The Growth of Women’s Volleyball & The Impact of Title IX

History of the Sport & the Vast Growth Over Since its Inception

In 1895, a physical education instructor in the U.S. invented volleyball, which he thought would be less demanding than basketball. It quickly became popular, and women started playing organized matches during the 1900s. It wasn't until the 20th century that the sport truly took off as a competitive activity.

Volleyball's growth during the 1940s and 1950s was significant, with several international and national competitions being held. The first Women's World Championship took place in 1952 in Moscow, and it was organized by the FIVB.

In 1964, women's volleyball was added to the Olympic Games. The debut of the sport at the Tokyo Olympics was very significant, as it demonstrated the skill and athletic abilities of the players. It also encouraged other women to participate.

The United States won a gold medal in women's volleyball at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The victory was one of the highlights of the event, as the team defeated Brazil, which has been their rival for many years. Including women's volleyball at the Olympics was a significant step for the sport. Through an agreement with Athletes Unlimited, ESPN was able to carry the live coverage of the women's volleyball playoffs and the fall season.

The passion and dedication shown by the individuals who have made women's volleyball such a global sport are a testament to its success. The sport's dynamic nature and the players' athletic abilities have made it an incredibly popular choice for spectators.

The rise of professional leagues in various countries has led to an increase in the number of athletes moving to different countries to pursue higher-level careers. This has also resulted in better quality of play and a greater sense of belonging among players from varying backgrounds.

The landscape of women's volleyball is full of diversity and growth. From diverse regions all around the globe, the sport's rising popularity shows the dedication of organizers, players, and coaches. It also bodes well for its future as a major global sport.

One of the world's most prominent volleyball events is the FIVB Women's World Championship, which takes place every four years. The tournament dates back to 1952 and has featured some of the sport's most prominent teams, such as Russia, China, and Cuba.

Apart from crowning the world's best team, the tournament also significantly affects the sport's visibility. The 2018 event, which was held in Japan, was watched by millions of viewers all around the world.

Besides the Olympics and the World Championship, other global events also play a vital role in promoting the sport. These include the European Championship and the FIVB Women's Nations League.

These tournaments provide teams with an opportunity to improve their skills and reach a higher level, which allow fans to get involved by watching and participating in the sport.

Through the efforts of Athletes Unlimited, Real Pro Volleyball, and LOVB, women are able to excel in their home countries by attracting sponsorships.

Since its inception in 2021, LOVB has raised over $24 million. It has been supported by various prominent individuals such as NBA star Kevin Durant, tennis icon Billie Jean King, and comedian Chelsea Handler. These types of sponsors are vital to the success of the sport and the retention of talent in the country.

The goal of these networks is to provide female professional athletes with the same opportunities that their male counterparts have in real professional arenas. It aims to bridge the gap between the recognition and earning power of women's volleyball and that of men's.

The Title IX legislation, which was enacted in 1972, has greatly impacted women's volleyball. It has led to a rise in participation, resources, and opportunities for athletes. It has also ensured that women are treated fairly in athletic programs.

The passage of Title IX has led to a significant increase in the number of women participating in high school and collegiate volleyball. For instance, one study revealed that the number of females participating in sports increased by over a thousand percent following the law's passage. This is directly linked to the enhanced opportunities that it provided.

Since schools are required by Title IX to provide equal opportunities for female and male athletes, their budgets have gone up. There have also been improvements in facilities and scholarships for women's volleyball.

The women's volleyball team at Gonzaga University for example experienced various improvements, such as better training facilities and access to equipment.

Despite the various obstacles that women's volleyball still faces, Title IX has played a significant role in the sport's evolution.

Around 20 years ago, girls had more opportunities to play sports such as soccer and basketball. The number of clubs participating in USA Volleyball has significantly increased since, due to the country's emergence as a world-class volleyball nation. The sport has also gained widespread exposure through social media and television. There were just approximately 1,750 junior clubs registered with USA volleyball around 2004-2005, and that number has since turned into close to 4,000.

In 2009, around 13,000 spectators watched the NCAA Division I volleyball tournament's championship match in Tampa. That number drastically changed approximately 14 years later, when the event's attendance record was broken when 19,598 people watched the semifinals in Amalie Arena.

With its fast-paced nature, volleyball is also well-suited for digital platforms and social media. It is benefiting from the increasing recognition of its commercial potential, which is a result of the broader trend of investing in women's athletics.

The popularity of professional women's volleyball in the US has been growing, as several leagues have started to attract significant viewership. This is attributed to the sport's growing popularity among college and grassroots players. Also, the increased media attention and investment in the leagues has helped boost attendance and viewership.

Check out the teams that are currently dominating the Pro Volleyball Federation and some of the reasons for their success!

The Omaha Supernovas are a popular professional volleyball team due to their passionate following, strong ownership, and an engaging atmosphere. Regarded as the best team in the league and having set attendance records, they are owned by prominent individuals such as Jason Derulo and Chris Erickson, who bring both business and celebrity power to the table.

Key players:

• Bethania de la Cruz

• Hristina Vuchkova

• Brooke Nuneviller

Average home attendance: 9,656

The Columbus Fury is an American professional volleyball team that's based in Ohio. It's popular due to various factors, such as its status as the only team in the state that's professional. Since the team started, the Fury has gained a passionate following, with fans going to the games at the popular Nationwide Arena.

Its ownership group, which includes prominent individuals such as Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, has also boosted the team's profile. 

Key players:

• Samantha Drechsel

• Kaitlyn Hord

• Kendall Kipp

Average home attendance: 4,518

The Orlando Valkyries are a passionate and dedicated group of fans who create an electric atmosphere during their home games, with a team culture built on the idea of generating excitement and cheering for their team. In their second season, they were able to improve their performance and win the prestigious Pro Volleyball Federation championship.

The team works with the community by hosting various events, such as Fan Appreciation Night, and also offers benefits to season ticket holders. The PVF broadcasts matches, and the team is able to get more exposure through its network. 

Key players:

• Kazmiere Brown

• Brittany Abercrombie

• Pornpun Guedpard

Average home attendance: 3,658

For women, volleyball is a great way to improve their physical and mental health. It can help develop your endurance and strength, as well as improve coordination and agility. It also promotes communication and stress management, which can help improve social skills and mental well-being overall. Whether you’re spiking a ball on the beach for fun or just interested in playing with friends every once in a while, the benefits of the sport are endless. Due to the efforts of women’s teams in the Pro Volleyball Federation, the sport is becoming more popular than ever.

With Goal Five, you can feel your most empowered playing sports like Volleyball with beautiful and striking apparel to fit your needs. Shop today and get started!