Janice Leao comes to the Fury by way of Puerto Rico, where she played for Criollas de Caguas, a professional women's volleyball team in Puerto Rico's Liga de Voleibol Superior Feminino. Leao grew up in New Bedford, Mass., the youngest of a tight-knit family of six children and whose parents emigrated from Cape Verde on the west coast of Africa.
A first-generation college student, Leao played five years at the University of Miami, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration and is currently working on her MBA. Leao enjoys doing her own nails and solving puzzles.
Professional Experience and Accolades
2023-2024 Criollas de Caguas (Puerto Rico)
- Named best blocker of the season as a rookie; averaged 1.18 blocks/set
| Year | Team | Country |
| 2024-2025 | Columbus Fury | USA |
| 2023-2024 | Criollas de Cagua | Puerto Rico |
College Experience and Accolades
University of Miami (2019-2023)
- 2022 All-ACC First Team
- 2021+2023 All-ACC Second Team
- 2021 AVCA All-American Honorable Mention
- 2021+ 2022 AVCA All-Region
- In her career, she ranks third for highest attack percentage all-time (.334), sixth for most solo blocks (41), second in block assists (456), third in most total blocks (497), fourth in blocks per set (1.22)