Boys volleyball is the fastest growing collegiate and high school sport. It’s new to FCIAC, with Norwalk joining in 2022. Originally a club team led by Sam White, it was a place where boys could play the sport competitively before the school made an official team. White, now the Freshman Girls and JV Boys volleyball coach here at Norwalk high started what became a big sport. Boys Volleyball isn’t just growing at Norwalk High, its expanding across high schools and colleges nationwide.
FCIAC has maintained record of volleyball since 1974 for both girls and boys volleyball. However, it seems as though Norwalk High hadn’t been involved until recent years. According to AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association), “For the 2024-25 academic year, the NFHS reports 95,972 total boys volleyball players participated in high school volleyball. This amount is up 10,717 from last year for a 12.57% growth.” Boys Volleyball has grown significantly in recent years, especially with participation at Norwalk High. Many boys returned from last year as well as numerous sophomores and freshman who tried out for the team. We even added a JV team in the last three years.
The growth extends beyond high school. At the collegiate level, men’s volleyball continues to expand, with conferences like the Northeast Conference (NEC) officially adding the sport in the 2022–2023 academic year. The league launched with six teams, including Fairleigh Dickinson University, Long Island University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Francis University, D’Youville University, and Daemen University. Overall, men’s volleyball has seen participation grow by over 100% in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing NCAA sports.
Nationally, volleyball participation has surged across both boys and girls programs. While girls volleyball remains one of the most popular high school sports—with nearly 500,000 participants—boys volleyball has seen especially dramatic growth. Participation has increased from 66,987 to 95,972 players in recent years, reflecting a major rise in interest and opportunity.
Club volleyball has also played a major role in this growth. Competitive club programs typically run from late fall through early summer, with frequent practices and weekend tournaments. According to USA Volleyball, membership has grown significantly since 2020, including a 9.6% increase by late 2023. Junior national championship events have expanded as well, with some tournaments seeing waitlists of over 70 teams. This increase in club participation has helped develop players’ skills and fueled interest at the high school and collegiate levels.As boys volleyball continues to grow, programs like Norwalk High’s are helping lead the way. What started as a small club opportunity has evolved into a thriving team, reflecting a larger national trend. With increasing participation, expanding opportunities, and rising competition, boys volleyball is no longer an overlooked sport, it’s one of the fastest-rising in the country.
