Sports are a major part of modern life. Whether one is a fan, athlete or coach, sports make their way into the lives of Americans across the country. One sport that has recently gained popularity at the high school, college and professional level is volleyball.
One place volleyball has seen an increase in popularity is in high schools. For high school-aged players, opportunities to play volleyball are found at school, with junior varsity and varsity teams, or in local clubs. According to ESPN, volleyball is the fastest growing sport in America for girls. This growth is evident in the increasing number of high schools who compete every year for a state championship. Volleyball has become popular because of its competitive nature, and it also teaches lessons that can be used on and off the court.
Meredith Burroughs, head coach of the junior varsity volleyball team at Spartanburg High School, outlines just a few of the lessons that she and players across the country learn by being part of a volleyball team.
“Volleyball teaches you to be responsible, punctual and a team player. Players need to be responsible for game attire, personal behavior and managing your emotions despite what’s happening on the court,” Burroughs said.
Not only is the number of volleyball players growing, but the number of volleyball fans is too. Similar to basketball, fans are attracted to the fast pace and high energy of volleyball. Something unique about volleyball is the creative cheers by the team that incorporates crowd participation which attracts fans.
Payson Valinski (12), who has attended multiple SHS volleyball matches, enjoys the atmosphere the volleyball games create and makes them fun to watch.
“I am a huge fan of the SHS volleyball matches. The energy of the games is super fun to be around, and the quick pace of the game makes it really cool to watch,” Valinski said.
Not only has volleyball seen growth at the high school level, but it has also seen growth at the collegiate level. With the Midwest historically dominating the sport in the Big 10 conference, schools in the SEC and ACC have made their way to the top. With over 20,000 players from DI to NAIA, the growth of volleyball has extended across the country.
At the beginning of the 2023 season, one key event that highlighted volleyball’s popularity was the record-breaking Nebraska vs. Omaha game. Instead of being played in their regular 8,000 capacity gym, Nebraska’s volleyball team played in their football stadium, which drew a record breaking 92,003 fans. By breaking this record for highest attendance at a women’s sporting event, previously held by a 1999 FIFA World cup game, Nebraska not only showed the country’s love for volleyball, but also the love for women’s sports.
Sydney McGuire (11), who plays on SHS’s varsity volleyball team, shares how this record-breaking game has made an impact on volleyball as well as women’s sports.
“For a college women’s game to break the world record for most attendance in a women’s sport with a number that men’s sports see typically, it shows that women’s sports may be getting recognition they deserve regardless of what people think about women’s sports,” McGuire said.
Residents of Spartanburg can support their high school teams and have the opportunity to attend matches at colleges such as USC Upstate, Wofford and Converse. So, whether playing a pickup game at the beach, supporting your local high school, or traveling to watch a college match up, volleyball has become a go-to activity for anyone and everyone.
