WoV BLOG: What U.S. players say about creating professional volleyball league in USA?

USA Volleyball

There are many advantages for the volleyball players from USA if they manage to organize the league. The most important thing for them would be to have a choice: whether to stay in homeland and continue career or to go abroad. We won’t mention other benefits for them, if they stay with their families, friends…

So, that’s why we’ve decided to ask the U.S. players, who play overseas, about the plan of Jamie Davies.

“It would be great for the growth in popularity of the sport. It’s been an objective of USA Volleyball for a long time and I think a league would give many opportunities to American players after college,” says Aaron Russell, a player of the Italian Sir Sicoma Colussi Perugia.

“I am fully behind and support the launch of a professional league in the USA. It would be an amazing alternative for American players who want to continue playing but don’t want to spend 8 -9 months out of a year living and playing in a foreign country away from family and friends. Especially for those who want to balance and grow a family of their own,” explains Rachael Adams, Eczacibasi’s middle blocker.

 “I think everyone is really excited about the possibility of an American professional league. I really hope that Jamie and USA volleyball can reach that goal because I know players from around the world want to play in the USA. It would be a special experience,” says Lokomotiv’s setter Kawika Shoji.

 “I absolutely love the idea. I think it will be extremely difficult, but if successful, it would be amazing to be able to stay in the US year round and train. I think a lot of US Volleyball players end their careers simply because they don’t want to leave their family and friends for 8 months to play abroad. By having a league here I think it would prolong a lot of careers and give an outlet for people to play post-College. I can’t speak on the technicalities but as a player, it would definitely be a good thing,” says Tori Dixon, member of Japanese Toray Arrows, who is currently recovering from injury.

“I’d love to play in a professional league in my home country. I hope if he does launch it there will be enough interest around the country to make the league successful. I know it will be a long process but I am optimistic,” says Thomas Jaeschke, a member of Polish team Asseco Resovia.

“I think it’s great! USA needs a professional league. We need to continue to grow the game in America. He will need full support from American volleyball players,” says Kayla Banworth.

All these players are also members of the men’s and women’s U.S. national teams. As you could see, the CEO of USA Volleyball have a huge support.

We must say that volleyball world needs this league. Imagine the competition organized like in other sports in the United States. Real volleyball show guaranteed! Recall that USA had professional volleyball league in the previous century.

Read more volleyball news from USA.

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