More scintillating volleyball action is upon us! After the Pro Volleyball Federation’s successful inaugural run, the LOVB (League One Volleyball) also waits to boost the professional women’s volleyball scene further. Ahead of its launch later this week, LOVB Atlanta has acquired one of the country’s top athletes to highlight its dedication to giving NCAA stars a viable opportunity even after their collegiate days are over.

The governing body of the LOVB was announced back in 2020. It took almost five years to bring the dream to reality, and the anticipation for the league’s first edition is naturally sky-high. Making things even more titillating, LOVB Atlanta has added yet another emphatic star to its roster.

In a post on Instagram from January 5, the official LOVB Atlanta account shared news of the newest athlete to join its ranks. “She’s not returning to the west coast justttt yet!” reads the jubilant caption, as Pittsburgh Panthers’ enigmatic setter Rachel Fairbanks is revealed to be the new Atlanta star. “She was a 3x All-American, a 2024 Player of the Year Finalist, and the 2023 ACC Setter of the Year. Rachel was a key player in leading the Panthers to a historical four consecutive Final Four appearances,” The post went on to list the incredible achievements of Fairbanks.

Rachel is the most decorated setter in the Panther’s program history, as well as an “All-ACC and AVCA East Coast Region player is only the second Panther in program history to earn ACC Setter of the Year honors in 2023.” In terms of assists per set, Fairbanks ranks fourth in the Pittsburgh charts and is the eighth Panther athlete to cross 3,000 career assists. Thanks to her incredible performance last year, she also bagged the prestigious 2024 AVCA National Player of the Year award for the first time in the volleyball history of the Panthers.

The Panthers reached the national semifinals in the 2024 NCAA Championship as well, before they fell to Louisville. The senior Rachel Fairbanks was again a driving force behind Pittsburgh’s national campaign and will now pursue her love for volleyball in a professional setting as a LOVB Atlanta setter. However, lifting the trophy might not be easy for her anyway, as intimidating foes stand in Fairbanks’ way to the top.

LOVB Atlanta gearing up for a titular showdown ahead

LOVB will begin its run on January 8, and fans can’t wait to see how things pan out in its first year. After the PVF’s incredible stint in 2024, it’s evident that professional volleyball is enjoying a never-before-seen popularity in the USA, and League One Volleyball is expected to keep the momentum going. Along with Fairbanks, several other decorated NCAA stars will also be seen in action. Penn State’s OH Jess Mruzik has recently signed with LOVB Houston, while the Nebraska Huskers libero Lexi Rodriguez is en route to lend her expertise to the LOVB Omaha squad.

Texas Longhorns’ emphatic opposite hitter Madisen Skinner has joined the LOVB Austin team, while the 2023 AVCA National Player of the Year and the 2024 AVCA Player of the Year finalist Sarah Franklin will be waving LOVB Madison’s flag. Univ. Texas at San Antonio’s McKenzie Adams will join Rachel Fairbanks as a LOVB Atlanta player along with middle blocker Onye Ofoegbu. So which of these stars are you most excited to watch in their new roles? Tell us below!