By Chloe Scheer
Abby Hansen, an Arizona native, has found herself a new home in the city where the world vacations. Orlando, home of the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights, is where Hansen finished her college career, earning several AAC honors and leading the Knights into their first season in the Big 12 conference.
Once Hansen realized that the opportunity to play professional volleyball was within reach, she reached out to her close contacts to pave the way for her name to be entered into the Pro Volleyball Federation inaugural draft.
“I knew that I had not reached my full potential and the opportunity was mine to grab if I wanted it,” said Hansen, who was originally drafted by the Omaha Supernovas and traded to Orlando. “To be able to stay in a place that I am familiar with while finishing my master's is something I am so fortunate for.”
Hansen, while now balancing the professional athlete life, is still hanging onto her roots as a student athlete as she finishes out her master’s degree at UCF. Finishing her education was not the only plus that came with staying in Orlando.
“I immediately saw the overlap of fans from UCF at the Valkyries first home game” Hansen said. “I had girls coming up to me from camps and games asking me if I remember them and that was so cool to see that they still follow me through my professional career."
The Valkyries’ home court is at the Addition Financial Arena directly connected to The Venue where Hansen played her final season as a Knight. So, for Hansen she had no problem adjusting because her new home was right next to her old one.
Hansen, a middle blocker, was able to find the court in her first season for the Valkyries and helped lead them to multiple victories over the Columbus Fury and Grand Rapids Rise.
“Having Abby on the team and seeing her ready to go whenever we need her is such a relief,” said Valkyries coach Amy Pauly. “When Abby shows up, I know exactly what I am going to get, and she has such a bright future ahead of her.”
The rookie has not only become a hometown player for the Valkyries fans but proven herself amongst the best of the best while still building her game.
“I have learned so much from this season and I still have things to work on,” Hansen said. “But I am constantly picking off my teammates and their experiences and that has helped the development of my game that much more.”