SAINT PAUL, Minn. — MLV Minnesota General Manager and Head Coach Pedro Mendes today announced the signing of outside hitter Courtney Schwan to a contract for the 2027 season.
Schwan, 30, recently completed her third season with Major League Volleyball’s Orlando Valkyries, finishing third on the team in digs (226), fifth in blocks (25), and seventh in kills (110). In 2025, she helped lead the Valkyries to an MLV Championship, finishing the season as the team leader in digs (321) and fourth in points (244).
Prior to joining MLV, Schwan played in top leagues in Italy, France, Greece, and the Philippines. She’s also had success at the international level, winning gold with the USA Junior National U20 Team at the 2014 NORCECA U20 Championships, where she was named Best Spiker of the tournament.
“Courtney brings extensive international experience and understands what it takes to win at the highest levels,” Mendes said. “She adds a winning track record to our franchise and is an outstanding serve-receive player. She is an elite passer, a skill that is incredibly difficult to find in today’s market. I believe her experience, leadership, and volleyball IQ will complement the talent around her and play a significant role in our success.”
Schwan played collegiately at the University of Washington from 2014 to 2017. Her breakout season came in 2016, when she led the Huskies to a Pac-12 Championship, earned Pac-12 Player of the Year honors, and was named a First Team AVCA All-American. She became just the fourth Husky in program history to win the Pac-12 Player of the Year award.
“I just can’t wait to get to work with this team,” Schwan said. “One of the most attractive parts of playing with MLV Minnesota is the roster. We will all learn from each other, improve, and ultimately have success.”
A native of Auburn, Wash., Schwan was a two-time Washington Gatorade Player of the Year at Bellarmine Preparatory School, where she led the school to consecutive state championships.
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.