Did anyone save the rise schedule announcement video? They took it down and I wanted to show it to a friend.

https://youtu.be/5Qlqf5DQry8?si=l6EvUhQOos6EvyfT

I think it's interesting (and, as a Rise fan, fustraiting) that she's has been a serve specialist on every AU team she's been on. I wonder if this is a designation she's gotten behind the scenes or, if during practices, it's been the only way she's been lethal.

Čajić is a remarkably interesting personality and a proven winner. I had the pleasure of interviewing her for my Substack - read the feature at the link below! If you enjoy my work, why not toss a subscription my way too. It's free and always will be. Thanks!

https://pvfdrafthub.substack.com/p/draft-prospect-profile-oh-nina-cajic

Marin Blocks | Marin Grote showing off the #MonsterBlock skills 💪 #RiseAbove | By Grand Rapids Rise | Facebook

In a press release on Thursday, the PVF announced that its draft date will be November 2024, along with some other details. I quickly jotted down some thoughts on the topic, and published them over at PVF Draft Hub. I’d love to know what you think! Here’s the link to my substack, where you can check out interviews and features on over 20 players with a chance at being drafted next month.

https://pvfdrafthub.substack.com/p/pro-volleyball-federation-announces

Which players from Pittsburgh will be drafted ? I’m curious to see what you guys think ……

I’m a huge fan of the Pitt Panthers

🔵🟡🏐

Shaffmaster is smart and talented, and after getting her knee fixed, more dynamic than ever. Her heart is set on playing overseas, though, which makes her a draft and stash prospect in the Federation. Read my entire profile here, on Substack. If you enjoy what I do, please don't forget to subscribe.

https://pvfdrafthub.substack.com/p/draft-prospect-profile-s-melani-shaffmaster

FYI - 2024 AU matches are starting to pop up on Athletes Unlimited YouTube channel. Lots of familiar PVF players to watch. Kind of like watching training camp for the 2025 PVF season.

Since publishing my early PVF draft prospects watchlist in March, it has become clear that two of the three PVF expansion franchises slated to start playing in 2025 — Kansas City and Dallas — will be delayed until at least 2026. That is significant news for the upcoming draft class, meaning ten players who would have otherwise had their name called will go unselected. Additionally, we are into the thick of the college volleyball season, and it’s apparent who stock is rising and falling. For these reasons, trimming my prospects watchlist was necessary, and I’ve finally stopped putting it off.

On a personal note, I have a blast doing this, and I appreciate every reader who makes it possible. If you enjoy my writing, please consider subscribing. Click the link below to read my updated list and some additional thoughts on substack!

https://pvfdrafthub.substack.com/p/updating-the-2025-pvf-draft-prospects

Here's my most recent prospect profile - SMU middle Natalie Foster, whose stock has risen dramatically since the end of last season. We talked a lot about what has gone right for her over the last six months, and you can read at all on my Substack. Click the link below, and if you enjoy my work, please consider subscribing. Thank you!

https://pvfdrafthub.substack.com/p/draft-prospect-profile-mb-natalie

I have a question regarding volleyball in general.

Was talking volleyball with an old friend of mine that lives in NYC now. During the conversation they go on to mention how they wish a major volleyball event would come specifically to Louis Armstrong Stadium (they really like the venue). However, they weren't sure of what the floor space is at Armstrong Stadium or if a regulation sized volleyball court (NCAA, FIVB) would fit there.

For those of you that don't know, Louis Armstong Stadium is the second biggest court at the US Open Tennis complex in New York City. It seats 14K, with a retractable roof. In my mind if any major volleyball event were to be held in NYC, either Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center would be the venue (possibly even Arthur Ashe Stadium within the same tennis complex). After doing an image search of Armstrong Stadium, it wouldn't be a bad 3rd (or 4th) option.

So is anybody familiar with both the floor space of Louis Armstrong Stadium and the required floor space of major volleyball events require? Is it doable? Has it ever hosted volleyball before?

https://preview.redd.it/jitspq8ksltd1.png?width=1500&format=png&auto=webp&s=6aa60993cb3536d29bb6bb453c045c607e64caca

I’m behind on actually watching any of the games this year but it looks like she was the top point getter in week one! Congrats!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAtrElHyvs9/?igsh=aGh6YnExZ3F0dDky

Non-conference play has ended, and scouring the results, three players stood out to me as being worth including on my prospects watchlist. I gave an introduction to each in this small article, with a full length feature coming up soon for at least one of them. Click the link below to check it ou. Thank you all for reading and supporting my work. Please subscribe if you enjoy what I do!

https://pvfdrafthub.substack.com/p/adding-three-names-to-the-2025-pvf

AU draft will be on Facebook at 1 pm EST tomorrow. Thursday's matches will be on both Bally Sports channels and Volleyball World TV here in the United States.