Row after row, people fill the seats of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. However, it is not football they have come to see. On August 30, 2023, the Nebraska women’s volleyball team brought 92,003 people to watch their match against the University of Omaha. The Cornhuskers set a world record for the largest attendance at a women’s sporting event, further imprinting their mark on the rapidly growing interest in women’s volleyball.
College volleyball isn’t the only level that is getting more attention. The participation in high school teams all around the nation has skyrocketed. In a recent survey conducted by the National Education Association (NEA) , it was revealed that the number of girls high school volleyball players is at an all-time high of 479,125, second only to outdoor track and field at 506,015. College volleyball has become especially popular at this level in recent years, and because of this, many girls are interested in playing volleyball.
“It’s never too late to start something new if you’re passionate enough,” said Jocelyn Gross ‘24, a former EHS volleyball player who now plays division II at Felician University.
With the sport’s growing popularity, many new opportunities to play have emerged. The number of junior clubs registered with USA Volleyball has nearly doubled, allowing girls a wider age range to start their volleyball journey. With the increase of clubs nationwide also comes an increase in participation. A local club in New Jersey, CJVA has emerged as a relatively affordable option for girls of moderate to advanced skill looking to play year-round. According to AP News, there have been a record number of junior girls registered with clubs, with a dramatic increase of 40% since 2013 and 2014.
This earlier start to volleyball translates well to college volleyball and is one of the many reasons why teams like Nebraska have such increased interest and high viewership in recent years. This increase in expertise and fast-paced movement of the game keeps viewers engaged.
The stronger roots formed at a younger age are helping to grow the sport. “I started playing volleyball at a young age, and now I’m playing for a club team and for my school’s JV team,” Jia Desai ‘28 said.
Sarah Chittenden, a former Division II player at Kutztown University, grew up playing the sport. As a mother, she is now used to being on the sidelines, watching her own children play.
“As a spectator, my favorite part is observing all of the players as they contribute their individual skill on the court,” Chittenden said.
Popularity in women’s collegiate sports has a positive effect not just on the spectators, but also on the players, providing more opportunities for them at the professional level. During the 2024 season, senior libero Lexi Rodriguez of Nebraska announced she would be playing at LOVB Omaha, a professional volleyball league. Rodriguez holds the Cornhuskers’ record for career digs. Accordingly, she has amassed a large fanbase. Since her announcement about going pro, there have been more people watching than ever before, showing the personal impact one person can have on a women’s program.
Since its start, women’s volleyball has grown in popularity and skill. The increased viewership, passionate fanbase, and popular players help make volleyball one of the most popular women’s sports. This attention benefits not only eager spectators but also collegiate players. They get to play the sport they love at a higher level and improve not only in volleyball but also in other aspects of life.
“The opportunity and experience was something that shaped me into the person that I am today,” said Gross.