Has volleyball overtaken basketball in Oklahoma?

[BigTime]

Watching the Nebbish/KU volleyball game last night made me at least think of this question:

Has youth volleyball ousted youth girls basketball in popularity in Oklahoma? Particularly metro areas (OKC and Tulsa).

I am not sure how we would quantify it to answer the question, but I do know that both sports go for the same kids and that the club volleyball scene is much more organized than the club basketball scene. I also know that volleyball is growing like crazy and is now being added to many rural Oklahoma schools.

It is certainly easier to teach and play than basketball.

I am very partial to basketball myself.

 

[Mac]

The same thing is happening in California, not really sure why...

 

[soonerstar]

Off subject, but I think soccer has overtaken baseball in Oklahoma. Especially in metropolitan areas.

 

[womenssports]

I don't think volleyball has taken over basketball. Also, don't agree that it is easier than basketball, but that is my experience. Also, don't think soccer has taken over baseball. What I have seen with my great-great nieces and nephew is that they start off in soccer but move to other sports. I don't think with them it has been about ability because all 4 were very good, but the older two, who are girls, have moved on to softball and one of them also track. The two youngest, first a boy has wrestled, played baseball and soccer. Have no idea if he is going to wrestle this year, but I hope not, because I think the possibility of head and neck injuries are too likely. He says he likes baseball best so think that will be his sport, though I could see him involved in two sports. I am pushing for basketball for all 4 as well as volleyball and softball/baseball. Wouldn't mind my nephew learning to be a kicker for football, think he could get a scholarship for that. The youngest, a girl, is playing soccer but expect her to switch to softball in a couple of years if not sooner. (just using my family as an example because that is my experience with this issue....should also add have three great-nephews who play football, basketball and baseball....all 7 of the kids I mention are from 10 to 13 and live in Enid, Guthrie and Newcastle, so not in the same areas.)

Finally, will add that wrestling is making a comeback in public k-12 schools in Oklahoma but it does not seem to be translating to college.

So my thinking is that volleyball may be growing in popularity in Oklahoma now, but don't they usually play both in high school? Also, maybe it is becoming more popular but I think that is a good thing because believe there is room for both sports in high school and college and think there is enough interest and players for both. It appears to me an established sport which is gets much more television coverage, has professional teams which are big have an advantage over new sports, so not sure baseball has to worry about soccer. I also see different type personalities playing soccer vs baseball and again feel there are a sufficient number of student athletes for both.

Again, I love volleyball and would love to see Oklahoma lead the Big 12. As for Nebraska, this is not new, they have had a highly ranked volleyball team for several years and have won a national championship, as I recall. I WAS quite surprised to see how good Kansas was and that they made it to the NCAA semis. I believe Texas is ranked number one right now and in the semis.

 

[womenssports]

Watching the Nebbish/KU volleyball game last night made me at least think of this question:

Has youth volleyball ousted youth girls basketball in popularity in Oklahoma? Particularly metro areas (OKC and Tulsa).

I am not sure how we would quantify it to answer the question, but I do know that both sports go for the same kids and that the club volleyball scene is much more organized than the club basketball scene. I also know that volleyball is growing like crazy and is now being added to many rural Oklahoma schools.

It is certainly easier to teach and play than basketball.

I am very partial to basketball myself.

I guess my question would be is this reaching into the high school levels? And are we talking girls and boys, young women and young men and do they go on to play at the college level. And at the college level are there many men's soccer teams? In the 5 major college sports leagues?

 

[GoWarriors]

Watching the Nebbish/KU volleyball game last night made me at least think of this question:

Has youth volleyball ousted youth girls basketball in popularity in Oklahoma? Particularly metro areas (OKC and Tulsa).

I am not sure how we would quantify it to answer the question, but I do know that both sports go for the same kids and that the club volleyball scene is much more organized than the club basketball scene. I also know that volleyball is growing like crazy and is now being added to many rural Oklahoma schools.

It is certainly easier to teach and play than basketball.

I am very partial to basketball myself.

Tall girls are going to volleyball...easier to build the skill level (don't have to train as hard) and less physical play--no contact. The college bkb game is having a hard time finding quality big girls. If you're just average you can go D-1. Every college in America is looking for a Post player--now coaches are traveling overseas to find some and coming back with guards too. Go to a volleyball tournament 6-4,6-5,6-6 everywhere you look. It's amazing!

 

[SOONERGRAD]

Tall girls are going to volleyball...easier to build the skill level (don't have to train as hard) and less physical play--no contact. The college bkb game is having a hard time finding quality big girls. If you're just average you can go D-1. Every college in America is looking for a Post player--now coaches are traveling overseas to find some and coming back with guards too. Go to a volleyball tournament 6-4,6-5,6-6 everywhere you look. It's amazing!

Agreed! I have seen 6'4 6'5 kids quit basketball to pursue Volleyball and have been very successful at it. Tulsa area is very big on volleyball. That is where all the height is. You will be suprised how many big's you will come across at volleyball tournaments.