Dre’s Takes: Volleyball Edition

Volleyball today looks nothing like it did when I was playing pro in Italy. In the U.S., the sport is on fire—NIL deals, collegiate competition, and club participation are all at record highs. Everywhere you look, volleyball is booming, and that momentum is undeniable.

But here’s my hot take: the U.S. is still catching up. Internationally, volleyball has been faster, more physical, and celebrated by massive fan bases for years. The athletes competing abroad continue to raise the bar, pushing the limits of speed and power. That’s the challenge—and the opportunity—facing U.S. volleyball today.

Game Day Hairstyles in Volleyball

One of my favorite things about volleyball is the creativity athletes bring to their game day hairstyles. It’s a form of empowerment and self-expression that goes way beyond looks.

• Indoor volleyball hairstyles: the high, high ponytail—classic, fierce, and reliable.

• Beach volleyball hairstyles: the bun, whether high or low—practical and powerful.

For me, hairstyles aren’t just about style. They’re about confidence. They show the individuality of each player and how they bring personality to the court.

Fun (and Not-So-Fun) Facts From My Journey

• I started in tennis before switching to volleyball.

• Truth? I don’t enjoy watching volleyball on TV.

• I once wore the same blue Nike high-tops for two years straight. The result? Bye-bye toenails.

Not the prettiest path, but those challenges shaped me as much as the wins did.

Volleyball Growth in the USA: Why I Give Back

Here’s something not everyone knows: I couldn’t afford club volleyball when I was growing up. Someone believed in me, trained me, and waived my fees until I earned my first pro contract. That act of support changed my life.

Now, through The Tie That Binds initiative, we’re making sure young athletes today get the same chance. TIY is proud to award scholarships at Zoe Jarvis’s All Out Camp, giving the next generation access to opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.

If I Were to Coach Youth Volleyball

If I were to coach, I’d choose 12s & 13s every time. That age group is pure joy, energy, and possibility. They arrive eager and wide-eyed, and their growth from the start of the season to the end is unbelievable.

At that stage, the fundamentals are still coming together, but every new skill feels like a breakthrough. Confidence builds week by week, and you can see the pride when a player finally “gets it.”

That’s the magic of youth volleyball—it’s about passion, learning, and discovering just how much you’re capable of.

Dre's Final Take

Volleyball in the USA is experiencing record growth, but the journey isn’t done yet. To reach the level of speed, physicality, and international fan celebration, we still have ground to cover.

The exciting part? With young athletes filling gyms and sand courts across the country, the future is brighter than ever. For me, volleyball will always be about growth, joy, and giving back.

— Dre