Graduate outside hitter Emily Londot (22) celebrates after Ohio State got a point during Ohio State’s senior night game against Indiana on Sunday, Nov. 24. The game went to five sets and Ohio State went on to win 3-2. Credit: Antonia Campbell | Lantern Reporter
What was once a dream has become reality for a Buckeye great.
Emily Londot’s impressive five years in Columbus have her ready to compete at the next level.
Etched in Ohio State records books, opposite/outside hitter Londot was selected No. 10 overall in the Professional Volleyball Federation — also known as the PVF — draft to the Omaha Supernovas Nov. 25 and will get an opportunity to play professionally.
But Londot’s success comes as no surprise to her head coach. Jen Flynn Oldenburg said she knew Londot would dominate when she coached her in the 2019 World Championships for the first time, even before her tenure at Ohio State.
“To have that caliber of talent on the team and to have Londot on the right side dominating on a world stage and winning a gold medal, I knew she would do big things, and then the opportunity came for me to coach her here,” Oldenburg said. “It was a dream come true; I knew we were in good hands.”
Leading up to draft day, Londot said she had no idea where she would end up and getting picked by the Supernovas was a complete surprise.
“I talked to a few coaches, but when draft day comes, anything could happen,” Londot said. “So, I was just waiting for my name to be called. I thought all the teams are great options in great cities. I didn’t have a top choice.”
The 10th pick of the draft arrived and Omaha’s head coach Laura “Bird” Kuhn announced her choice.
“Emily Londot.”
Tears of joy came pouring in.
“Everyone was super happy for me, and that overwhelmed me with joy even more,” Londot said. “Celebrating that moment with the people who love me was incredible. I did cry because it was a very overwhelming moment and something I’ll remember forever.”
Buckeyes assistant coaches Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and Nicole Fawcett both played professional volleyball before their time at Ohio State.
Londot shared how the coaching staff fully backed her decision to go pro and said Bartsch-Hackley and Fawcett offered great guidance, fueling her confidence as draft day approached.
“Bartsch[-Hackley] played for the Fury last year in Columbus. Hence, she had some tips and tricks that she was talking to me about,” Londot said. “I kept overseas as an option on the table for a while, but once this opportunity came up, I thought that’s how I would go for now. Bartsch [-Hackley], [Fawcett], and even [Oldenburg] were supportive throughout the process.”
Thomas Robson, a Supernovas assistant coach, said Londot is one of the few versatile players who stood out during the draft process because of her physicality at the point of attack.
“She serves/receives like very few opposites in the country. She can hit from the left and right, [her] physical at the block is a big threat, and she’s very successful with her blocking,” Robson said. “It’s just how physical she is at the net. So, for her to have that back row and come in, she is already one step ahead of 95% of other college athletes.
While the Buckeyes’ season ended Nov. 29 with a loss to Minnesota, Londot had a quick turnaround, as training camp and the beginning of the professional season are quickly approaching.
She said she’s taking this week off to rest and prepare for the upcoming season.
“Next week, I’ll get back into working out,” Londot said. “I’m going to stay off the volleyball court for a little bit longer, but I’m keeping my body and mind in common to stay ready to work hard.”
Robson said the team starts fresh every training camp, regardless of past achievements, and is eager to see the impact Londot will have.
With former Buckeye setter Mac Podraza already on the team, Londot’s excitement is building for what’s coming.
“Everybody is starting at square one when getting into training camp. Our goal is to make it as competitive a gym as possible,” Robson said. “She’s also previously played with Mac Podraza, so she can add some of that chemistry from playing three years together at Ohio State and will be excited to get into our gym. That’s what we’re looking forward to the most with her.”
Londot said she’s eager to join the team to experience the rich volleyball culture in Nebraska and come back to Columbus to play in her home state March 5.
“Nebraska is such a big volleyball state, so just experiencing the culture down there, and the game day experience with all of the fans, is what I’m most looking forward to,” Londot said. “And then, obviously, coming back to Columbus and playing.”
