SAINT PAUL, Minn. — MLV Minnesota General Manager and Head Coach Pedro Mendes today announced the signing of middle blocker Kayla Haneline to a contract for the 2027 season.
Haneline, 31, most recently played for Göztepe SK of the Sultanlar Ligi, the top tier of women's volleyball in Turkey, where she averaged 4.42 spike points and 1.50 block points per match. She has an accomplished international professional resume, having played in Hungary, Finland, Germany and the United States. While in Germany, she was named the league’s best server for the 2022-23 season.
“Watching Kayla compete this past season in Turkey, I couldn't help but feel she has reached that rare stage in an athlete's career where her experience, volleyball IQ, physical ability, and confidence are all working together,” Mendes said. “That's not something every player achieves. She continues to approach the game with humility and a desire to improve while delivering elite production in every phase. We're excited to welcome not only an outstanding middle blocker, but also a proven professional and leader who embodies the culture we're building in Minnesota. On top of that, Kayla understands and appreciates the rich volleyball tradition in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest, making her a natural fit for our organization.”
Haneline is currently a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team and represented Team USA in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League. She also helped the U.S. win gold at the 2023 NORCECA Pan Am Cup Final Six and bronze at the 2023 NORCECA Pan American Cup.
“I am so grateful to be able to come back to the United States and compete in Major League Volleyball,” Haneline said. “Minnesota is a perfect fit. The roster is poised to be very competitive, and having experienced the passionate volleyball culture firsthand, I cannot wait to play in front of our fans."
A native of Plattsmouth, Neb., Haneline played collegiately at the University of Northern Iowa, where she served as captain during her junior and senior years, was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team selection and was named to the 2016 USA Collegiate National Team.
Off the court, Haneline runs a sports mentorship program called Serving Dreams, where she helps young athletes navigate the college recruitment process and excel under pressure.
MLV Minnesota will begin league play in January 2027. To place a season ticket deposit for MLV Minnesota and for more information on the team, please visit MLVMinnesota.com and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.