Volleyball has been a favorite sport for people of all ages over the last century. Like the game of basketball, volleyball was born at the YMCA. Inspired by James Naismith, the inventor of basketball at the YMCA in 1891, William G. Morgan — a graduate of the Springfield College of the YMCA - created volleyball in 1895, originally calling it “mintonette." The game was derived from the game of badminton and created as a less vigorous team sport more suitable for older members of the YMCA but still required athletic skill. Morgan designed the game to be a combination of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball.

After observing the game in play, Springfield College Professor Alfred Halstead stated that while the game was a masterpiece it should be renamed "volleyball" since the object of the game was to volley a ball back and forth over a net. With a more accurate name and rules to follow, the game’s popularity promptly took off. Though the game’s rules and setting have changed slightly over the years (the original net was only 6.5 feet high!), volleyball remains one of the most popular sports programs at the YMCA and is now estimated to be played by over 800 million people throughout the world.

Volleyball is a team game that requires communication and teamwork while developing positive, social interaction and a love for physical activity and fitness. The YMCA of San Diego County offers leagues for youth and adults, as well as instructional clinics for kids.