The Minnesota Boys Volleyball Coaches Association made a strong case to the MSHSL for the inclusion of boys volleyball as a high school sport, citing the growing popularity of the sport among diverse communities. In 2024, there were 2,381 players, with almost half of them being Asian. For some Asian students, traditional sports like hockey and football held little appeal, but they found passion in volleyball.
Roony Yang, a member of the Hmong community, shared his experience of immigrating to Minnesota and the challenges of adapting to a new country and unfamiliar sports. He noted that many students gravitated towards sports they were familiar with, like soccer and wrestling, due to economic reasons as well.
At Como Park High School in St. Paul, three Karen immigrant coaches showed their support for the boys volleyball team, despite not being able to participate in practices. St. Paul has the largest Karen community in the United States, with an estimated population of over 20,000.
The push for boys volleyball in high schools not only highlights the diverse interests of students but also showcases the impact of immigrant communities in shaping the sports landscape. As the popularity of boys volleyball continues to rise, it presents an opportunity for more students to engage in sports that resonate with their cultural background and interests.
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