Why Club Volleyball Is Showing Me a Different Side of Gen Z
My daughter, Rya, plays club volleyball and for her school. That means a lot of time in gyms, on the road, and watching from the sidelines.
And like most parents in this world, I’ve seen both sides of it.
The long weekends. The cost. The pressure. The moments where expectations—on and off the court—feel high.
But I’ve also found myself noticing something I didn’t expect:
She and her teammates are completely locked in when it counts.
No smartphones. No Snapchat distractions. Just focus, energy, and 100% effort.
For a generation often labeled as distracted, it’s a powerful reminder that they’re not disengaged. They’re just selective about what earns and receives their undivided attention.
More Than a Sport for Them
Club volleyball isn’t casual. It’s years of practice, earning a spot on a team, travel, and high-pressure competition.
And it’s not always easy.
There are tough losses. Playing time frustrations. Moments of doubt. Messing up in front of spectators.
But that’s also what makes it meaningful.
For Rya and so many athletes like her, it becomes:
- A place to belong
- A way to build identity
- A real test of resilience
I’ve watched her learn how to handle pressure, support teammates, take smart risks, and keep showing up week after week.
More Than a Commitment for Parents
For parents, it often starts as logistics: driving, scheduling, planning everything around tournaments.
And yes, there are tradeoffs. Time, energy, missed school, and competing priorities.
But somewhere along the way, it becomes something more:
A front-row seat to who your child is becoming.
Not through quick updates, but in real time:
- How they respond to wins and losses
- How they navigate team dynamics
- How their confidence grows
And then there are the in-between moments that create memories: the long drives, the late-night meals, the quiet conversations.
That’s where connection happens.
What This Taught Me About Gen Z
As CEO of CGK, I spend my time researching generations. But experiences like this bring the research to life.
Gen Z doesn’t avoid challenges; rather, they grow through them when they matter to them.
Environments like this show us:
- Belonging fuels effort
- Challenge builds engagement
- Focus happens when it’s earned, not forced
The Part That Stays With You
Years from now, Rya won’t remember every match. She won’t remember the close games lost. She may not even remember the hard-fought wins.
But she’ll remember:
- The team
- The effort
- The experience of pushing through something that wasn’t always easy
And I’ll remember being there to watch it happen.
Because even with the challenges, experiences like this still do something powerful:
They bring people fully into the moment and closer to each other.
To learn more about Gen Z, visit our latest State of Gen Z annual study here.
