Tori Stringer headlines Fury free agent signings
It’s been a busy offseason in the Pro Volleyball Federationas the league’s 10 clubs work to fill out their rosters for the upcoming 2025 season. The Columbus Fury are no different as the Central Ohio based club looks to improve its 8-16 record from the 2024 season.
The Fury have completed four signings since the free agency window opened on June 30th.
Columbus opened the window by announcing the signing of outside hitter Jill Gillen. She was selected eighth overall by the Omaha Supernovas during the 2024 PVF draft, she was later traded to the Orlando Valkyries on draft day.
“I am so excited to join the Columbus Fury for the 2025 season,” said Gillen. “The sports culture in Columbus is phenomenal and I can’t wait to be a part of it. This team has a strong competitive spirit, an experienced coaching staff and unwavering fan support.These factors elevate the experience of playing volleyball in the U.S.”
Gillen made an immediate impact with Orlando in 2024, appearing in 21 matches and 79 sets for the Valkyries. The rookie totaled 240 kills, a top-10 mark in the league, while adding 205 digs and 13 aces on the year.
“We are excited to have Jill sign with us,” said coach Pérez. “She is an extreme competitor; she has proven that she can play at the top level of this league. We are excited about her competitive edge and what she can bring to our group. We are trying to build a team culture that she represents and we are lucky to have her.”
The Fury also added opposite Morgan Lewis from the San Diego Mojo. The former Oregon Duck enjoyed a solid rookie season appearing in 21 matches and 54 sets for San Diego while playing alongside an experienced group. Last season, she totaled 127 kills and 22 blocks while adding 84 digs.
“We are really excited with the signing of Morgan to the Fury,” said Fury Head Coach Ángél Pérez. “I think she brings size, strength and character to our group. From what we saw last year, she has a high ceiling where she can still improve. She is a young talent and hopefully we can help her develop and achieve her dreams.”
Columbus then went south to the University of Miami and added Janice Leao.
She finished her collegiate in Miami the top-three in program history for total blocks (497) and holds the single-season record for attack percentage, hitting .473 in 2020. After finishing her collegiate career in 2023, Leao made her way to Puerto Rico where she was named the best blocker of the 2024 season as a rookie, averaging 1.18 blocks per set.
The club announced the return of Tori Stringer on Monday afternoon. Stringer joined Columbus via the first in-season trade in Pro Volleyball Federation history, reuniting the 5-11 setter with Pérez.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be remaining in Columbus with the Fury,” said Stringer. “It’s an honor to represent this city and the Fury in front of such an incredible and supportive fan base. I can’t thank Coach Ángel enough for all that he has already poured into me as a player and person, and I can’t wait to continue to work and build this program up into a championship caliber franchise! I’m fired up about the team Coach is putting together and can’t wait for the 2025 Pro VolleyballFederation season! Let’s get to work!”
Stringer made an early splash with the Fury, notching back-to-back season highs in assists in her first two matches with the team. Her 51 assists against her former team, the Atlanta Vibe, washer best outing of the season and led the Fury to a four-set victory. She tallied 441 assists in 15 matches and totaled eight double-doubles with Columbus.
“We are excited to see what Tori will bring to our club this upcoming season,” said Pérez. “We are looking forward to continuing her growth and development on the court. She has the intangibles to help us build a winning culture here in Columbus.”
The free agency window remains open as teams can continue to add to their rosters. Stay with Columbus Wired for more information on the Pro Volleyball Federation.