The Orlando Valkyries signed 6-foot-3 middle blocker Janice Leao during Major League Volleyball free agency on June 10, 2026. Leao joins the Orlando Valkyries with three years of professional experience after playing for the Omaha Supernovas, Columbus Fury and Criollas de Caguas. She played college volleyball at Miami from 2019 through 2023.
Leao recorded 43 kills and 34 blocks in 44 sets for the Omaha Supernovas in 2026. She produced 14 points, 10 kills and four blocks in Omaha’s semifinal upset win over the No. 1 seed Indy Ignite. That performance was her best game of the season, according to the team profile.
Leao brings professional blocking experience
Leao played for the Columbus Fury in 2025, appearing in 43 sets. She finished that season with 38 kills, 35 blocks, 17 digs and five service aces. In 2024, she played for Criollas de Caguas in Puerto Rico and was named Blocker of the Year after averaging 1.18 blocks per set.
Her professional experience gives the Orlando Valkyries a middle blocker with production in each of her listed seasons. Leao’s 2026 campaign included both regular-season statistics and a strong semifinal performance for Omaha. She will be part of the Orlando Valkyries’ 2027 roster.
Leao finished Miami career with major honors
Leao earned All-ACC recognition in each of her final three seasons at Miami. She made the All-ACC Second Team in 2021, the All-ACC First Team in 2022 and the All-ACC Second Team in 2023. She also received AVCA All-American honorable mention recognition in 2021.
Leao finished her Miami career ranked No. 3 in program history in hitting percentage at .334. She ranked No. 6 in solo blocks with 41 and No. 2 in block assists with 456. Her hometown is New Bedford, Massachusetts.
FSB Take
Leao gives the Orlando Valkyries a 6-foot-3 middle blocker with three years of professional experience and a strong college blocking record. Her 2026 statistics with the Omaha Supernovas and her semifinal performance against the Indy Ignite add recent production to her resume. The signing also reunites Orlando with a player who has earned major college and professional blocking honors.
Source: Original report