The Columbus Fury are gearing up for a wild ride in 2026. And it all starts with some major league shifts.
MLV's New Era
Major League Volleyball (MLV) is here, folks. The Pro Volleyball Federation has evolved. A big-time merger is setting the stage for a new level of competition. The Fury? They're ready to dive in headfirst.
Coach Ángel Pérez is leading the charge with a revamped roster. They're not just playing the game. They're changing it.
Star Power Arrives
The Fury's offseason? Straight up dominant. They brought in Anastasiia Bavykina and Taylor Fricano, two names you’re going to hear a lot. Bavykina’s got the Russian Super League wins to prove she’s no joke. And Fricano? She’s a walking highlight reel from the South Korean V League.
But let’s not forget Ashley Evans. The setter’s back in Ohio, and she’s bringing over 4,000 career assists from Purdue. Her 2024 lead in assists with the Grand Rapids Rise? Yeah, that was no fluke.
Draft Day Steal
Mark your calendars. November 24, 2025. That’s when the Fury snagged Flormarie Heredia Colon. Her 6.23 kills per set at Miami? Disrespectful. Coach Pérez knows it: "the heaviest arm in the draft class."
The Core Returns
New stars are great, but the Fury are also banking on their returning talent. Raina Terry and Abby Walker are back. Terry is a fan favorite with 2.55 kills per set in 2025. And Walker? She led with 38 blocks. Not normal.
Then there’s Megan Lush. 2025 All-Star and two-time captain. Her leadership will be crucial.
The Road Ahead
The Fury’s 28-game slate is packed. January 10, the showdown with the Omaha Supernovas kicks things off. The Supernovas? They’re no joke. Top attendance in 2025. Columbus will need to bring it.
April's home stand? Could decide playoff seeding. Matchups against the Rise and San Diego Mojo? Straight up critical.
This season, the Fury aren’t just in the game. They’re here to run it. This is where it changes.
Source: columbussports.org
