Sports can be a universal connector, bringing people from different backgrounds together under one group. The importance of collegiate sports is high, as many people are trying to make
new friends and fit in with a crowd in college. Being a part of a sports team can help students feel included, part of a community while at college.

When asked, a member of the volleyball team said, “Volleyball to me is about teamwork and passion.” Another player said, “Volleyball is about building a family on and off the court.” Players grow a strong
sense of community on their team which helps lessen the felling of loneliness on campus. Studies also show that athletes are less likely to be depressed than regular college students.

Men’s volleyball has been growing over the years, adding new teams, allowing for more players. Last year, seven teams joined D1/D2 volleyball, which increased the total teams in D1/D2 to 74. This compares to the number of 48 teams in 2020; this growth is the fastest of any NCAA men’s team. This growth is not random; it was a plan by The First Point Volleyball Foundation. They are a non-profit organization whose goal is to expand the sport of volleyball. They were able to help fund smaller programs. This collegiate growth also coincides with the growth of high school boys’ volleyball, which had grown 22% from 2015 to 2022. Men’s Volleyball’s expansion was also helped due it being more cost-effective compared to other collegiate sports. Schools that already have a women’s volleyball team will have the majority of the equipment necessary, and lacking a large number of indoor sports during the spring season makes adding a men’s team easier to achieve.

While the sport is expanding, there are some roadblocks at some schools that are halting the momentum. Things like Title IX and gender-equity considerations, and staff. For one, colleges may want to add a men’s volleyball team, but it may be a Title IX violation. The other problem they may face is finding or paying staff. Somebody needs to coach, and people need to work the games, so if a college can’t find these things, they may not keep the program around or
start the program.

While this is recorded breaking expansion by collegiate volleyball, it cannot last forever. It appears that expansion will continue, though it is slated to slow down. In 2026, 12 teams are expected to join, showing that this growth isn’t over. This continued growth displays how the sport still has momentum and making more roster spots for many kids all over the world to find a place at a college through sports.