Free Agency: What Does that Mean for the Vibe?

ATLANTA, Ga. (Sep. 23, 2024) - The season is coming right around the corner! What does that mean for the Vibe? Two words. Free agency. Fresh faces are joining the Vibe’s roster, sparking exciting change to the gym. With nine new signees and the college draft scheduled at the end of the year. Atlanta’s vision is set on a championship, Atlanta is assembling a squad of elite performers to bring home the prize.

 

WHO’S COMING BACK?

The Atlanta Vibe is bringing back eight players from the 2024 roster ensuring lots of familiar faces back on the court. Including welcoming back MVP outside hitter Leah Edmond, starting setter Marlie Monserez and Libero of the Year Morgan Hentz anchoring in experience and leadership. Front-row powerhouses, Shelly Fanning and Karis Watson will be back alongside Kacie Evans, Kamalie Hiapo, and Whitney Bower. With a new head coach, Kayla Banwarth, is ready to build up this team stating, “the process to build team culture will be the key to success.” With impactful players returning, the Vibe have a firm foundation to create an unstoppable team.

WHO’S NEW?

The Vibe is thrilled to announce the addition of nine standout players to the roster! Offensively the front row will see some changes with the arrival of three opposites, three outsides, and two middles. Opposites Courtney Buzzerio, Shainah Joseph, and Aiko Jones will all be pivotal blocking forces. Buzzerio competed for Pitt, earning a spot on the AVCA 1^st team All-American in her final collegiate year in 2022. Shainah Joseph dominated her college career at the University of Florida, while also bringing in international experience as she was also a part of the Canadian National team. Aiko Jones, who is fresh off her final season as a Louisville Cardinal in 2023, obtaining multiple honors on the AVCA All-East Region.

With the tenacious defensive efforts of libero Nomaris Velez-Agosto, now in her remarkable 13th year of professional volleyball, the Vibe are poised to significantly disrupt their opponents’ kill percentage. Velez-Agosto, a seasoned veteran who has showcased her talents across various leagues in Puerto Rico, brings unparalleled experience and a relentless drive to the court.

Outside hitters Anna Dixon, Jenaisya Moore, and Pia Timmer will expand the Vibe’s depth in the roster, bringing high-class athleticism to the court. Dixon shares the same alma mater as Joseph, finishing her collegiate career as a Gator in 2023. In addition to competing for Florida, Dixon has experience on the USA Collegiate National Team in 2022. Jenaisya Moore competed for the University of Tennessee, receiving multiple awards in her final season in 2023 – AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, All-SEC Team, and AVCA Southeast Region. Pia Timmer, a standout at Washington State, holding a spot on the Pac-12 All-Conference First Team all four years from 2019-2023.

Middle blockers Jenna Rosenthal and McKenna Vicini were pivotal players in the PVF this previous season. Their invaluable experience will bring a new set of eyes to the Vibe’s front row. Rosenthal participated in three seasons in leagues abroad before taking time off to pursue a civil engineering career, to then rediscovering her passion for volleyball still. She is entering her second season being a part of the ProVolleyball Federation. Vicini earned high accolades during her collegiate career at Stanford, being a two-time All-Pac 12 Conference honorable mention.

The sheer talent filling the Vibe’s gym is nothing short of exciting, energizing, and invigorating. New faces, same mission! To learn more about the season, continue to check the site for the schedule release and updates on upcoming events! You won’t want to miss a moment of action!

 

 

About the Atlanta Vibe

The Atlanta Vibe are one of eight teams competing in the Professional Volleyball Federation’s historic second season in 2025. The Vibe are Atlanta’s very first professional women’s indoor volleyball team and the city’s second fully professional women’s sports team. For more information, visit atlantavibe.com.

 

 

Follow us on Social

Instagram | TikTok | Twitter/X | Facebook