We caught up with new Vibe Libero Zoe Jarvis. Jarvis has a championship pedigree at both the NCAA level and pro level with the talent and tenacity to help the Vibe on both ends of the floor. Check out the full interview below.
How did you first get interested in volleyball?
I tried a lot of different sports when I was young! Gymnastics, soccer, diving, etc. By age 5, my main sport was track & field and there was a local club that practiced at the same high school as my track practices, so when I was 9 my mom took me to a tryout! I enjoyed the challenge & the friends I got to play with… so I suppose little Zoe just fell in love with the camaraderie in the sport right then!
How did you become a Libero? Walk us through the intricacies of that position.
I was always a libero since I've always been the shortest! There's video of me at my first club tournament at 9 years old, legs so skinny my kneepads were sliding down my shins, and I'm running all over the court sprinting after every ball!
Liberos coordinate the defense and control the serve receive unit. It is our job to prevent opponents scoring & provide our five teammates on the court with high quality opportunities to score. As the youngest position in the sport, it is also still evolving as players and coaches innovate new ways to increase the impact of the position on the game.
Why did you choose to join the Vibe?
I chose to join the Vibe because of the way Bird, Kayla, Beau and the staff have built the project for 2027. From our initial conversations it was clear they're hungry to win championships and that energy spoke to me. I love being part of a program in full attack mode, so I can't wait to get down to Atlanta and get to work.
If you could distill your skills into one word that you’re bringing to the Vibe, what would you say?
Love! My relationship with volleyball has changed so much over the years. Early in my college career, I was fueled by anger and shame to the point where I almost quit the sport. I had to recalibrate my game around love. Love for teammates and mentors, for failures as well as the victories, for the opportunities and for the uncertainties. So that's what I bring with me now when I step onto the court.
You bring a wealth of championship experience to this team from the NCAA and pro level. What do you think is the biggest advantage from that experience or lesson that you can add to this team?
Haha well winning is another thing I love! As far as bringing any lessons, I don't think that'll be necessary. We have winners all over this roster. That kind of competitive environment makes everyone better.
You’ve also had significant experience with Team USA and USA Volleyball. How has that shaped your approach or skillset?
I think one of the biggest benefits has been exposure to different styles of volleyball. Volleyball is a global sport and there are a lot of differences between the US collegiate system and pro volleyball. Through playing with the National Team and professionally overseas, my volleyball horizons expanded far beyond where they would have been without those experiences.
What's your favorite restaurant in Atlanta?
I do have one! Atlanta has my fav burger restaurant in the US, Slutty Vegan!
What’s your favorite movie/book/tv show?
-Favorite movie is Avatar, favorite book is Flesh & Fire series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and my favorite TV show is Silo.
What’s your favorite place to travel?
Well, I prefer hot to cold & I love a beach… so Oahu, Rio & Marseille are three of my favorite places.
What’s your favorite volleyball memory?
The national championship match in 2022. That team had so much love for each other and to end our journey like that was a blessing.
If you could pepper with one celebrity, who would it be and why?
I'm not really big on celebrity culture but maybe Victor Wembanyama. I've been to a few of his games and he's an amazing athlete but I'd be most interested to talk about his mental approach to his sport. Plus, there's no way he didn't play volleyball when he was younger!