By Bunny Rodriguez

1 11 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio— A new year means another season of professional volleyball in Central Ohio is just around the corner. The Columbus Fury will open the 2025 regular season on Saturday, January 11th when they host the San Diego Mojo at Nationwide Arena at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. The match will also be streamed on YouTube.

The Columbus Fury returns for their second season in the Pro Volleyball Federation after going 8-16 in their inaugural campaign last year. Head Coach Ángel Pérez returns at the helm for the Fury alongside team captain Megan Courtney-Lush.

MATCH PROMOTIONS

Fans can pick up a free schedule magnet presented by Nationwide upon arrival for the match on Saturday. Available while supplies last.

CAPTAIN COURTNEY-LUSH RETURNS

It was announced in July of 2024 the Columbus Fury would return franchise player and Kettering, Ohio native Megan Courtney-Lush for the 2025 season. Courtney-Lush served as team captain for the Fury’s inaugural season and provided solid leadership to a young core of talent.

“Columbus is home in more ways than one,” said Courtney-Lush. “I am so excited to get back on the court in front of the best fans in the league! There is no other place I’d rather be!”

Courtney-Lush was an integral part of the Fury rotation and made an impact on the court but also in the community. She appeared in 19 matches for the Fury and was second on the team with 162 kills and 225 digs for the season. The outside hitter totaled seven double-doubles on the season and notched a franchise-high three aces on two separate occasions on the year. Off the court, she has become the face of the organization representing the Fury at events across Columbus.

“We are excited that Megan decided to come back to Columbus,” said coach Pérez. “Megan represents everything that is great about the city of Columbus and there is nobody better than her to carry the torch for our city and our team. On the court, we know what she can bring to the team as a fierce competitor and off the court she is our leader, our face. We are excited she decided to come home, and we can’t wait to see her on the court next season.”

Courtney-Lush has a decorated career that includes being a two-time NCAA National Champion with Penn State and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four in 2014. Her professional career includes being named the best libero of the FIVB Nations League in 2019 where she won a gold medal with Team USA. She now resides in Columbus with her husband, Mitch, and daughter Nora.

FRESH FACES

Twelve new faces join the Columbus Fury for the 2025 season. Head Coach Ángel Pérez rounded out his squad with eight free agent signings and four Pro Volleyball Federation 2024 draft picks. The signings include:

FREE AGENTS:

• Jill Gillen
• Morgan Lewis
• Janice Leao
• Paula Cerame
• Kaley Rammelsberg
• Wilma Rivera
• Beta Dumančić
• Izabella Rapacz

DRAFT PICKS:

• Raina Terry (Second Round, Pick #3, 11^th overall)
• Kaylee Cox (Third Round, Pick #2, 18th overall)
• Abby Walker (Fourth Round, Pick #8, 32nd overall)
• Kate Georgiades (Fifth Round, Pick #4, 36th overall)

NOTES ON THE MOJO

San Diego enters the match after losing in the league’s 2025 season opener at the Orlando Valkyries 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-22). The side were led by Lund Kayla and Tabron Maya who had 10 kills each in the loss.

The west coast outfit returns to Columbus for the first time since May of 2024 where they defeated the Fury 3-1 (22-25, 25-20, 25-22, 31-29). The Fury hold an 0-4 all-time record against the Mojo and seek their first victory against the franchise on Saturday.

AUTOGRAPH SESSION

Fans are encouraged to stick around after the match for autographs from the Columbus Fury players. Once the match concludes, please head to the concourse to receive an autograph with your favorite Fury member!

ABOUT THE COLUMBUS FURY     

The Columbus Fury is a professional volleyball team in Columbus, Ohio and a founding member of Pro Volleyball Federation, the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. The Fury are one of eight teams in the league, joining the Atlanta Vibe, Grand Rapids Rise, Indy Ignite, Omaha Supernovas, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill for the 2025 season. The Fury play their home matches at Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus. Tickets for all Columbus Fury matches can be purchased by visiting ColumbusFury.com or by calling the ticket office at (614) 380-FURY.  The Fury will begin play at Nationwide Arena on January 11, 2025. For more information about the Fury and season tickets, visit www.columbusfury.com and @columbusfury on social media.

ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION 

Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.

For tickets please call 614-380-FURY(3879) or visit columbusfury.com

For the latest on the Columbus Fury, follow the Fury on Facebook, Instagram, and on X @ColumbusFury or visit columbusfury.com