The San Diego Mojo, an expansion team in the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF), had a successful first season, reaching the semifinals. Head coach Tayyiba Haneef-Park discusses the team's draft picks, including Devyn Robinson, an All-American opposite hitter from Wisconsin, and Maya Tabron, an outside hitter from SMU.
By any and all measures the San Diego Mojo 's first season was a success. The expansion team reached the Professional Volleyball Federation 's semifinals, dropping a 5-set epic to the eventual champion Omaha Supernova.
The Mojo landed four players in the PVF Draft, starting with 5th overall pick Devyn Robinson, an opposite hitter from Wisconsin. The All-American was one of the most versatile players in the country as a senior, averaging both a kill and a block per set.San Diego didn't have a 2nd round pick so in the 3rd round they landed SMU outside hitter Maya Tabron. She was the Mustangs second-leading scorer behind Naya Shime, who was a 2nd round pick by the Grand Rapids Rise.
With their 4th round selection they brought a local product back home. Middle blocker Leyla Blackwell gets to play in her hometown. The La Jolla native played at Coast Volleyball Club then spent three years at the University of San Diego, leading the Toreros to the 2022 NCAA Final Four for the first time in program history.
For her final season Blackwell transferred to national powerhouse Nebraska. The Huskers are ranked 2nd in the nation and are among the favorites to win the national championship.With their 5th round pick the Mojo went with another outside hitter, Baylor's Elise McGhee, who led the Bears in service aces in 2024. All of their selections have played at least four years at top college programs, a level of experience that should help them adapt quickly in San Diego.
"They're getting that exposure that they're going to see when they come to the pro level," says Haneef-Park."They're going to see the 6'5" block against them. They're going to see some power attackers and they're already familiar with it. So, not just being on the court at their schools, but playing at a really elite level is going to help them adjust seamlessly ball into PVF."Interestingly, none of them will be coming to San Diego for a while.
San Diego Mojo Professional Volleyball Federation PVF Tayyiba Haneef-Park Devyn Robinson Maya Tabron
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
San Diego sheriff: No threats to voting in San Diego CountyOfficials from both the Sheriff's Office and the County Registrar of Voters say they're ready for anything.
Read more »
Preview: San Diego’s best runners meet Saturday for CIF San Diego Section Cross Country ChampionshipsThe event takes place at Balboa Park’s Morley Field
Read more »
San Diego Mojo add 4 in Pro Volleyball Federation Draft, including former USD starThe San Diego Mojo selected four players in the 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation Draft, including a La Jolla native.
Read more »
San Diego State’s 41-20 loss to UNLV officially ends Aztecs’ hopes for bowl eligibilitySDSU has 2 more games remaining with the goal now to improve on last year’s 4-8 finish
Read more »
From San Francisco to San Diego: State legislator explores downtown recovery strategiesThe chair of the state legislature's Select Committee on Downtown Recovery toured part of downtown San Diego as part of an effort to revitalize downtown areas across the state.
Read more »
No. 8 Indiana hopes to keep perfect record, playoff hopes intact vs. MichiganCarter Smith and C.J. West aren't interested in any history lessons about Indiana football as they gear up to face Michigan.
Read more »