In January, LOVB held the first serve for its professional league, LOVB Pro, which will redefine the next generation of youth volleyball players. The league consists of six professional teams located in six cities that are directly connected to local youth club teams. The LOVB Classic took place mid-season, where all six teams faced off in a winner-take-all tournament in Kansas City.
This one-of-a-kind event was held at the same location and time as the biggest club volleyball tournament in the country, the Triple Crown NIT, where youth players competed side-by-side with the pros. We talked with VIS Mentors and LOVB Pro athletes, Lauren Carlini and Chiaka Ogbogu, who shared their thoughts on the impact of LOVB and some advice they give the younger generation of women athletes.
The Beginning of the Future
LOVB is one of the only vertically integrated sports leagues in the United States. LOVB is a grassroots organization, meaning they built the foundation from the junior volleyball clubs and continue to lead up to the professional level. To make it even better, LOVB is also a women-led organization and women-centered league.
“It goes to show how powerful women's sports are becoming,” Carlini expresses. “With LOVB, they have done an incredible job building an ecosystem within the organization.” The youth club teams can interact directly with the professionals, seeing what it takes to play at the next level. “I would have given so much to have the chance to watch and learn and ask professionals questions when I was young in the game! I hope younger athletes can see the passion and love we have for the game and be able to still enjoy it at the highest level.” Carlini says.
“This league is for the future generations of young volleyball players. To see themselves in us and to dream bigger than what they thought was possible!”
The LOVB Classic is bigger than the professionals because it encourages the younger generation of players to see what their future can look like. “This league is for the future generations of young volleyball players. To see themselves in us and to dream bigger than they thought possible!” Ogbogu says. Like Ogbogu, many professional women athletes have shared their passion for inspiring the next generation, and LOVB is designed for just that.
Athletes Inspire the Next Generation
The direct pipeline from club to pro is a unique opportunity that provides young women athletes the opportunity to continue playing volleyball. The connection is not only amplifying the volleyball skills of young athletes, but it’s supporting youthful passion and motivation for the game. Carlini emphasizes the importance of passion and effort, but also encourages athletes to embrace challenges. “Get comfortable being uncomfortable and know that the learning process is not an easy one. What you have 100% control over is your effort, your attitude, and how you communicate,” she says.
For many professionals, the LOVB Classic felt like a full circle moment because not too long ago they were also in the club players' shoes competing in the same club tournament. “At one point even making the top club team seemed so far out of reach, but we all stuck with it, and that faith and perseverance took it further than we ever dreamed. Do not limit your possibilities, dream big! Why not!” Obogu says.
Women's volleyball continues to grow, with a bright future ahead. As women’s sports continue to rise, the opportunities for growth and success are endless. As Carlini put it, “being curious and fearless will take you any place you want to go,” a powerful reminder to embrace challenges and continue to be the future for girls and women in sports.
