Title Matrix

How to Grow the Game for EVERYONE | Building Diversity in Men's Volleyball with Larry Wrather

Volleyball

Taon2025

Panoorin Ngayon

0

Exposing youth of various backgrounds to the sport of volleyball is key to growth in the men’s and women’s games. Larry Wrather, Head Men’s Volleyball Coach at Fort Valley State University and NTDP Training Series Coach, shares his coaching journey, why diverse representation within the sport matters and how he has worked to build this inclusivity at a HBCU. Wrather shares the importance of creating spaces that allow players to be authentic and develop a love of the game and provides suggestions for multiple stakeholders to continue to grow the men’s game within geographical areas where volleyball has not historically had a strong presence. 00:00 Welcome + Coach Larry Rather intro 00:48 From player to Fort Valley head coach 02:36 Grassroots build & local-first recruiting 06:01 WILDCATS values that shape culture 07:19 Authenticity and vulnerability for growth 09:30 Growing boys’ volleyball in GA (exposure, Georgia Cup) 14:50 Mentorship & diversifying the men’s game 17:56 First HBCU NCAA berth + the Chinese bamboo lesson 23:55 Sustaining culture: accountability & standards 29:15 NTDP tips & anxiety management (journal, lead, be present)