Caguas’ Valle de Jesús named LVSF 2026 season MVP.

Caguas libero Okiana Valle de Jesús was named Most Valuable Player of the LVSF regular season after receiving the most votes by a wide margin. 

By THE STAR STAFF

Libero Okiana Valle de Jesús of the Criollas of Caguas has won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2026 season of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF by its initials in Spanish).

Her exceptional performance throughout the season established her as the league’s most impactful player, earning the Caguas native a wide margin of victory in the MVP voting over the LVSF’s standout attackers, setters and international reinforcements. Valle de Jesús garnered 389 votes. Trailing her, outside hitter Karla Santos of the Atenienses of Manatí received 232 votes, while setter Raymariely Santos of the Leonas of Ponce tallied 101.

Further back in the voting were Wilmarie Rivera and Helena Grozer -- both from the Cangrejeras of Santurce -- along with other standout figures such as Jordan Wilson (Ponce), Neira Ortiz (Santurce), Jenaisya Moore (Caguas), Andrea Rangel (Santurce) and Haley Bush (Juncos).

The vote distribution reflects a clear consensus among media outlets, fans, and authorized team representatives, all of whom acknowledged the competitive impact Valle de Jesús demonstrated in every match.

Upon learning she had been named the 2026 Season MVP, Valle de Jesús described the moment as a blend of surprise, gratitude, and a reward for her hard work. She acknowledged that the competition this year was intense and that, simply by being nominated she already felt thrilled and grateful.

“It was a tough year, with excellent players. Just being nominated was already an achievement for me,” she said. “But to be met with this surprise. … I feel grateful and blessed. God knows when the time is right, and this year, the time was right.”

Valle de Jesús added that the season was not easy, but from day one, she worked with discipline and purpose, always with the goal of reaching this level. Even so, she confessed that her dream is not yet complete:

“I’m missing one thing ...  winning the championship to make it a true dream season,” she said.

Valle de Jesús also emphasized that, although the award recognizes her individual performance, for her it is a deeply collective achievement. She pointed out that nothing she does on the court would be possible without the structure and trust provided by her team.

“This was a team effort, even though many people view it as an individual achievement,” she said. “If the block isn’t positioned exactly where it needs to be -- if the team doesn’t trust me, if they don’t give me the opportunity to do my job -- I simply cannot perform the way I do. I may be the MVP, but this award belongs to everyone -- to the entire team.”

Valle de Jesús noted that her progress over the course of the regular season was no fluke, but rather the result of an unwavering work ethic: “There are no breaks -- not even during water breaks. I am constantly looking for ways to improve: how to position myself, how to read the game. I watch videos day and night to study my opponents.”

The 28-year-old added that she still has one remaining goal: to break the all-time record for digs in a single match -- a milestone she has come close to reaching and continues to pursue.

Looking toward the future, Valle de Jesús said one of her aspirations is to play internationally in order to continue her professional development. Should that opportunity not materialize, her desire is to return to the Criollas to continue competing for championships and individual honors.

For her, growth must be a constant process -- both statistically and personally.

“Every year, I look for ways to demonstrate that growth -- whether through my numbers, my passing percentage, or whatever aspect applies,” she said. “But I also strive for personal growth.

“This year I achieved many things in that regard: learning to handle difficult situations, growing as a leader, helping my teammates, and also helping myself. It has been a different kind of year -- good in some areas and not so much in others -- but it has definitely been a great one.”