The Atlanta Vibe is gearing up for a historic moment as they set to host their first-ever home game at the Gas South Arena tonight at 7 p.m. The Vibe, Atlanta's first women's professional volleyball team, will face off against the San Diego Mojo, looking to continue their undefeated streak. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the team's roster was crafted from a competitive training camp last month, with head coach Todd Dagenais leading the helm, and former Atlanta Dream president Theresa Wenzel overseeing the operations as team president.
Amidst the busy transformation of the Duluth arena from ice rink to volleyball court, coach Dagenais is quoted in an AJC interview promising an unparalleled experience, "It’s going to be nothing they’ve ever seen before." The Vibe comprises a part of the seven-team Pro Volleyball Federation's inaugural season, aiming to provide athletes with a platform to play at their sport's highest levels domestically.
With Standard salaries for first-year players on par with those of WNBA first-years, the Federation is making strides to support its athletes financially. The Pro Volleyball Federation Championship is on the horizon, set to take place the weekend of May 16, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. In addition, fans can look forward to seeing the Vibe in action again at their home court on February 9, as they take on the Grand Rapids Rise.
Star outside hitter Leah Edmond, the league's first signee, is not only making history but also setting an example for future female athletes, especially within the Black community. "Little girls can be like, ‘No, I want to go play professional volleyball!’" Edmond told AJC. The Vibe's representation of Atlanta's resilience and fire is something Edmond is proud of, further exemplified by their all-close set wins thus far into the season.
Despite the newness of the PVF, the Atlanta Vibe seems to have already captured the city's support, with an attendance record set during their first match against the Omaha Supernovas. Dagenais envisions a home-court advantage that's unmatched, where opponents "absolutely fear coming into" because of the vibrant crowd energy. Fans are expected to rally behind their new team, bringing the Atlanta culture and spirit to the stands as the Vibe strive for championship glory.
