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Women’s volleyball has become a central sport in Arkansas, deeply rooted in high school and collegiate athletics. The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) has recognized Girls’ Varsity Volleyball champions since 1976, showcasing the sport’s importance in the state. Colleges like Arkansas State University, Southern Arkansas University and Hendrix College were among the first to establish women’s volleyball programs, helping to shape Arkansas as a key player in the sport’s growth at the collegiate level.
Women’s volleyball has had a long and impactful history since its invention in 1895 by YMCA director William Morgan in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Initially called “mintonette,” the game drew inspiration from badminton, baseball, tennis, and handball and quickly gained popularity as a less physically demanding alternative to basketball.
By the 1920s, women had embraced volleyball, forming high school teams across the U.S. as a competitive outlet unavailable in male-dominated sports like football. With milestones like the first Women’s World Championship in 1952 and volleyball’s recognition as an Olympic sport in 1957, the sport’s legacy continues to grow. With its strong local programs, Arkansas is an essential part of this history, contributing to the ongoing success and popularity of women’s volleyball.
It also surged in popularity at the university level across the United States after Title IX was passed in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments Act. Arkansas State University was one of the first universities in the state to establish women’s sports. In 1974, they started women’s programs in volleyball, tennis and basketball. Other universities that fielded women’s volleyball teams by the mid to late 1970s include Southern Arkansas University (SAU), Henderson State, University of Conway, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Ouachita Baptist University, UA Pine Bluff, University of Central Arkansas, John Brown University, Lyon College, Hendrix and Arkansas Tech University.
One notable exception to the depth of university programs for women’s volleyball was the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The school didn’t add the sport until 1994, but the inaugural team quickly jumped into play and qualified for the NCAA tournament within two years. Arkansas native Chris Poole coached the Arkansas State volleyball team for six years with impressive results. The team posted 213 wins and only 54 losses during his tenure. He then took the helm of the new Arkansas Razorbacks team in 1994, where he coached for 14 seasons.
The success of volleyball in the state isn’t just at the high school and collegiate levels. Local parks and recreation departments help form the backbone of opportunities for girls and boys to play volleyball at a young age. Cabot Parks and Recreation offers leagues for children from 2nd grade up. Jonesboro Parks and Recreation runs NEA Volleyball Academy each year to allow children to learn the fundamentals of the sport. In Bentonville, the Girls and Boys Club of Benton County runs a volleyball program for boys and girls from 3rd grade up, and the Bentonville Community Center offers volleyball lessons for children ages 8 to 14. If you’re looking for volleyball programs in Arkansas, check first with your local parks and recreation department, as well as county boys and girls clubs.
Recreational teams are just one way to learn how to play volleyball. Many of the college volleyball programs offer summer volleyball camps for children interested in trying the sport without committing to a full season or for those who have already played but are looking to deepen their skills quickly. Among the universities offering summer camps are the Arkansas Razorbacks, Arkansas State Red Wolves, UCA Bears, Arkansas Tech Golden Suns and Southern Arkansas University Muleriders. These camps are typically held in July and allow girls to attend camps coached by university athletes and coaches. They’re often divided by volleyball skills and skill levels and give a glimpse of college life and high-level competition. Watch for registrations for the 2025 camps to open in the spring.
For girls who have enjoyed playing recreationally and want to take the next step, Arkansas has its share of volleyball clubs that focus on competitive play. Arkansas Volley Academy has a tiered team structure, with a local team that plays within Central Arkansas, up to a national team that travels to competitions across the U.S. They also offer clinics to help young players up their skill levels. Other centrally located volleyball clubs are Central Arkansas Volleyball, Elite Volleyball Academy and 501 Volley. In Northwest Arkansas, Ozark Juniors offers club-level play, as well as Northwest Arkansas Juniors Storm and Fort Smith Juniors. Players in Northeast Arkansas can try out for Arkansas Juniors Storm in Jonesboro. By competing at various levels, club teams prepare players for high school and college teams. Tryouts for club teams begin in October and November.
While there are many opportunities for girls to learn the sport and improve, some adults just want to play volleyball for fun. The best place to find women’s and co-ed volleyball teams is through local parks and recreation departments or community centers. The Yvonne Richardson Center in Fayetteville offers indoor adult volleyball, while the city of Conway offers adult volleyball in women’s, men’s and coed divisions.
Volleyball has been a staple sport for girls in Arkansas since the sport’s inception, and volleyball continues to provide girls and young women with foundational and competitive play across the state.
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