Volleyball, which was created in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1895, has endured the test of time. William G. Morgan of the YMCA developed this game as a less physically demanding option for older men instead of basketball. Originally named Mintonette, it requires two teams to keep a large ball airborne over a tall net by using their hands to hit it before it hits the ground. Presently, volleyball is widely favored by women at high school, college, and Olympic levels.
The origins of volleyball can be traced back to the influence of basketball and baseball, with the addition of a tennis net. Initially, the height of the net was set at six foot six inches, which was approximately the average height of a man. At that time, there were no specific rules regarding team size or limitations on how many times one side could touch the ball before returning it over the net. It was in 1916 in the Philippines that players introduced the concept of set and hit (or spike), leading to them “volleying” the ball back and forth across the net (Oden).
Other than the YMCA, several other organizations also played a role in spreading volleyball. The sport became popular among soldiers in the US military and was enjoyed during their free time. Soldiers shared their knowledge of the game with each other and taught it to local schools, unintentionally introducing it to different countries. Nowadays, volleyball is still played in the military and has become a competitive activity for leisure hours. Teams comprising both male and female players have been formed within branches like the Army and Navy.
They have a set schedule of games to compete against one another during the time that they have. These games are open to everyone on the particular base and they do encourage outside participation. When volleyball began, it was an indoor sport only. Around the 1920’s, the game was brought to the beach for the first time. Where the first beach game was played is still a debate today, but the theory says it was either in Santa Monica, CA or The Outrigger Canoe Club in Hawaii. Along with the game being played outside on the beach came beach tournaments.
These tournaments began in 1948, but the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) was established around 1983. The AVP is specifically for professional beach volleyball players who aspire to travel worldwide. Membership in the AVP is a full-time job, providing opportunities to play volleyball and receive payment for it (Ace). Earning a living from volleyball requires dedication, skill, and preparation. Without these essential traits, success within the AVP is unattainable.
In July 7, 1986, volleyball gained popularity among college students through the first official volleyball game played at Springfield College (Westlake High School Athletic Department). Since then, numerous individuals have received scholarships to pursue their volleyball career from high school to college. However, the concept of college scholarships for volleyball is relatively new. Despite the sport’s existence for over a century, UCLA was the first to grant a scholarship for college volleyball forty years ago. Prior to that, college volleyball was not widely recognized, and funding for scholarships was not allocated.
Beach volleyball was introduced, making volleyball more popular. However, it was not recognized in the Olympics until 1964, and only indoor volleyball was included. In 1996, beach volleyball was added, becoming one of the most popular sports in the Olympics. Under Coach Hugh McCutcheon’s guidance, the USA won their first gold medal in Men’s volleyball. Despite learning of a family tragedy before the game, McCutcheon remained composed and led his team to victory.
After winning with the men in Beijing in 2008, McCutcheon took on a new challenge as coach for the Olympic women’s volleyball team (Brewer). He viewed this as an opportunity for personal growth and an extraordinary coaching experience with both national teams, which he has thoroughly enjoyed despite the difficulties (gtd. in Brewer). The women’s team, currently ranked first globally, earned a silver medal at the 2011 World Cup and has maintained a flawless record of 14-0 while securing their third consecutive victory at the World Grand Prix.
McCutcheon believes that despite not having won a gold medal yet, the women are determined and in a perfect position to claim it (Brewer). It is remarkable to think about how a game that was originally played by older men has now become a competitive sport in schools and even part of the Olympic games. Throughout my journey, I have always had fantasies about the amazing possibility of making a living by playing, just like many others do, starting with college and then advancing further. However, my dream was crushed during my senior year of high school because of injuries.
Works Cited Ace. AVP is back! 12 April 2012. Web. 05 Nov. 2012 Brewer, Parke. US Women’s Volleyball Team Seeks 1st Olympic Gold. 25 July 2012. Web. 05 Nov. 2012 Oden, Beverly. Volleyball History 101. 2012. Web. 05 Nov. 2012 School, Westlake High. Volleyball Brief History. 2011. Web. 06 Nov. 2012. “volleyball” Collins English Dictionary – Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers. Web. 05 Nov. 2012
