Houston's First Professional Volleyball Team to Kick Off at Fort Bend Epicenter on January 9
Houston's first professional volleyball team, LOVB Houston, will make its highly anticipated debut today at the Fort Bend County Epicenter, marking a major milestone for the sport in Texas. The team, part of the newly launched League One Volleyball (LOVB) pro league, is set to showcase international talent, including Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, and world-renowned athletes, with the action kicking off at 7 p.m.
Founded in 2020, LOVB is redefining the future of volleyball in the United States. The organization, which started with the largest community of junior volleyball clubs in the country, has expanded into a professional league featuring six teams, including LOVB Houston. The league aims to bridge the gap between grassroots volleyball and elite-level competition, nurturing athletes and coaches at all stages of their careers.
"This is a huge step in the right direction," said Rosie Spaulding, President of LOVB Pro. "We have big dreams to make volleyball a major league sport, and today is an exciting milestone in that journey."
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The first official match at the Fort Bend Epicenter will see LOVB Houston face off against LOVB Austin. This game is just one of the opening series of games for the league, with matches continuing on Thursday and Friday at the Epicenter, which serves as the venue for multiple sports events. The 230,000 sq. ft. facility, known for its world-class amenities, is located southwest of Houston and includes 12 volleyball courts among its various indoor and outdoor spaces.
LOVB Houston’s roster is packed with international talent, including U.S. Olympic medalists Micha Hancock and Jordan Thompson, along with a diverse mix of players from across the globe. Nearly half of LOVB Houston's 15-member team comes from overseas, with athletes representing countries such as Italy, Brazil, Finland, Slovakia, and Norway.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the team and to help grow the sport of volleyball in the U.S.,” said Raphaela Folie, an Italian volleyball star and member of LOVB Houston. “I’ve played with many American players over the years, and now I get to play in front of U.S. fans. It’s a thrilling experience.”
Veteran Finnish setter Kaisa Alanko (left) and Karin Palgutova, Slovakian outside hitter (right), Among the team’s international players is Norwegian-born Christina Bauer, a 36-year-old middle blocker who has played professionally in France, Italy, and Turkey. Bauer, who recently represented France in the Paris Olympics, is also completing her business studies through an internship opportunity offered by LOVB.
“I was looking for an internship while still competing professionally, and LOVB gave me the chance to do both,” Bauer said. “It’s amazing to be part of such a talented group.”
Other standout players include Finnish setter Kaisa Alanko, who has played in top leagues across Europe, and Brazilian libero Key Alves, a social media sensation with nearly 17 million Instagram followers. Alves, who made her mark as part of Brazil's U20 National Team, is transitioning back to volleyball after a knee injury and is excited to be playing professionally in the U.S.
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“The opportunity to play for LOVB is something I couldn’t pass up,” said Alves. “I’ve always loved volleyball, and now I get to compete at the highest level.”
LOVB's mission is to reimagine volleyball and expand its presence in the U.S., providing a platform for top athletes while fostering community engagement at every level. The league’s development of a professional pathway for volleyball players is a significant move for the sport, offering players like Bauer, Alanko, and Alves an opportunity to compete in a professional setting domestically.
As the league begins its inaugural season, the future of volleyball in the U.S. looks promising, with the launch of LOVB Pro offering a new era of competition and opportunity for both players and fans. Watch the January 9th game on ESPN or get tickets to see the action in person.
By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
