Episode 143: Why Not Us featuring Dr. Anitra Brockman & Victor Vitarelli

In Episode 143 of The USA Volleyball Show, host Steven Munson sits down with Dr. Anitra Brockman, head men's volleyball coach at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and Victor Vitarelli, director of the ESPN original documentary *Why Not Us?*, which chronicles the historic launch of UMES’s first Division I men’s volleyball program—the first at a traditionally Black college or university (HBCU). The episode dives into the journey of building a team from scratch over 18 months, highlighting the challenges of recruitment, roster limits, and the emotional weight of being trailblazers. Anitra shares her unique path into coaching—despite not playing volleyball herself—and her philosophy centered on character, family culture, and holistic development. Victor reflects on the storytelling process, the emotional highs and lows of filming, and the powerful moments that didn’t make the final cut. The conversation culminates in a celebration of the team’s inaugural season, their 12-7 record, and the documentary’s release on ESPN+ on March 27, with a special watch party planned after their NEC conference match. The episode underscores the transformative power of opportunity, diversity, and community in collegiate sports. Key takeaways include: 1) Building a Division I program from scratch requires intentional culture-building, even before players arrive on campus; 2) Representation matters—Anitra Brockman is the first Black woman to lead a Division I men’s volleyball program, breaking barriers in a historically underrepresented sport; 3) The power of player-led culture, where athletes co-create team standards and values; 4) The importance of mentorship and support networks in overcoming self-doubt and systemic barriers; 5) The emotional and logistical challenges of launching a new program, including last-minute travel disruptions and roster decisions; 6) The lasting impact of programs like the First Point Volleyball Foundation’s $250,000 grant, which enabled this historic moment; 7) The idea that 'win or win' means growth regardless of the outcome—learning and resilience are victories in themselves; and 8) The broader message that this team represents not just volleyball, but the possibility of equal access and opportunity for underrepresented youth in sports.