VIS Mentor Morgan Hentz was selected to compete in the inaugural PVF All-Star Game for the Atlanta Vibe, a significant milestone in her professional career. As a three-time National Champion at Stanford University, Hentz established herself as one of the top liberos in the country, known for her relentless work ethic and leadership on and off the court. We talked to her about what this honor means, the growth of women’s sports, mental health in athletics, and her advocacy beyond volleyball.
A Milestone Moment and Growing the Game
Hentz was honored when she got word that she would be a part of the All-Star game, a milestone in her professional career. “There are so many talented players in the PVF, and I feel incredibly grateful to represent the Atlanta Vibe. The volleyball world is small, so I’m excited to play alongside familiar faces and meet new ones,” Hentz says.
Beyond the excitement of competing, Hentz recognizes the broader impact of increased VISibility for women’s sports. “I think it’s been proven and shown that when there’s more coverage for women’s sports, the number of viewers and fans grow,” she says. “Growing up, I can’t remember watching any professional women’s sports aside from the Olympics on television. I hope we’re changing that trend for young women in the U.S. and specifically for young volleyball players.”
The PVF All-Star Game, broadcast on CBS, played a crucial role in bringing women’s professional volleyball to a national audience. “Having the All-Star Game on CBS will allow more people to access professional volleyball in the U.S.,” Hentz says. “We’re so grateful for this coverage because the more exposure we get, the more the sport can grow.”
The Importance of Mental Well-Being
Hentz understands that success isn’t solely about performance on the court – it’s also about mental well being. As a professional athlete, she emphasizes the importance of mental health alongside physical training. “I think it’s really important to invest just as much time in your mental health as your physical health,” Hentz shares. “I’ve found that the better balance I have in my life, the more at peace and fulfilled I feel. As much as I love being a volleyball player, it’s just a part of who I am—not my entire identity.”
The PVF and Atlanta Vibe prioritize athlete well-being, recognizing the mental toll of professional sports. Anna Porter, the Vibe’s Communications and Marketing Manager, explains how the organization supports its players both on and off the court.
“Growing up, I can’t remember watching any professional women’s sports aside from the Olympics on television. I hope we’re changing that trend for young women in the U.S. and specifically for young volleyball players.”
“We prioritize our athletes as human beings before anything else,” Porter says. “The PVF league provides access for every athlete to mental health training and services, knowing that being a pro athlete is a privilege but also not easy.” The demands of professional sports – constant evaluation, rigorous training, and frequent travel – is not just physically challenging, but mentally as well.
“Pro athletes generally have a very public life with an intense schedule that requires both physical and mental training, a fair amount of travel (14 road matches in 4.5 months), an immediate score card through wins/losses, are constant evaluation/scrutinization by fans while also enduring ever changing landscapes depending on the facility you are practicing and playing in,” Porter adds. “We also work to provide top level recovery equipment so our athletes can rest and recover as schedules permit.”
Family, Support, and Advocacy
For Hentz, family has been a constant source of strength throughout her career, helping her navigate the inevitable challenges of professional sports. “Most athletes who reach the professional level have experienced self-doubt at some point,” she says. “I’ve had injuries that really tested my patience. In those tough moments, I lean on my loved ones. My family is my rock—they’ve helped me get to this point in my career.”
Beyond volleyball, Hentz is also passionate about advocating for the neurodivergent community, inspired by her younger brother, who is autistic. She and her family support New Perceptions in Northern Kentucky, a nonprofit that helps individuals with developmental disabilities gain meaningful opportunities to learn and grow. “Whenever my family and I can support New Perceptions or similar organizations, we will,” Hentz says.
By competing in the PVF All-Star Game, Hentz isn’t just representing the Atlanta Vibe: She’s helping shape the future of professional women’s volleyball. Through her advocacy for mental health, athlete well-being, and the neurodivergent community, she continues to inspire the next generation of players while helping grow the game at the highest level.
