An analysis was conducted of the women’s PAC-12 volleyball programs to identify the height of players by teams and positions. Coaches and players can use this information to set realistic and attainable team and individual performance goals. As a result it coaches will be able to better manage their player’s expectations when they are competing for college scholarships.
Women’s college volleyball is a great sport for players of all heights; however, it favors women who are taller than average. Key findings from this analysis show that:
• The range of height is 63 inches to 80 inches.
• The average height for all players is 71.6 inches.
• For many reasons, there is not a correlation between average team height and won-lost record.
• The top teams in the conference had fewer players who played half the sets (9 or 10 players vs. 11 or 12).
• Slightly more than 50% of the players are between 72 inches and 75 inches.
The breakdown of the 120 players by position category was:
• DS/L 32 players 26.7%.
• Setters 18 players 15.0%.
• Middles 27 players 22.5%.
• OH 43 players 35.8%.
Competition is stiffest for setters.
The average height and range by position category was:
• DS/L 67.1 inches 63 to 72 inches.
• Setters 70.2 inches 66 to 72 inches.
• Middles 74.5 inches 73 to 80 inches.
• OH 73.8 inches 71 to 80 inches.
These tendencies can be oversimplified as follows:
• Players under six feet tall are setters or DS/Liberos.
• Players who are at least six feet tall are middles or outsides.
Because players grow at different rates, they must learn to adapt as they get older. For example, the tallest 13-year old may be the middle for the 13U team. If her teammates outgrow her then four years later it may be appropriate for her to become the libero for the 17U team.
For more details about the height of the women’s PAC-12 volleyball players click here.
