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 collage or professional game before but I feel like it would be fun to go too. I think volleyball will gain more attention in more years especially with addition of these leagues.
I agree, I think that most people would find a professional volleyball game fun simply because of the atmosphere and the competiveness of the game.
I personally, have never attended a college/professional volleyball game, however, I would go to one if given the option. I think that the league will continue, as it grows and its fanbase grows. I think that volleyball will gain more popularity.
I have never attened a college or professional volleyball game. I think I might like to go to one, just to see what it is like. I am not sure if the PVF will continue because I do not think there is a big fan base. But I hope that it gains more popularity and continues to be a sport for everyone to enjoy.
I completely agree. I hope that as the league grows in numbers, so will the number of fans and supporters that are needed to keep the league going.
I've never attended a college/professional volleyball game it could be fun though and I think it will gain more popularity with the league as more people will hear about volleyball and wan't to play it.
I have never attended a college or professional volleyball game. I like to watch volleyball however. A sport where you should never drop the ball is always going to be fun to watch. I think volleyball will gain more popularity because of this league, because it will get the sport out to the public more.
I agree, I think the publicity and marketing that has been done by the PVF has increased viewers tremendously and promoted their new league.
I have never attended a college or professional level volleyball game. I don't think I would watch one since I don't really know the volley ball rules or how the game works. I think it would continue since they are starting to get more people. I think volleyball could gain more popularity because of the league showing more people and giving people more attention.
I have never attended a college level volleyball game. I do not really watch volleyball nor play, so I do not think that it would be intresting. I think that they may continue because of thier performace now and it is showing more people the sport.
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