By Zelda Saltzman
ATLANTA, Ga. (December 13, 2024) - With the NCAA Volleyball Tournament moving into the next round, nostalgia is at an all-time high for many Vibe players, especially those who shared the court with one another in college. Whether former teammates, or opponents, over half of the team have played together prior to donning a Vibe jersey. Stepping into Georgia State’s practice facility, you immediately sense a tight-knit atmosphere. It is clear their memories from past teams created a familiarity with each other which fostered a strong sense of togetherness and heart with the Vibe.
McKenna Vicini and Morgan Hentz are no strangers to playing in red, or rather crimson, jerseys. Both hailing from the state of Kentucky, McKenna and Morgan shared the court during their collegiate careers at Stanford. "My teammates were my second family and the time we shared together will always be what I remember most fondly!” Morgan said.
One of those teammates? McKenna Vicini. “Kenna is an incredible middle but an even better teammate! She works her tail off and I’m so excited to play with her again!” The feeling for McKenna was mutual. “For starters, Morgan is an incredible leader-–she pushes herself and everyone around her to be better, and I’m so grateful to experience that again. And of course, she is an insane athlete and can read the game unlike anyone else I know."
Even though they only shared one season together at Stanford, it was an unforgettable one––in 2019, Stanford took home the NCAA Championship. “I am still so proud of all of my teammates and coaches...I truly could not have had a better team of role models than I did as a freshman that year,” McKenna recalls.
Moving slightly east of California, are Kamaile “Mai Mai” Hiapo and Whitney Bower, teammates who played together at Brigham Young University in Utah. At BYU, the libero and setter were inseparable, even though they only shared one season together. “Whitney and I, we kind of clicked right away when I transferred to BYU. I’ve never had someone that matched my intensity and my style of play...we both knew that we wanted to take that next step in our careers together and it just happened to be at Atlanta.” MaiMai said.
Though it’s hard to believe, when these players started playing college volleyball, there was no professional volleyball league in the US. “I did not know of that many opportunities or what it would look like or even if I had a chance to play pro.”
Mai Mai described hearing about the draft as “perfect timing” as the players were wrapping up their college seasons. “Having the draft be an option, for the first year ever, was just so incredibly amazing and something to look forward to.” That it was. The pair got calls from Atlanta offering a spot on the inaugural roster within ten minutes of one another. “As soon as Mai Mai got her call she called to tell me that she got drafted, before she even told her family. I did the same thing ten minutes later...we were so stoked and so excited just to be able to go through it together and not be alone at all.”
Anna Dixon, Marlie Monserez, and incoming draft pick, Merritt Beason, all know a thing or two about playing in the South. Although they didn’t all play at the same time (Marlie and Merritt overlapped for the 2021 season *before Merritt transferred to Nebraska*, and Anna played during the 2023 season), there is a certain understanding amongst players who played under the same coach, in front of the same fans, and on the same court.
Throughout their shared time at Florida, the trio totaled 264 sets played, 582 points, and 402 kills (per 2021 and 2023 individual player statistics). It is this drive and determination that makes them unstoppable with the Vibe. Off the court, the Gator background bonds the three as well. “It’s been great to have Marlie with me as I go through this transition and she’s been an amazing role model to me on and off court,” Anna said. Soon, Merritt will also be joining her former teammates at training camp.
When asked about the advice Anna and Marlie would give Merritt and other incoming PVF draft picks, Marlie explained: “When it comes to the transition from college to pro, the advice I would give is to have a growth mindset, but also don’t forget about the things that separated you from everyone else in college.” Anna seconded this, “I would say the biggest thing is to continue to grow every day and have an open mindset...Believe in yourself because you’re here for a reason.”
One of the Vibe’s greatest assets is community. Whether forged prior to being in Atlanta, or found through new connections made each season, there is a palpable positive energy from players on this team. Get tickets for our home opener on January 16th! And while you wait for the season to begin, don’t forget to tune in to the final games of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
About the Atlanta Vibe
The Atlanta Vibe is one of eight teams competing in the Professional Volleyball Federation’s historic second season in 2025. As Atlanta’s professional women’s indoor volleyball team and the city’s second fully professional women’s sports team, the Vibe continues to build a legacy in women’s sports. For more information, visit atlantavibe.com.
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