Grand Rapids Rise signs PVF top blocker and Michigan native Ali Bastianelli

(WXMI) — The Grand Rapids Rise have signed middle blocker Ali Bastianelli for the 2025 Pro Volleyball Federation season. A Michigan native, Bastianelli grew up in Marysville, Michigan. She played with the San Diego Mojo last season and was the league’s top blocker, averaging 1.02 blocks per set.

“I decided to join Rise because I felt it was time for me to come home,” Bastianelli said in a press release. “I am a Michigan native and am so proud to be from here. I wanted the chance to represent the state I am from at the highest level and compete for a championship. I am really looking forward to working with the staff and getting to know the Grand Rapids community.”

Bastianelli was traded to the Mojo from the Atlanta Vibes during the first Pro Volleyball Federation draft in 2023. The Mojo also received Kendra Dahlke, while the Vibes selected Magdalena Jehlářová with the No. 2 draft pick. Bastianelli recorded 74 kills, 63 blocks and 11 aces in 19 games to help the Mojo reach the playoffs last season.

Before joining the Pro Volleyball Federation, Bastianelli played in the Athletes Unlimited Pro League for three seasons. She also played professionally in Puerto Rico for two seasons and in France for one season.

Bastianelli also plays for the United States women’s national team. She was a finalist at the 2022 Pan American Cup after reaching the semifinals in 2021 and was also a semifinalist at the 2022 Pan American Cup.

Bastianelli was a three-time AVCA All-American at the University of Illinois. She posted a school-record 750 blocks, 925 kills and 46 aces in 135 games played. Bastianelli was a three-time All-Big Ten selection, including a first team selection in her final season. She helped the No. 3 seed Fighting Illini reach the NCAA Final Four in 2018.

As a player at Marysville High School, Bastianelli was ranked as the 10th best recruit in the country according to PrepVolleyball.com’s “Senior Aces” list. She was a 2014 Under Armour First Team All-American and a three-time Michigan Class B All-State selection.

Follow FOX 17: Facebook- X (formerly Twitter) – Instagram – YouTube