Page 12 - 2024-25 Boys Volleyball State Finals Program

Mental Attitude Award Boys Volleyball in Indiana

At the conclusion of the state finals, the IHSAA Executive Committee will present Boys Volleyball in Indiana has a rich history
the Mental Attitude Award to an outstanding senior participant in the Boys Volleyball marked by grassroots growth, dedicated
State Finals. The Mental Attitude Award is given out across each of the IHSAA’s coaching, and recent strides toward official
24 recognized sports. recognition from the Indiana High School Athletic
Association (IHSAA).
The recipient of this award, who was nominated by her principal and coach, must The IHSAA is proud to offer another quality
excel in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability in volleyball. education-based athletic opportunity. Thank you
for your support in providing this opportunity for
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, IHSAA corporate partner, presents a $1,000 these deserving student-athletes.
scholarship to the school’s general scholarship fund in the name of the recipient.
Early Development and the IBVCA
The IHSAA first offered the sport of girls volleyball
in 1972 following the passage of Title IX. To complement the sport, Mel Young, the
longtime girls coach at Richmond High School wanted to start “something special for
the boys that needed an avenue to connect with their high school.” People who knew
and loved Mel realized that once a goal took hold of his head and heart, the dream of
boys volleyball was going to come true.

Young was instrumental in the founding of the Indiana Boys Volleyball Coaches
Association (IBVCA), which was established in 1994, to provide opportunities for boys
to play high school volleyball in Indiana. At that time, the IBVCA began administering
its own state tournament. In the beginning, the state tournament rotated host sites
throughout the state to help foster the sport’s growth and and gain community
involvement across Indiana. Unfortunately, Mel passed Oct 19, 1996. His guidance and
leadership as president of the IBVCA built a solid foundation for the future growth of
boys high school volleyball.
Following Mel’s passing, Rhonda Low of Cathedral High School was asked to step in
and fill the vacancy as the second president of IBVCA. Under her leadership, the IBVCA
continued its growth over the last 30 years with the help of other strong high school
coaches including Kelly Dickensheets (Hebron), Gail Gripe (Lafayette Jefferson), Deb
McClurg (Center Grove), and Janet Berg (Lawrence Central) to name a few.

Emergence as an IHSAA Emerging Sport

In 2022, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) added boys volleyball to
its “Emerging Sport Process,” recognizing the sport’s increasing popularity and
participation. By 2024, the number of boys volleyball teams in Indiana had surpassed
100, reflecting significant growth.

12 IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport. Pure INDIANA! IHSAA - Pure Spirit. Pure Sport. Pure INDIANA! 13