League One Volleyball is entering its second season with a roster sheet that analysts believe will meaningfully lift the caliber of the league, headlined by Brazilian star Ana Carolina da Silva — known across the sport simply as Kisy — and Canadian internationals Alexa Gray and Brie King.
"The headliner so far is Kisy from Brazil," Olympian Sarah Pavan said on the Volly Talk podcast. "I love how the Brazilians just have one name. I say Kisy, you know who I mean. That's it. Kisy. But that is a big pickup for them."
Pavan, a former Canadian national team captain, called the signing a surprise. "She's great internationally. She's played for top teams. She's still, she's getting a little bit older, but still kind of in her prime and competing. That was, that's a very good pickup for them. I was surprised to see that actually."
The veteran has long partnered with Dutch outside Celeste Plak, who has also signed with the league. Pavan cited the couple's desire to live in the same country as a likely driver of the deal. "When I saw that both of them signed, I was like, OK, this makes sense. They kind of maybe want to spend a season in the same place."
The Canadian contingent is growing quickly. Alexa Gray, who starred at BYU before successful stints in Turkey and Italy, has also committed. Setter Brie King — another Canadian international — is expected to headline Austin's roster, according to Pavan.
"Alexa Gray, that's a big pickup," Pavan said. "She went to BYU, has been playing the last few years for top teams in Turkey and Italy. Big pickup there."
"I think she's automatically going to be one of the top outsides in the league, probably. Kisy, lots of international experience. I find it interesting that they're starting to bring in more setters," Pavan added of the King signing.
Other additions include Jaz White (Michigan State), Andrea Mitrovic (Buffalo and Arizona State), Emma Powell of Cali Schwarzenbach (Nebraska/Long Beach State, fresh off a Brazilian Superliga title) and Olivia Hallum — now plying her trade in Switzerland and France.
"Good mix," Pavan concluded. "Good moves for them. And they need, you know, good for LOVB. They need to keep picking off players like Kisy, like Alexa Gray, with experience who are still physical and kind of in the prime of their career."
The league's second season opens in November 2026. Several additional signings are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.