Valkyries add former All-Big Ten First Teamer Melani Shaffmaster
ORLANDO, Fla – The Orlando Valkyries are excited to announce the signing of setter Melani Shaffmaster, who will join the team’s practice squad. A 6’3 setter from New Castle, Indiana, Shaffmaster provides plenty of experience and versatility to the Valkyries.
Shaffmaster comes to Orlando after spending a season overseas, playing professionally in Greece for AON Amazones. Prior to going pro, Shaffmaster spent her five-year collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, where she graduated in 2024. She earned All-Big Ten First Team in 2022 and 2024, as well as finishing as the only player in Minnesota history to hit 5,000 assists, 1,000 digs, 300 kills and 300 blocks in a career.
“Melani is a phenomenal player and I’m super excited for her to get in the gym with us and compete,” said Valkyries head coach Amy Pauly. “Anytime you add a player like Melani, who had a fantastic career at Minnesota, you feel good about where things are at, and I can’t wait to see how she helps us.”
In a corresponding move, the Valkyries have moved libero Georgia Murphy to the Season Ending IR.
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ABOUT ORLANDO VALKYRIES
The Orlando Valkyries are a 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, enter their second season in the league and will once again play out of Addition Financial Arena, located in the heart of the University of Central Florida campus. Season Tickets are on sale now. For more information on how to get all tickets, 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.
* Orlando Valkyries, Pro Volleyball, DIG IT! *