With the San Diego Mojo ready to start its inaugural season as a member of the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF) starting on Feb. 1 versus the Atlanta Vibe, former Oregon University standout Ronika Stone looks to make an immediate impact.

After graduation, the 25-year-old played for Volero Le Cannet in France, and Puerto Rico’s Las Pinkin De Corozal, as well as for the Athletes Unlimited league before being signed by SD Mojo with several former Oregon Ducks by her side.

“It’s so exciting and just shows the chemistry we have already, which we will build upon,” said Stone. “Having so many girls that already played with each other and against each other, the fact that I have four of my former teammates on the same team is incredible.”

The daughter of two-time Super Bowl champion Ron Stone, she was also a member of the 2017 U.S. Women’s Junior National Team at the FIVB U20 World Championships, and finished her career at Oregon as its all-time career leader in hitting percentage and all-time career leader in block assist along with being the only player in program history to reach 400 career block assists. Once the PVF season starts, Stone will also be reunited with several former teammates from her time playing in Puerto Rico who’ve had standout careers in their respect.

“They are great competitors,” she added. “I’m excited to have them be playing with me in San Diego. When I was in Puerto Rico a lot of them showed me around and now it’s my turn to show them around so they can see what we have to offer.”

Stone will get to play under head coach Tayyiba Haneef-Park and assistant coach Deitre Collins-Parker both of whom are former Olympians and also spent time with Athletes Unlimited. The PVF will have seven teams in 2024 with the San Diego Mojo playing its home games at Viejas Arena on the San Diego State University campus.

“I hope everyone comes out because volleyball is such a fun sport and I’m glad that the city of San Diego will have a professional team,” Stone said. “There’s no right or wrong way to cheer so just cheer the entire time. We’re excited to engage with the community and hopefully, everyone embraces us.”

The first San Diego Mojo home game will be on Feb. 23 versus the Grand Rapids Rise.

Photos courtesy of San Diego Mojo