ATLANTA — The popularity of women's sports continues to grow as the Atlanta VIBE Pro volleyball team takes on their first season.
Atlanta VIBE volleyball players are off to a great start, winning both of their down-to-the-wire matches on the road. As they return home, a surprise investor will be in the crowd cheering them on -- Former NBA player and Atlanta Hawk Paul Millsap.
The 4-time NBA All-Star chose to invest in the team because he saw how much the sport meant to his own daughters, who played volleyball in high school.
"I see the energy. I see the enthusiasm. I see women leading out there," said the former NBA player. "And that's awesome to see because I got four daughters, and for them to look on TV or look on social media and see women out there empowering, it's an amazing feeling."
He added in his role he would function as a mentor to the women as a professional athlete and 16-year NBA pro.
Colleen Craig, the founder of the team, said she and Millsap wanted to continue and invest in the "future of women's sports," ultimately leading to his new role.
"We started sharing the vision of what the Atlanta vibe is and what it means to us, which is about the community, about bringing folks together," she said.
Craig added as volleyball becomes the "most watched female sport," she believes people should begin to pay more attention to the sport.
"I hope people will give that a chance and show what this platform can do. Because it's been, I would call it, chosen organically," the owner added.
The volleyball team will play at Gas South Arena all season long, beginning Thursday night at 7 p.m. against San Diego.
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at WhereAtlantaSpeaks@11Alive.com.