Columbus Fury ready to 'be a part of history' in first Pro Volleyball Federation season
Angel Perez’s vision for the Columbus Fury is becoming more of a reality.
The Fury coach admits his team may not have the big names other Pro Volleyball Federation teams have ahead of the league’s inaugural season. But to him, it’s a team filled with proven winners and technically sound players used to big moments. It’s a team he feels can eventually find the chemistry needed to hit its stride when it matters most.
Ahead of the Fury’s first-ever match, the big moments of April and May were on Perez's mind. But that doesn't mean Perez didn't realize the magnitude of the moment the Fury is about to face Thursday on the road against the Grand Rapids Rise.
“We can’t wait to get out there and be a part of history,” Perez said.
The Fury was announced as one of seven teams in the first season of the Pro Volleyball Federation last April, joining Atlanta, San Diego and Las Vegas.
For Jenaisya Moore, the Pro Volleyball Federation brings a chance for her to return to Columbus, a place she considers home after spending four years at Ohio State. Signing with the Fury gives Moore a chance to play in front of her family instead of overseas as many players previously have done.
But for Moore, the Fury provides an opportunity to promote and expand the game she loves.
“It’s only setting the standard to build and grow women’s sports,” Moore said. “I’m really excited for this league to really blow up. And I think it will.”
Asjia O'Neal embraces role as face of Columbus Fury
Asjia O’Neal caught a glimpse of that impact almost immediately.
After being selected with the No. 1 overall pick of the first Pro Volleyball Federation draft in December by the Fury out of Texas, O’Neal said young girls were coming up to her and her teammates in droves at a club tournament days after moving to Columbus.
O’Neal, whose father is former NBA center Jermaine O'Neal, said she has faith in the league and the Fury, trusting that Perez will help her become the player she wants to be. But even more importantly, she sees potential for what the league and her team can do for the sport as a whole.
“I think now is a perfect time for women’s volleyball, especially here in the states,” O’Neal said. “Like, it’s exploding right now. … The country definitely wants volleyball right now, and they’re loving it. And I thought this would be a perfect time to jump into something right now. “
In O’Neal, Perez has everything he wants out of a volleyball player.
She’s a fearless competitor, he said, one that had two open-heart surgeries before winning two national championships with the Longhorns. O’Neal arrived with a winning mentality, Perez said, one he hopes will set the tone for the rest of his roster.
“We’re trying to get contagious, like a virus from that,” Perez said. “And hopefully we can start winning.”
But O’Neal said she knows the weight on her shoulders after her record-breaking college career at Texas and becoming the first No. 1 overall pick of a new league. O’Neal knows she’s a face for the league as a whole, a responsibility she said she’s ready for.
It's the expectation O'Neal said Perez has of her, but not to change who she is as a player.
“Before I came here, he told me, like, ‘I still want you to be Asjia,’” O’Neal said. “I want you to be the rah-rah aggressive-type person you are. But we’re also going to continue to make you a volleyball player and make you the best you can be.’ “
Columbus Fury roster brings veteran presence to Pro Volleyball Federation
While players such as Moore and O’Neal are experiencing professional volleyball for the first time, the Fury have their share of veteran experience.
Valeria Leon, a former Ohio State libero who has played professionally for six years, Jenna Rosenthal, a five-year professional at middle blocker, and Raymariely Santos, a nine-year pro at setter lead the way for a team that collectively brings 45 years of pro volleyball experience.
But the Fury is also providing an opportunity for Ashley Wenz, an opposite hitter who played for Ohio State from 2014-17 and one season of beach volleyball at Arizona State.
Wenz couldn’t pass up an opportunity to play volleyball again in her own state.
“It’s hard to go overseas and leave your family and friends and pick up your life and live somewhere completely new,” said Wenz, who lived in Columbus before signing with the Fury. “So having the opportunity to stay here for a livable wage is insane and just like a really amazing opportunity.”
In the days leading up to the season opener against the Rise, Wenz said the focus was on team camaraderie and getting to know one another, already feeling super close as a group.
Moore said the Fury have already set the foundation to build trust with one another, setting the tone with a warm, open and welcoming atmosphere.
Heading into the first game, O’Neal said she’s focused on not putting too much pressure on herself or her teammates, but to continue to grow and mold into the team Perez sees potential in long term.
“The culture on the team is already really good,” O’Neal said. “I came in not really knowing what to expect because I knew it was a lot of high-level girls and high-level athletes, so you just don’t really know. But from the very start, everyone’s super supportive. Definitely an intense environment where you’re pushing each other, but it’s very loving and supportive.”
After two road games to open the season, the Fury open their home schedule at Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 against the Omaha Supernovas.
Columbus Fury 2024 schedule
Jan. 25: Grand Rapids Rise 3, Columbus Fury 0
Feb. 16: Columbus Fury at Orlando Valkyries; 7 p.m. on Stadium
Feb. 21: Columbus Fury vs. Omaha Supernovas; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m. on Stadium
Feb. 24: Columbus Fury at Vegas Thrill; 10 p.m. on Bally Live
Feb. 26: Columbus Fury vs. Vegas Thrill; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m. on Stadium
March 3: Columbus Fury at Orlando Valkyries; 3 p.m. on Bally Live
March 9: Columbus Fury at Grand Rapids Rise; 12 p.m.
March 11: Columbus Fury vs. Vegas Thrill; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m.
March 20: Columbus Fury vs. Grand Rapids Rise; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m.
March 24: Columbus Fury vs. Atlanta Vibe; Nationwide Arena 2 p.m.
March 27: Columbus Fury at Atlanta Vibe; 7 p.m.
March 29: Columbus Fury vs. Orlando Valkyries; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m.
April 4: Columbus Fury at Omaha Supernovas; 8 p.m.
April 7; Columbus Fury at San Diego Mojo; 7 p.m.
April 12: Columbus Fury vs. San Diego Mojo; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m.
April 17: Columbus Fury at Vegas Thrill; 10 p.m.
April 19: Columbus Fury vs. Atlanta Vibe; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m.
April 28: Columbus Fury vs. Grand Rapids Rise; Nationwide Arena, 2 p.m.
May 2: Columbus Fury at Atlanta Vibe; 7 p.m.
May 4: Columbus Fury vs. Omaha Supernovas; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m.
May 7: Columbus Fury at San Diego Mojo; 10 p.m.
May 9: Columbus Fury at Omaha Supernovas; 8 p.m.
May 11: Columbus Fury vs. San Diego Mojo; Nationwide Arena, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Fury embark on first Pro Volleyball Federation season
