GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Rise have re-signed libero Elena Oglivie (uh-LEN-uh OAG-liv-ee) ahead of the 2026 Major League Volleyball season. After a record-breaking rookie season, Oglivie returns to anchor the Rise’s back row with a blend of elite defensive instincts, poise, and consistent all-around play.
“Elena is a calm competitor who brings a steady, confident presence to our team,” said Rise head coach and VP of volleyball operations Cathy George. “Her overall skill and command of her game is what made her a standout college performer. She brought that to the Rise this past season and continues to grow her game at the professional level. This summer she has been training the U.S. National Team and is gaining continued experience. We are excited to have her back in Grand Rapids this season.”
Oglivie appeared in all 28 matches (104 sets) during the 2025 season, setting a team record with 392 digs. She had 15 or more digs in 13 matches, including a franchise single-match record 30 digs in a five-set battle against the Atlanta Vibe on April 26. The Honolulu, Hawaii native made her professional debut on Jan. 10, 2025 at the Vegas Thrill after being selected 29th overall in the fourth round of the 2024 collegiate draft.
Before turning pro, Oglivie played five seasons at Stanford University, finishing her collegiate career with 2,075 digs in 136 matches (495 sets). A two-time AVCA All-America Honorable Mention and two-time Pac-12 Libero of the Year, she helped lead the Cardinal to two Pac-12 championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances, advancing to the NCAA Regional Final three times. She also represented the United States on the U20 World Championship team.
A product of ‘Iolani School in Honolulu, Oglivie was a high school teammate of recently signed Rise setter Saige Ka‘aha‘aina-Torres. She was a three-time Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year, two-time state champion, and a 2019 Under Armour First Team All-American. She also played club volleyball for Kui‘kahi VBC.
Additional roster announcements will be made throughout the free agency window as the Rise prepare for their third season, starting January 2026.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL
Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
ABOUT THE GRAND RAPIDS RISE
The Grand Rapids Rise made their debut in January 2024 and will play their third season in 2026 as members of Major League Volleyball. Led by longtime Michigan State and Western Michigan head coach Cathy George, the Rise reached the championship match during their inaugural season and rank among the top U.S. women’s pro volleyball teams in attendance. 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.
Photo by Nicolas Carrillo/Rise