LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) – Camryn Turner, a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the world of collegiate volleyball, is set to make the leap to the professional ranks. The Seaman High School alum and Kansas setter was drafted by the Grand Rapid Rise in the third round of the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) draft, marking a major milestone in her volleyball career. This achievement not only highlights Turner’s immense talent and dedication to her craft but also reflects the growing prominence of Kansas volleyball on the national stage.
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Turner’s journey to this point has been nothing short of spectacular. Throughout her time at the University of Kansas, she established herself as one of the premier setters in the country. Her selection by the Grand Rapid Rise is a testament to her hard work, determination, and unmatched skill set, which earned her the prestigious title of Big 12 Setter of the Year in 2024. Her exceptional leadership, court vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game made her a standout player at Kansas, and now she’s ready to take those talents to the next level.
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The Road to the Pros: Camryn Turner’s Journey
Camryn Turner’s volleyball journey began long before she arrived at Kansas. As a standout athlete at Seaman High School in Topeka, Kansas, Turner quickly gained recognition for her impressive skills on the court. Her time at Seaman helped lay the foundation for what would become a standout college career. She not only dominated at the high school level but also began to develop the leadership qualities that would define her play for years to come.
Turner’s transition to the University of Kansas was a smooth one. As a freshman, she immediately made an impact, showing that she was more than ready for the rigors of Big 12 volleyball. Her versatility as a setter was evident from the start, and by the time her junior season rolled around, Turner had cemented herself as the Jayhawks’ primary setter. Her understanding of the game, ability to read opposing defenses, and her natural talent for setting up her teammates for success made her an invaluable asset to the Kansas volleyball program.
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Big 12 Setter of the Year
Turner’s senior year at Kansas was nothing short of remarkable. Not only did she lead the Jayhawks to a strong finish in the Big 12 conference, but she also earned the title of Big 12 Setter of the Year—a highly coveted honor in one of the most competitive volleyball conferences in the nation. This recognition was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it placed Turner firmly on the map as one of the top setters in the country.
In her final season, Turner averaged nearly 11 assists per set, showcasing her incredible ability to orchestrate an offense. Her precision, decision-making, and leadership on the court were unmatched, and her performance was a key factor in Kansas’s success. Turner’s ability to not only set the ball but to do so in a way that maximized her teammates’ strengths was one of the defining features of her play. She also became known for her resilience and mental toughness, handling the pressure of big moments with poise and confidence.
Her selection as the first setter in the 2024 PVF draft is a fitting reward for her outstanding collegiate career and proves that her skills will translate seamlessly to the professional level.
The Pro Volleyball Federation: A New Era for Professional Volleyball
The Pro Volleyball Federation is a new league that aims to provide top-tier competition for volleyball players in the United States. With its inaugural draft taking place in 2024, the league promises to bring exciting and dynamic volleyball action to a broader audience. Turner’s selection by the Grand Rapid Rise represents a significant step forward in the development of professional volleyball in the country, as the PVF aims to offer players a platform to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams of playing at the highest level.
Grand Rapid Rise, the team that selected Turner, is part of a league that has drawn attention for its ambitious goals and commitment to elevating the sport. The Rise, a team built with a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents, sees Turner as a vital piece to their success. As the first setter chosen in the draft, she will be expected to step into a leadership role and help guide the team to victory in the highly competitive PVF.
The PVF draft was a momentous occasion for not just Turner, but for the entire Kansas volleyball program. Her selection in the third round, along with the first-round pick of her teammate Toyosi Onjabanjo, underscores the growing prominence of Jayhawk volleyball. The fact that two Kansas players were drafted in the inaugural PVF draft speaks volumes about the quality of the program and the development of players like Turner, who are making an impact on the national volleyball scene.
A Bright Future Ahead for Camryn Turner
As Camryn Turner prepares to embark on this new chapter of her career, the volleyball world is watching closely. Her journey from Seaman High School to the University of Kansas and now to the Pro Volleyball Federation is an inspiring story of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Turner’s ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations, her exceptional court awareness, and her strong leadership qualities make her a perfect fit for professional volleyball.
Turner is not only a talented player but also a role model for young athletes everywhere. Her story serves as a reminder that with dedication and passion, dreams can be realized. As she transitions to the professional level, Turner will undoubtedly continue to inspire and elevate the sport, paving the way for future generations of volleyball players.
Kansas head coach Ray Bechard, who has been a guiding force in Turner’s development, expressed his excitement about her future in a statement. “It’s an exciting day for Kansas Volleyball to have two Jayhawks selected in the PVF draft,” Bechard said. “Camryn and Toyosi both have unique skill sets and personal attributes that will translate well as they move to the professional level.” Bechard’s confidence in Turner’s abilities reflects the strong foundation she has built at Kansas, and it’s clear that the sky is the limit for her as she embarks on her professional career.
In addition to her volleyball skills, Turner’s work ethic, determination, and sportsmanship have earned her the respect of her peers and coaches alike. As she heads to Grand Rapids, Turner will bring not only her talent but also her leadership and character to the Rise, helping to build a winning culture and inspiring those around her.
A Legacy in the Making
Camryn Turner’s selection in the 2024 PVF draft marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in her volleyball career. From her days as a standout at Seaman High School to her time as a leader at the University of Kansas, Turner has proven herself to be one of the best setters in the country. As she makes the transition to the professional ranks, the future looks incredibly bright for this young athlete.
With the Pro Volleyball Federation providing a platform for players like Turner to showcase their skills, the sport of volleyball in the United States is poised for greater recognition and growth. Turner’s success is a testament to the dedication and passion that drives athletes to reach their full potential. As she takes the court for the Grand Rapid Rise, fans can look forward to watching one of the nation’s top setters continue to evolve and make her mark on the professional volleyball scene.
The journey is far from over for Camryn Turner, and if her past accomplishments are any indication, her best years are still ahead of her. For now, though, she’ll celebrate this momentous achievement and prepare for the challenges and triumphs that await in her professional volleyball career.
