’ve been working towards possibly qualifying for the Olympics for 11 years, so being able to be so close and to have a good shot at that is really exciting,” Joseph said. “But it’s also really sad to leave all my friends, my teammates and my coaches and also just Valks nation. So, I’m really sad about it, but also really excited for this opportunity. Hopefully I can come back as an Olympian Valkyrie.”
In 18 matches this season, Joseph averaged 9.7 points and 8.5 kills. She recorded season-highs of 16 points and 15 kills three times.
“Shainah has been an integral part of launching the Valkyries franchise,” said Valkyries Head Coach Amy Pauly. “Her passion for the sport, and love for Florida, is contagious and it’s why we’ve seen so many fans show up for her. We wish her the best of luck in her endeavors with the Canadian national team and will be cheering her on.”
The Valkyries next take the court on Wednesday, May 1, against the Vegas Thrill at 10 p.m. at Lee’s Family Forum. Orlando’s next home match is on Thursday, May 9, against the San Diego Mojo at 7 p.m. at Addition Financial Arena. For more information on how to get tickets for all matches, contact the Orlando Valkyries sales department at (321)-244-4600 Ext. 113, via email at Tickets@OrlandoValkyries.com or click on OrlandoValkyries.com. Fans can also visit the Addition Financial Arena box office, or the Ticketmaster website.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is the present and future of professional volleyball in North America. The League began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players joined by elite standouts from around the world. Seven teams have taken the court in the first season, with 10 teams scheduled for the 2025 campaign. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players and the entire fan experience is world class and the best offered anywhere. 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, which began play in January 2024, plays out of Addition Financial Arena, located in the heart of the University of Central Florida campus. Tickets 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 OrlandoValkyries.com, visit the Addition Financial Arena box office or go to the Ticketmaster website: Ticketmaster.com. Fans can follow the team on Facebook or via X, Instagram and TikTok — @ORLValkyries or visit OrlandoValkyries.com.
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