Shara Venegas
5′7″Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Shara Venegas
  • 2025 PVF Most Inspirational Player
  • 2025 PVF All-Star
  • 1x PVF Player of the Week (May 5, 2025)
  • All-time franchise leader in digs (758) and digs per set (3.75)

A cornerstone of Puerto Rican volleyball and one of the premier liberos in the Western Hemisphere, Shara Venegas brings over 15 years of professional and international experience to San Diego. The Toa Baja native has represented Puerto Rico in four World Championships and made history as a member of the nation’s first-ever Olympic volleyball team at the 2016 Rio Games. A four-time Puerto Rican League champion, two-time Best Receiver, and 2025 PVF Most Inspirational Player, Venegas is known for her elite defensive instincts, unshakable poise, and infectious energy that lifts every team she joins.

Professional Experience

San Diego Mojo (2024–Present)

  • 2025 PVF Most Inspirational Player and PVF All-Star selection.
  • Appeared in 27 matches (107 sets), recording a franchise-record 413 digs (3.86 per set), the second-most in PVF history.
  • Named PVF Player of the Week (April 28–May 4) after leading San Diego to back-to-back home wins over Columbus and playoff-bound Indy, posting 37 digs and eight assists for weekly averages of 5.29 digs and 1.14 assists per set.
  • Recorded a career-high 26 digs in the May 3 win against Indy – the most ever by a Mojo player in a four-set match and just three shy of the all-time San Diego record.
  • Tallied 11 or more digs in 24 of 27 matches, including 18 of the final 19 contests.
  • Registered 16 digs against Vegas (Feb. 7), setting a club record for a three-set match.
  • Collected 23 digs vs. Omaha (Feb. 20) at Viejas Arena, tying her career-best with San Diego, followed by a 22-dig outing vs. Orlando (Mar. 19).
  • Her 23-dig performance tied for the second-most in franchise history, a mark she achieved twice during the 2024 season – both at home against Omaha.
  • In 2024, started all 24 matches of the Mojo’s inaugural season, collecting 345 digs and 96 assists (3.63 digs per set).
  • One of four Mojo players to appear in all 24 regular season matches and one of just three to start each contest, ranking second on the team with 95 sets played.
  • Recorded double-digit digs in 23 of 24 matches, including 12 performances with 15 or more.
  • Logged two 23-dig outings – the second-most in franchise history – and two 19-dig efforts, tied for the sixth-highest total by a Mojo player.
  • In San Diego’s PVF Championship semifinal against eventual champion Omaha, posted 10 digs and four assists.
  • Recognized as the team’s defensive anchor and emotional leader on the court.

Criollas de Caguas (2021–23)

  • Led the club to a second-place finish in 2021-22 and a top-five finish in 2022-23.

SC Prometey (2020–21)

  • Guided the Ukrainian side to a historic triple crown, winning the Superliga Championship, Ukrainian Cup, and Supercup.

Genter/Bauru (2017–18)

  • Helped the team place fourth in the Paulista Championship and eighth in Brazil’s Superliga.

Criollas de Caguas (2012–17)

  • Four-time Puerto Rican League Champion (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17).
  • Named Puerto Rican League MVP (2013-14) and Best Digger (2012-13).

Pinkin de Corozal (2011–12)

  • Anchored the back row as the starting libero during a playoff run in the Puerto Rican League.

Llaneras de Toa Baja (2008–11)

  • Puerto Rican League Champion (2008-09) and runner-up (2009-10).
  • Twice named Best Receiver (2008-09, 2010-11).

National Team Experience

Puerto Rico National Team (2009–Present)

  • Veteran of more than 15 years with the Puerto Rican National Team.
  • Represented Puerto Rico at four FIVB World Championships (2014, 2018, 2022, 2025).
  • Made history as part of Puerto Rico’s first-ever Olympic volleyball team at the 2016 Rio Games.
  • Helped lead Puerto Rico to medal finishes in multiple Central American & Caribbean Games (silver and bronze) and Pan American Cup competitions.
  • Earned Best Libero, Best Digger, and Best Receiver honors at various NORCECA Championships.
  • Named MVP of the 2024 NORCECA Final Four, leading Puerto Rico to a gold medal.
  • Recognized for her defensive leadership, consistency, and ability to elevate team performance on the international stage.

Personal/Fun Facts

  • Born and raised in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
  • Known for her fiery energy, quick reactions, and leadership as a libero.
  • Has represented Puerto Rico in more than 15 international competitions, including the 2016 Rio Olympics – the nation’s first Olympic appearance in women’s volleyball.
  • A four-time Puerto Rican League champion and two-time Best Receiver award winner.
  • Loves spending time with family, especially her nieces and nephews, and often visits schools and youth programs to inspire the next generation of Puerto Rican athletes.
  • Enjoys music, beach days, and good Puerto Rican coffee when away from volleyball.
  • Passionate about community service and proud to represent her island on the world stage.
  • Recognized for her positive energy and mentorship, both in San Diego and with the national team.

Player Details
Name: Shara Venegas
Position: Libero
Height: 5-7
Number: 2
Date of Birth: September 18, 1992
Hometown: Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Country: Puerto Rico