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Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Orlando Valkyries draft Michigan State's Nalani Iosia into pro volleyball

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DeMartin Stadium | Michigan State University Athletics

DeMartin Stadium | Michigan State University Athletics

Michigan State volleyball player Nalani Iosia has been drafted by the Orlando Valkyries in the 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation draft. Selected with the seventh pick of the fifth round, she is the first Spartan to be chosen in this draft and joins Zoe Nunez and Amani McArthur as recent Michigan State players advancing to professional volleyball under head coach Leah Johnson.

"This is a testament to the work Nalani has put in over the last three years," said Johnson. "Nalani is one of the best liberos in the country and doesn't always get the recognition that she deserves. This only solidifies what we've known since she arrived at Michigan State. We are incredibly proud of her as she reaches her dreams of playing professional volleyball."

Iosia has made significant contributions during her time at Michigan State, ranking third in program history with an average of 4.24 digs per set and fourth with a total of 1,429 digs. With two matches remaining, there is potential for Iosia to surpass Jill Krumm's record for third-most career digs by a Spartan.

She holds records for individual performances as well, including setting a program record for digs in a four-set match against Ohio State on November 3, 2024. Over her three seasons, Iosia played nearly every possible set, showcasing her dedication to the team.

In addition to leading the Big Ten conference this season in both total digs (479) and digs per set (4.56), Iosia earned multiple B1G Defensive Player of the Week awards—the first Spartan to achieve this distinction three times since its inception in 2005. Her achievements also extend off-court; she received Academic All-District and Academic All-B1G honors from College Sports Communicators in 2023.

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