After playing for three different schools in a five-year collegiate career, Kenna Sauer thought she was ready to play professional volleyball.
But she never expected to get traded.
Originally drafted by the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Rise of the fledgling Pro Volleyball Federation, Sauer was then traded to the Las Vegas franchise in February and has since helped the Thrill to a 5-10 record.
“I was definitely shocked,” said Sauer, a former Ankeny Centennial star. “(The trade) came out of nowhere, but it’s pro sports and you really don’t have much of a say. You just pack up and go. I was on the practice squad at Grand Rapids and I loved the team there, so I was kind of sad to leave the people but I knew I was getting a better opportunity and (Vegas) had a need for someone like me at my position. It’s great to be on the active roster and see the court now. It’s exciting.”
On Saturday, Sauer was back in the Midwest as the Thrill dropped a 25-19, 25-17, 25-21 decision to the Omaha Supernovas at the CHI Health Center. A large group of Sauer’s family and friends made the trip to Omaha.
“It’s always nice when I can get my family out,” Sauer said. “I had about 25 people there, and that was really awesome. I even got to go home for a few days afterwards.”
Sauer, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, started her collegiate career at Missouri (2019-21). She then spent two seasons at Texas Tech (2021-22) before moving on to Houston (2023) as a grad transfer.
In 112 college matches played, Sauer racked up 1,233 kills and 900 digs. She received third-team all-American honors last fall, becoming Houston’s first all-American since 2011.
When she decided to turn pro, Sauer likely could have played abroad like many Americans do, but she preferred to pursue other opportunities.
“I knew coming out of college that (going overseas) wasn’t something I necessarily wanted to do,” she said. “Of course, I wanted to keep playing, but the idea of going to another country for me just wasn’t super appealing. So when this opportunity came up, I thought it was perfect. But who knows? In a few years I may branch out, but this league was just too good of an opportunity to pass up right now.”
The league currently consists of seven franchises. Three more teams are expected to begin play in 2025, including one in Kansas City.
“It’s definitely been an adjustment from college,” Sauer said. “You can’t expect a league to be perfect in its first year, so I was kind of aware of that going in. But I think it’s going really well. I’m definitely grateful to be a part of this league and seeing the turnout for all the different teams. It’s really cool that a lot of people are excited to have professional volleyball in the U.S. It’s an awesome opportunity.”
Sauer has played in nine matches and scored a total of 59 points. She has recorded four aces and 10 blocks.
“When you play at a high level in college, everyone is obviously really good. But you have your standout players,” Sauer said. “At this level, everybody is ‘that player’. Everybody hits just as hard, and the game is fast. I kind of compare it to going from high school to college. Everybody was the star on their high school team, and everyone hits harder (in college). It’s the same thing now but just to another level basically.”
The Vegas franchise is based in nearby Henderson, Nev. The team plays its home matches at the Dollar Loan Center.
“I was a late addition to the team, but I feel very comfortable now,” Sauer said. “There’s a lot going on here in Vegas. We’re located in Henderson, which is about 20 minutes from the Strip. It’s a really nice town, and we have a great living situation. I do like that it’s warmer than Michigan. I literally just got back from the pool, which always helps your day become a little better.”