Kentucky is a state that is most often associated with basketball. The University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky dominate college basketball, with the state boasting a rich tradition in the sport. However, in recent years, another sport has been making waves in the Bluegrass State: volleyball. Thanks to decades of dedicated grassroots efforts, Louisville has established itself as one of the most passionate volleyball hubs in the United States. This growth has played a pivotal role in attracting the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Final Four to Louisville for the second time, solidifying the city and state’s place in the national volleyball landscape.
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The Rise of Grassroots Volleyball in Louisville
The journey of volleyball’s rise in Louisville can largely be attributed to the vision of Ron Kordes, who has been a foundational figure in the sport’s growth in Kentucky. Kordes, often referred to as the “godfather of girls’ volleyball,” has spent over three decades nurturing and developing young talent in the area. His legacy began humbly at St. Raphael Catholic School, where he started coaching a group of talented players. Over time, Kordes recognized the need for a dedicated volleyball facility and began working towards that goal. In 1993, Kordes, along with his partner Jesse Flynn, opened the Ohio Valley Volleyball Center — one of the first volleyball-only facilities in the country. This center became the home of KIVA Sports (Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy), a premier club volleyball organization that has won 36 national AAU championships.
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The Ohio Valley Volleyball Center, adorned with dozens of trophies and accolades, serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of Kordes, his athletes, and the community. It has become a hub for volleyball training, where young athletes hone their skills and prepare for competitive play at the national level. KIVA, in particular, has seen enormous success, sending players to top college programs across the country, including some who have gone on to play in multiple NCAA Final Fours.
The Kordes family’s vision was to create a place where volleyball could be played year-round, despite Kentucky’s relatively cold winters, and where players could develop and compete at the highest levels. The result was a thriving community of volleyball enthusiasts, which, over time, became a cornerstone of the sport’s growth in the state.
The Volatile Growth of Volleyball in Kentucky
Louisville’s grassroots volleyball efforts have played a significant role in increasing the sport’s visibility and participation in the region. The sport’s growth in Kentucky has been remarkable, with volleyball now outpacing basketball in terms of high school participation among girls. According to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA), for the first time in the 2023-24 school year, the number of girls participating in volleyball exceeded 7,000 — a clear sign that the sport is on the rise.
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One of the driving forces behind this explosion in popularity is KIVA, which serves as a feeder system for both the high school and collegiate levels. KIVA’s success and dedication to training young athletes has been integral in changing the perception of volleyball in Kentucky. With numerous KIVA alumni now playing at prestigious universities across the country, Louisville’s volleyball program has grown into a competitive force. Players like Elena Scott and Anna DeBeer, who chose to stay home and play for the University of Louisville, have helped elevate the program to new heights. The success of local players staying in their home state to play college volleyball has created a strong connection between the city’s grassroots leagues and its college teams.
The University of Louisville (U of L) has seen substantial growth in its volleyball program since coach Dani Busboom Kelly took the helm in 2016. Under her leadership, the Cardinals have won multiple Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) titles and made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including five Sweet 16 appearances, four Elite Eights, and two Final Four berths. The city’s growing reputation as a volleyball powerhouse and the influx of top-tier talent has cemented Louisville as a premier volleyball destination.
Building a Volleyball Culture in the Community
The growth of Louisville’s volleyball scene is not just a product of talented athletes; it’s also about community support. “Every church hosts volleyball; every summer you see nets in people’s yards,” said former U of L volleyball player Stephanie Cantway. “It’s just what everybody does around here.” Volleyball has become embedded in the community fabric, from high school gyms to neighborhood courts. With year-round access to training facilities like the Ohio Valley Volleyball Center, players have the opportunity to develop their skills and passion for the sport in a supportive environment.
Kordes’ impact on the community extends beyond his players; he has inspired a whole generation of fans to appreciate and support the sport. Families who have children involved in KIVA often become lifelong supporters of the University of Louisville’s volleyball program, purchasing season tickets and attending games. This sense of community involvement has helped fuel the local support for volleyball and made Louisville a city where fans turn out in droves to support their teams.
The result is a vibrant volleyball culture that has seen fans pack the KFC Yum! Center, U of L’s home arena, for games. In fact, in 2023, a regular-season match between Louisville and Nebraska set a new record for attendance in NCAA women’s volleyball history, with over 14,000 fans in the stands. This growth in attendance and fan enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed by the NCAA, which awarded Louisville the rights to host the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Final Four, marking the second time the city will host the event since 2012.
National Recognition for Louisville’s Volleyball Scene
As Louisville’s volleyball programs continue to gain national recognition, Kentucky schools have begun to close the gap with traditional volleyball powerhouses like Nebraska and the Big Ten schools. The success of U of L, as well as other Kentucky schools such as the University of Kentucky (UK) and Western Kentucky University (WKU), has earned the state a reputation for producing top-tier talent and fostering a competitive volleyball environment.
Both U of L and UK have been featured in several of ESPN’s most-watched regular-season volleyball games, with their matchups drawing thousands of viewers nationwide. This surge in television viewership and fan interest further underscores the significance of Kentucky as a central hub for collegiate volleyball. As the sport’s national popularity continues to grow, Louisville’s grassroots programs are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of NCAA volleyball.
A Legacy of Passion and Dedication
When reflecting on the impact of his work, Kordes remarked, “It’s been an honor and a pleasure… It’s allowed me to spend the last half of my life — it’s like I’ve never worked since I got involved here, being able to do something I love to do every day.” Kordes’ dedication to volleyball and his community has left a lasting legacy in Kentucky, one that continues to influence the next generation of players, coaches, and fans.
The 2024 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four in Louisville is a testament to the strength of the local volleyball community and the impact of grassroots programs like KIVA. Louisville has truly become a volleyball destination, a place where the sport is celebrated and nurtured, and where the next wave of volleyball talent is waiting to make its mark on the national stage.
The Future of Volleyball in Louisville and Beyond
Louisville’s rise as a volleyball powerhouse is a prime example of how grassroots efforts, community support, and a shared passion for the sport can lead to national recognition. Thanks to the hard work of coaches like Ron Kordes, players, and local volleyball enthusiasts, Louisville has become a city where volleyball thrives at every level. The city’s commitment to growing the sport has not only propelled the University of Louisville’s volleyball program to new heights but has also positioned Louisville as a top destination for the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four. The future of volleyball in Kentucky looks brighter than ever, and the 2024 Final Four is just one more milestone in the state’s exciting journey to volleyball greatness.
