Culture of the Vibe: Q&A with Regan Pittman and Kacie Evans

By Anna Porter

 

The Atlanta Vibe have made a statement in the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation, clinching the No. 1 spot in the league’s postseason tournament, and seemingly claiming every other “No. 1” in the league on their way to the top. The success has had fans asking what is making this team leap beyond expectations. Following the conclusion of the regular season, middle blocker Regan Pittman and outside hitter Kacie Evans both shared their thoughts on the team’s success, as well as the impact volleyball has on their lives. Ultimately, the team has successfully created a culture that is based on accepting one another for who they are, ecstatic about and welcoming the differences that each individual brings to the team.

Q: On and off the court it’s easy to see you all have so much great chemistry. Where did that come from and how much is it helping you all this season?

Pittman: “On this team, we are all grown women. We all know that if we are in the wrong we will own up to it and go apologize. To be a part of a group that is accepting and loving is so special. Everyone here knows who they are and easily accepts one another for their differences.”

Evans: “From what I have seen, especially as a rookie, this team is the picture of professionalism. For example, we’ve absolutely argued in the film room before, usually going back and forth for a while, but in the end we do it because we all care and we want to make sure we’re on the same page. No one gets their feelings hurt because we’re all in this in the same way, and that to me just shows the level of professionalism we’re talking about with this team.”

Pittman: “The other thing this team is so good at is being able to recognize when it gets too serious and breaking up that tension with a joke right at the perfect time. We just know how to have fun with the game and stay loose.”

Evans: “Oh yeah 100%. It is a game that we love but in the end, we all know it’s just a game. Yeah, I am so proud to be a part of this team.”

 

Regan Pittman competed for the University of Minnesota from 2016 – 2021, not having many intentions to continue volleyball once she finished. Pittman took a few years to be away from volleyball, and prior to jumping on the opportunity to play professionally with the Vibe, Pittman rediscovered her love for the sport and combined it with her own business aspirations to start Stand Tall Volleyball Academy. Pittman set the organization’s motto to “be who you are, be proud of who you are, and create an environment where people will stand tall in who they are.” Stand Tall Volleyball hopes to change volleyball programs to better assimilate these values into the culture of teams.

Q: Where did the name Stand Tall come from?

Pittman: “Well I sat with my dad, my businessman, at the NCAA tournament in 2021 and was trying to think of names. A player on a competing team who I am very close with was hunched over and I poked my friend in the back and said girl, 'stand tall and be proud'! It just felt right and from there it stuck.”   

 

Kacie Evans finished her last season at the University of Georgia this past fall, starting her rookie season in the professional world this January after joining the Vibe’s preseason roster as an undrafted free agent. Almost immediately Evans recognized the increased pace of the game at the pro level. Having less experience in the professional world than her other teammates, Evans understood the importance of having grace with herself in the adjustment period. This instilled in her practice of prioritizing positive self-talk, always focusing on what she achieved that day and what areas she can improve upon.

Q: How has your mindset shifted from college to professional volleyball?

Evans: “Changing my mindset on failures was a huge step I knew I needed to take in my self-talk. I realized that failures can lead to better successes, because each time I fail I’m learning more about how to succeed. Viewing these situations as little victories has been the best lesson I have learned so far in the professional volleyball world.”

 

The team goes into the playoffs all with the same expectation they’ve had all year: bring home the trophy. With the mixture of professionalism and chemistry, the Vibe are heading to Omaha with high standards.

Q: How will you achieve your goal of winning the league?

Evans: “If it’s going to take us arguing, chucking balls at each other, or making a silly joke, that is what we’ll do. They way I help drive our energy is making strict eye contact and telling my teammates that we are going to do it. Overall, our communication on this team is so special.”

Pittman: “There is a pyramid of success that applies here. Knowing yourself, knowing your teammates, knowing championship behavior, knowing volleyball and dedication. Once you can start knowing yourself, then we can start talking about knowing your teammates and so on up the pyramid. I believe everyone has committed to that mindset and ir really does show in our locker room.”

 

The team’s collaboration and constant support have fostered an environment where the players feel safe and heard. From lively locker room dance parties to holding each other accountable, this team has shown a true sense of professionalism. The Vibe consist of mature women who come from all different backgrounds, but have come together under the common goal of winning a championship, resulting in each player taking on the role that is called upon them. As emphasized by Kacie and Regan, the team operates under one condition: together or not at all.

The Vibe will now head to Omaha, Neb. for the single-site Pro Volleyball Federation championship, with the semifinal round on Wednesday, May 15 and the championship match set for Saturday, May 18. All matches in the tournament will air nationally on CBS Sports Network.