GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Rise on Tuesday made four roster moves.
Opposite hitter Kaleigh Nelson and libero Valeria León were moved from the practice squad to the active roster, while libero Jena Otec was placed on the practice squad and opposite hitter Sherridan Atkinson was waived.
Nelson last played professionally during the 2017-18 season in Sweden with Engelholm VS. She was ranked the Swedish League’s best scorer and opposite hitter, as Engelholm VS won the Swedish League and Swedish Cup.
León played with the Columbus Fury last season, racking up 270 digs and 65 assists in 24 matches played (87 sets). The Ponce, Puerto Rico, native is in her eighth professional season.
Otec, in her first pro season, has 31 digs in 12 sets played. She was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Western Kentucky University women’s volleyball team the past two seasons (2023-24).
Atkinson played three matches for the Rise, producing 32 kills, four blocks, and two aces.
The Rise will be back in action this Thursday, Jan. 30, at home against the Orlando Valkyries. First serve inside Van Andel Arena will be at 7 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 majority owner and CEO of the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and minority owner of West Michigan Soccer, which will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2027. Visit grrise.com for more information.
Photos by Nicolas Carrillo/Rise