Caribbean National Weekly

Jamaica’s Aiko Jones earns Major League Volleyball All-Star selection

By Ben McLeod··3 min read
Jamaica’s Aiko Jones earns Major League Volleyball All-Star selection
Key Points(5)
  • <strong>ORLANDO, Florida —</strong> When Major League Volleyball stages its 2026 AdventHealth All-Star Match later this month, Jamaica will have a place in the spotlight.
  • Aiko Jones, the Jamaican opposite hitter starring for the Atlanta Vibe, has been named to one of the league’s All-Star squads for the marquee event, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando.
  • Her selection places her among the standout performers recognized as the best of the 2026 campaign.
  • <h2>League leans into star power and international reach</h2> The showcase is designed not only to honor top performers, but also to underline the league’s growing reach across both the United States and the international game.
  • With players from across the country and around the world set to gather in central Florida, the event is being framed as a statement of Major League Volleyball’s expanding profile and competitive depth.

ORLANDO, Florida — When Major League Volleyball stages its 2026 AdventHealth All-Star Match later this month, Jamaica will have a place in the spotlight.

Aiko Jones, the Jamaican opposite hitter starring for the Atlanta Vibe, has been named to one of the league’s All-Star squads for the marquee event, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando. Her selection places her among the standout performers recognized as the best of the 2026 campaign.

League leans into star power and international reach


The showcase is designed not only to honor top performers, but also to underline the league’s growing reach across both the United States and the international game.

With players from across the country and around the world set to gather in central Florida, the event is being framed as a statement of Major League Volleyball’s expanding profile and competitive depth.

“From record-setting fan voting to the remarkable depth of talent across these rosters, All-Star Weekend shows the momentum behind Major League Volleyball and its place on the global stage,” said Commissioner Jaime Weston.

“In Orlando, fans will see the spirit of our athletes and the fierce competitiveness that defines this in the major leagues.”

Jones selected through blended voting process


The All-Star rosters were assembled through a combination of fan voting, player input, and league analysis, rewarding athletes who have produced exceptional performances throughout the season.

Jones’ inclusion reflects the impact she has made for Atlanta, where she has established herself as one of the Vibe’s key attacking threats. The former University of Louisville standout now carries that form into one of the league’s premier showcase events.

Interest in the event has surged sharply, with the league announcing that fan participation reached a new high.

Indy Ignite libero Elena Scott topped all players in the public vote, which surpassed previous records as more than 12,000 ballots were cast. The turnout offered another signal of the growing attention surrounding the league and its All-Star weekend.

Every MLV franchise will have representation across the two 12-player teams, ensuring the event reflects the full spread of talent across the competition.

Team Launiere gets Jones and a loaded supporting cast


Jones will compete for Team Launiere, coached by Beth Launiere, the longtime former leader of the University of Utah program. She joins a roster loaded with proven talent, including Grand Rapids favorite Morgan Hentz and Orlando standouts Kaz Brown and setter Chompoo Guedpard.

Also named to Team Launiere are Regan Pittman-Nelson, Mimi Colyer, Paige Briggs-Romine, Lydia Martyn, Azhani Tealer, Mia Tuaniga, Brooke Nuneviller, and Shara Venegas.

Team Meske brings its own star strength


On the other side, Team Meske will be led by Dan Meske of Louisville and features no shortage of firepower.

That roster is headed by Atlanta Vibe star Leah Edmond, who led last year’s fan voting, along with this year’s top vote-getter, Elena Scott. Team Meske also includes Raina Terry, Sofia Maldonado Diaz, Natalia Valentin-Anderson, Layne Van Buskirk, Blake Mohler, Emily Londot, Charitie Luper, Teodora Pusic, Marin Grote, and Marlie Monserez.

Returning all-stars add extra shine


The 2026 edition of the event will also carry strong continuity, with eight players returning after earning All-Star honors in 2025.

Among those repeat selections are Edmond, Hentz, Guedpard, and Brown, adding another layer of quality and familiarity to a contest already packed with proven talent.

The league-leading Indy Ignite paced all teams with five selections, while Dallas and host team Orlando Valkyries each placed four players on the combined rosters.

For Jones, though, the announcement marks a moment of personal and national significance. Her place in the All-Star match gives Jamaica representation on one of Major League Volleyball’s biggest stages and reinforces her standing as one of the league’s premier international stars.

 

Related Stories

Jamaica’s Blaise Bicknell eyes historic home breakthrough at Kingston Open

Jamaica’s Blaise Bicknell eyes historic home breakthrough at Kingston Open

Sabina Park restoration drive powers National Labour Day activities

Sabina Park restoration drive powers National Labour Day activities

Joseph eyes Sri Lanka series as recovery journey nears finish line

Joseph eyes Sri Lanka series as recovery journey nears finish line

Bunny Shaw commits future to Manchester City with landmark four-year deal

Bunny Shaw commits future to Manchester City with landmark four-year deal