Things are going to look much different for the Columbus Fury in 2026, and it all starts with some significant league changes.
Major League Volleyball (MLV): A New Era
This past August, the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) officially became Major League Volleyball (MLV). This historic merger centralizes the sport’s infrastructure, creating a unified foundation designed to propel professional women’s volleyball to new heights.
By unifying the sport’s infrastructure, this historic merger has established a premier American platform for world-class competition. This evolution significantly raises the league's standard, promising a higher caliber of play than in seasons past.
In response to this shifting landscape, Head coach Ángel Pérez and the Columbus Fury have revitalized the roster.
The Personnel Overhaul: Plenty of New Talent
The Fury made a series of high-profile offseason signings. The recruitment strategy focused on three specific areas: veteran international experience, elite playmakers, and promising draft picks.
International Veterans and Elite Playmakers
The arrival of Anastasiia Bavykina and Taylor Fricano represents the pinnacle of the team’s international recruitment. Bavykina, a 6'2" outside hitter from Moscow, brings a resume that includes multiple Russian Super League championships and individual scoring awards.
Taylor Fricano, a 6'4" opposite hitter, joins after a season in the South Korean V League where she was a top-10 scorer. Fricano’s height and experience make her capable of attacking over blocks and providing a formidable defensive presence at the net.
Perhaps the most significant signing for the new season is setter Ashley Evans. A native of Liberty Township, Ohio, Evans returns to her home state after leading the PVF in assists in 2024 while playing for the Grand Rapids Rise. Her resume includes over 4,000 career assists at Purdue and experience with Team USA.
2025 MLV Draft
On November 24, 2025, the Fury landed a draft pick that could be a game changer.
Selecting Flormarie Heredia Colon with the tenth overall pick is considered Columbus’s "steal" of the draft. A 6-foot outside hitter from the University of Miami (FL), Heredia Colon averaged an impressive 6.23 kills per set during her senior season. Coach Pérez described her as having "the heaviest arm in the draft class."
The Returning Core
While the new players receive much of the offseason spotlight, this year’s success is equally dependent on the development of the team’s returning standouts. Raina Terry and Abby Walker, both products of the 2024 draft class, were the first players re-signed for 2026.
Terry, an outside hitter from Marengo, Ohio, and a former Illinois star, was a bright spot in 2025. She finished second on the team in kills per set (2.55) and points per set (3.11), Her ties to the state of Ohio and collegiate accolades make her a fan favorite.
Abby Walker, a middle blocker from Cambridge, Ohio, and a Cincinnati alumna, was the only player to compete in all 28 matches in 2025. She led the team with 38 blocks and contributed 138 kills.
Additionally, the return of Megan Lush, a 2025 All-Star and two-time team captain, provides the essential veteran leadership required to integrate the influx of new talent.
2026 Schedule Outlook
The Fury will compete in 28 regular-season matches, with 14 hosted at Nationwide Arena. The season home opener on January 10 against the Omaha Supernovas is the marquee event of the early season. Facing the Supernovas—who led the world in professional volleyball attendance in 2025—provides an immediate opportunity for the new-look Fury to test themselves against the league’s most successful franchise.
The schedule features several other intriguing matchups, including a critical April home stand which includes matchups against the Rise and the San Diego Mojo. These challenging matchups could decide the final playoff seeding.
Tickets for this season’s games are available here.
