GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – After inviting her to preseason training camp for a tryout, the Grand Rapids Rise announced on Tuesday the signing of opposite hitter Kaleigh Nelson for the 2025 Pro Volleyball Federation season.
The 6-foot, right-side attacker from Salem, Oregon, last played professionally during the 2017-18 season in Sweden with Engelholm VS. Nelson was named the Swedish League’s best scorer and opposite hitter, while Engelholm VS won the Swedish Cup. The year prior, Nelson made her pro debut with Köpenicker SC Berlin in Germany.
After a six-year retirement and having two children, Nelson will make her return to professional volleyball on home soil with the Rise.
“I’m excited about being a part of a team of extremely hard-working, competitive women and bringing the joy that I feel competing with these women to fans across the United States,” Nelson said. “Volleyball and women’s sports as a whole are growing at an incredible rate here in the U.S. and I feel so blessed to be a part of that.”
Nelson was a two-time AVCA Third Team All-American at Washington during her four-year tenure from 2011-14. She helped the Huskies win the 2013 Pac-12 title and make the Final Four. Nelson was second on the squad in kills in her All-America seasons behind Krista Vansant, and she finished with 1,095.5 career points. As a senior, she averaged 2.42 kills per set while hitting a career-high .339, which was highest among all Pac-12 outside hitters.
Nelson joins a former Huskie, middle blocker Marin Grote (2018-22), on the Rise roster.
With the signing of Nelson, the Rise currently have 13 players on their 14-player active roster.
The Rise open the new season on Jan. 10 at the Vegas Thrill. The home opener follows two days later on Jan. 12 against the Omaha Supernovas at 6 p.m.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
ABOUT THE GRAND RAPIDS RISE
Founded in December 2022 as the first Pro Volleyball Federation franchise, the Grand Rapids Rise made their debut at Van Andel Arena on Jan. 25, 2024. Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise reached the championship match during their inaugural season. The team is operated by DP Fox Sports & Entertainment and owned by Dan DeVos, who is also co-owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Visit grrise.com for more information.
Photo by Nicolas Carrillo/Rise