The first season for the Pro Volleyball Federation has been a success, with more than one hundred women playing for seven teams across the United States. For the first time in many years, a professional women’s volleyball league has proven it can be viable in this country.
More than 150,000 fans attended games in the PVF’s inaugural season, witnessing the athleticism and competitiveness of some of the best players the sport has to offer.
On Tuesday, the PVF revealed eight of its regular season award winners. The only two awards not announced were Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year.
Here are the winners of the 2024 PVF honors:
Outside Hitter of the Year: Leah Edmond, Atlanta Vibe
Many observers expect Edmond will be named league MVP on Thursday. The former University of Kentucky star is in her prime as a professional at the age of 26. She recorded 4.28 kills per set, the highest in the PVF, and finished second in overall kills.
Opposite Hitter of the Year: Emiliya Dimitrova, Grand Rapids Rise
The Bulgarian veteran is completing her 17th professional season in her sixth country. The Grand Rapids Rise benefited greatly from the lefthanded-swinging Opposite, who provided leadership on and off the court. Dimitrova finished in the top five in kills and was second in KPS.
Libero of the Year: Morgan Lentz, Atlanta Vibe
A large part of the reason the Vibe posted the best record in the PVF, Lentz was all over the court this season for Atlanta. Lentz played every set of every match, and showed her hustle and grit often. She easily topped the league in Digs Per Set.
Middle Blocker of the Year: Kaz Brown, Orlando Valkyries
Brown is a five-year pro who stands 6’4 and clogs the middle of the court. Her stats are not the most impressive of the MB in the PVF, so she received this honor more for the respect from her peers than raw numbers. Alison Bastianelli of San Diego, Marin Grote of Grand Rapids, and Hristina Vuchkova could also have won this award.
Setter of the Year: Nootsara Tomkom, San Diego Mojo
Voting results were not revealed, but we would guess this honor was tightly contested. Tomkom is an excellent choice, as she is an agile, accurate setter. Others who could have been considered include Ashley Evans of Grand Rapids, and Marlie Monserez of Atlanta.
Best Server of the Year: Bethania De La Cruz, San Diego Mojo
There’s a lot to like about the game of De La Cruz, who helped San Diego dig out of a hole to battle its way into the postseason. She recorded a league-best 32 aces, which was 11 more than any other player in the PVF.
Rising Star Award: Reagan Cooper, Columbus Fury
A rookie out of Kansas, Cooper showed why she was a first round selection of the Fury. Given some more talent around her, this outside hitter will only get better. She has superstar in her future.
Most Inspirational Player Award: Alisha Glass Childress, Vegas Thrill
The 36-year old Childress is the mother of three who created a foundation “dedicated to providing financial opportunities to students and athletes with limited resources.” The Leland, Michigan native had a fine season for Vegas. She will command lots of attention from teams in her second season in the PVF, should she choose to come back for another pro turn.
