The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) is proud to announce the extension of its partnership with Sports Imports, the industry leader in volleyball net systems and equipment. The agreement between the two organizations reaffirms a relationship that has supported the growth of the sport for more than four decades.
Founded in 1981 by 100 coaches committed to advancing volleyball through leadership, advocacy, and professional development, the AVCA has grown into a professional network of more than 10,000 members. That same year, Sports Imports began its partnership with the organization, marking the start of a collaboration rooted in a shared commitment to elevate the game.
“This partnership is built on a shared commitment to serving volleyball coaches, programs, and the community,” said Danielle Calo, Chief Executive Officer of Sports Imports. “For more than 40 years, Sports Imports and the AVCA have worked together to support coaches and elevate the game. We’re proud to continue this partnership and excited about the continued growth of volleyball.”
As the Official Net System of the AVCA since 1981, Sports Imports has supported generations of coaches with equipment trusted at every level of play. In recognition of its lasting impact on volleyball, Sports Imports was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2010 and remains the only equipment provider to receive this honor, reflecting Sports Imports’ leadership in innovation and its role in elevating the game. The partnership has continued to evolve alongside both organizations, reflecting the AVCA’s program expansion, record membership growth, and enduring influence within the volleyball community.
Supporting the People Behind the Game
While the equipment on the court carries the Sports Imports name, the heart of this partnership has always been the coaches. From high school programs and club teams to the collegiate level and beyond, coaches are the backbone of volleyball—and the AVCA has spent more than four decades making sure they have the resources, community, and recognition they deserve. Sports Imports is proud to stand alongside that mission.
AVCA President and CEO Jaime Gordon echoed that sentiment: “For more than four decades, Sports Imports has helped shape the foundation of our sport, and under their current leadership, they remain focused on what comes next. As volleyball enters one of the most exciting periods of growth in its history, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, service to coaches, and a bold vision for the future of the game.”
That commitment extends to the AVCA T.E.A.M. Awards, which celebrate coaches who embody the values of Togetherness, Empowerment, Accessibility, and Mentoring. These awards recognize the leaders who go beyond the court—building community, lifting up fellow coaches, and investing in the long-term health of the sport.
Alongside the T.E.A.M. Awards, Sports Imports is also proud to support the Courage Award, which honors coaches and community members who have overcome adversity, demonstrated extraordinary resilience, and made a lasting impact on those around them—leading with integrity and a commitment to making the sport better for everyone. Together, these programs reflect a shared belief that the strength of volleyball lies in the people who dedicate themselves to it. Sports Imports is honored to support recognition efforts that champion those values at every level of the game.
The extension of this partnership reinforces Sports Imports’ ongoing dedication to coaches and programs at every level, and its belief that strong relationships and trusted equipment play a critical role in the continued growth of volleyball.
A Look Ahead: 2026 AVCA First Serve
The excitement of a new partnership extension coincides with one of the most anticipated events on the 2026 volleyball calendar. This August, 10 of the nation’s top collegiate programs will open the Division I women’s season at the 2026 AVCA First Serve, August 21–24 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s a fitting stage to celebrate what this sport—and the coaches who drive it—can become. Tickets for all four days of the event are available at Ticketmaster.
The extension of this partnership reinforces Sports Imports’ ongoing dedication to coaches and programs at every level, and its belief that strong relationships and trusted equipment play a critical role in the continued growth of volleyball.
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About the American Volleyball Coaches Association
Founded in 1981, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) exists to advance the sport of volleyball with coaches at the center of leadership, advocacy, and professional development. With a membership of more than 10,000 coaches and industry partners, the AVCA serves collegiate, high school, club, youth, and Olympic coaches, as well as volleyball club directors. The AVCA provides education and professional development opportunities, recognizes elite players and coaches, promotes volleyball competitions worldwide, and fosters a strong professional network dedicated to growing the game at every level.
About Sports Imports
Founded in 1976, Sports Imports is the industry leader in volleyball net systems and equipment, trusted at the highest levels of competition and across every level of the game. As the first company to introduce a safe, in-ground net system in the United States, Sports Imports set the standard for performance, safety, and long-term reliability. Sports Imports has served as the Official Net System of the AVCA since 1981 and partners with leading volleyball organizations nationwide. With decades of experience supporting coaches, athletic directors, and facility planners, Sports Imports delivers expert guidance, customized solutions, and dependable support for volleyball programs. Follow us on Instagram: @sportsimportsvb.
