GREEN BAY, Wis. — Volleyball’s rise in popularity is not confined to any one level of play. From youth sports to college athletics, and even professional competitions, the sport is capturing attention across the nation.
High school girls volleyball has witnessed a surge in popularity. It’s currently the second most popular girls sport, up from third a decade ago. Track and field may hold the top spot, but volleyball is gaining ground, according to a report by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Excitement for the sport is obvious in Wisconsin, where high school athletes competed in the WIAA Girls State Volleyball Championships in Green Bay last weekend.
Jaelyn Stowe, a senior player on the Wonewoc-Center Wolves, took home the championship trophy with her team after defeating Wausau’s Newman Catholic.
“It means the absolute world because we are so passionate about this sport and we just want to share our love with everybody,” said Stowe.
She said she was happy for the win, but she was also thrilled about the growing attention women’s volleyball has seen in recent years.
“It’s great to see that other people are starting to care,” said Stowe. “I don’t think this tournament has ever been streamed on TV before, and it’s such an amazing feeling to see other people noticing how much work we are putting in and energy it takes to have this sport.”
Her coach, Nikki Justman, said she was happy to see the positive shift in the sport’s popularity.
“You look in the stands and there are an awful lot of little girls out there,” said Justman. “We play for those little girls, and there’s little girls watching. Every time we win, that inspires them to play, which inspires the popularity of the sport.”
Justman said she is seeing volleyball get the recognition it deserves, akin to sports like basketball.
“It’s the fact it’s being shown this year, much like basketball, as it should be,” said Justman. “Volleyball is a fun, fantastic sport, and I love that they are making change because they realize the popularity of the sport.”
For Bristol Coates, who plays for Melrose-Mindoro High School in Jackson County, watching the championship games serves as an inspiration to get out on the court.
“I really love playing the sport,” said Coates. “Watching it is kind of like a struggle, because it just makes me want to be on the court and play.”
The WIAA Girls State Volleyball Championships are inspiring the next girls to get out and play while giving the sport more recognition.