Volleyball, originally called mintonette, has evolved from a humble beginning to a global sport. The popular game can be traced back to Massachusetts, USA, where it was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan. Morgan introduced volleyball as an alternative activity for those who found basketball too physically demanding. The concept of volleyball took inspiration from several sports combined into one: the ball from basketball, the net from tennis, and the use of hands from handball. In addition, innings, now known as sets, were borrowed from baseball in order to make the game more competitive. Morgan presented the game at the YMCA Physical Director’s Conference where it officially became a nationally recognized sport in 1896.
Today, volleyball is played by over 46 million people nationally and over 800 million people globally. Athletes in the United States can participate in volleyball club teams, recreational leagues, or play at the collegiate level. However, professional volleyball in the US has seen limited success. Numerous attempts have been made to start professional indoor women’s volleyball leagues. For instance, Major League Volleyball was a women’s volleyball league with six teams that played for two-and-a-half seasons from 1987 to 1989. Unfortunately, the league ended due to financial losses. The most recent attempt includes the institution of the Pro Volleyball Federation that was announced in 2022. The league currently consists of seven teams from around the country, including a local team out of Omaha, NE, the Omaha Supernovas. The league plans to add three new teams for the 2025 season. The Pro Volleyball Federation has received tremendous support from former athletes, singers, and of course, the fans. The future of professional volleyball in the United States is promising.
As a volleyball player, I was more than excited to hear of a professional volleyball league beginning in my home country. I recently had the opportunity to attend a professional volleyball game in Omaha, NE. I got to watch our hometown celebrity, Jess Schaben, play alongside other incredible athletes from around the world. I can’t wait to see the league continue to grow and inspire young athletes nationwide.
Have you attended a college/professional volleyball game? If not, would you like to?
Do you think the PVF will continue? Why or why not?
Do you think volleyball will gain more popularity because of this league? Why or why not?
Wikipedia - Volleyball in the United States
Replies
I have not attended a college-level volleyball game but I would like to go to one and watch. Yes, I think it will continue because it is a big thing and I don't think it will get shut down. I think that volleyball will gain more popularity because it is interesting and entertaining.
I have attended some college games and they were really fun to watch. The competitiveness of the players especially during professional volleyball games is so great to watch. I think that volleyball will gain more popularity because of this league through more people being able to watch because they will have a team near them.
I agree, the level of volleyball is so high and so competitive that it makes the game much more entertaining and fun to watch!
I have not attended any volleyball events. I think its a smart idea of having a league to watch and support. Yea I love the pvf its so good to hit the points of volleyball. But Mr Jim Bruck has tought me to be a vollyball ref and teaches the fundamentals
I probably won't go to college or attend to and I don't like sports. Maybe I don't know, it probably will. It might will because how fun it is but I don't watch or play volleyball.
I have never been to a collage vollyball game but I do enjoy watching vollyball and I think it would be fun to go to a collage one. I think the PVF will continue jusr because that is how it is now and they probley wont make changes. I think that volly ball is growing and will continue.
No I have never attended a college/professional volleyball game but I would like to with my friend that loves volleyball. I think that the PVF will continue to grow. Yes I think that volleyball will gain more popularity becasue this leage.
I agree, I think people who understand the game are more likely to enjoy watching/going to a game. I hope that more people take advantage of the cheaper season tickets as the league begins.
I have not been to a college or profesional college volleyball game, I think it would be a fun to watch one and go to one. I thnk that it will continue to grow and i think more teams will be created and join. I do think that volleyball will become more popular because of this league as it allows volleyball players to continue their dreams.
I agree, I think this new league gives athletes to continue their careers close to their home and in their home country.
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