ATLANTA, Ga. (April 3) Volleyball has always been more than just a game for Kristen Tornese—it’s been a lifelong passion. From her early days playing in middle school to competing at the collegiate level, volleyball has shaped her journey in many ways. Now, as a devoted fan of the Atlanta Vibe, Kristen brings the same enthusiasm she had on the court to the stands, supporting the team with deep admiration and a strategic eye for the game.
A Setter’s Perspective on the Sport
Kristen’s love for volleyball isn’t just about watching, it’s about understanding the game’s nuances. As a former setter, she finds joy in analyzing team strategies, player movements, and in-game adjustments.
"I love watching volleyball and really understanding why things happen—why players shift, the strategy behind a set, and how teams adapt," Kristen shared. "As a setter, I always loved seeing how other setters turned plays into something amazing. That’s what makes the game so exciting for me."
Falling for the Vibe
Kristen’s journey as an Atlanta Vibe fan began as soon as she heard the city was getting a professional team. "As soon as I heard Atlanta was getting a volleyball team, I was so excited! And then to find out they were playing so close to home made it even better. I knew I had to follow them from the start."
Over the seasons, her connection with the team has only grown stronger. She loves tracking player performances, seeing familiar faces return each year, and witnessing how new teammates quickly form bonds to compete at the highest level.
"What’s amazing about this league is how fast these players create chemistry together,"Kristen said. "They don’t have much time to prepare for the season, but they come in and compete at such a high level right away."
A Courtside Memory to Remember
"I got down on the floor once, and it was amazing to see them play at that level. The strength, the height they get when they jump—it’s unbelievable! That was definitely ahighlight for me," she recalled.
Beyond the physicality of the sport, Kristen also enjoys following the storylines that develop throughout the season—who’s starting, how lineups change, and why certain plays are run in crucial moments. Her passion goes beyond just being a fan; she’s invested in the growth of the league and the opportunities it provides for athletes.
Growing the Game for Future Generations
For Kristen, following the Atlanta Vibe isn’t just about the here and now—it’s about the bigger picture of growing women’s volleyball in the U.S.
"The more the sport gets spotlighted, the more it helps extend opportunities for players, young girls, and even fans," she said. "We’ve seen what Nebraska did with their stadium match, and now that visibility needs to keep spreading to all teams. The fact that young girls can now watch pro volleyball in the U.S. is amazing. Just a few years ago, this didn’t even exist!"
Kristen believes the rise of professional women’s volleyball will continue to inspire the next generation. Whether or not young athletes play at the collegiate level, simply seeing the sport thrive gives them something to dream about.
"When you love doing something, you don’t want to stop. That’s why this league is so important—it gives athletes a chance to keep playing and for fans like me, it’s a dream come true."