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[Editor’s Note: Click here to order your copy of “The Volleyball Debate.”]
The book examining the controversial start to the Ball State University men’s volleyball team in the 1960s is now available for people to order today in a limited edition traditional paperback version.
“The Volleyball Debate” explores how Hall of Fame coach Don Shondell and his players overcame opposition from school officials to become one of the nation’s first varsity college volleyball teams.
The possibility of volleyball becoming a varsity sport remains one of the most intense debates in the history of Ball State athletics. In addition, the affects of this decision had a significant influence on the growth of college volleyball throughout the Midwest which are still being felt today.
Written by national award-winning college volleyball reporter Vinnie Lopes, “The Volleyball Debate” includes original research and dozens of interviews with former players and school officials to tell the narrative of this five-year conflict in the 1960s.
This is the first book published chronicling how Shondell grew volleyball at Ball State and began his Hall of Fame coaching career. It is also the first book released looking at the history of Ball State men’s volleyball and just the fourth book ever published about a Ball State sports team.
“The Volleyball Debate” was initially released this summer as an ebook. However starting today just in time for the Christmas shopping season, people will be able to order a copy of the book in the paperback version on the Off the Block website at offtheblockblog.com.
The paperback version of “The Volleyball Debate” costs $15.95 plus shipping and handling with part of the proceeds going to the Ball State men’s volleyball team. In addition, the ebook version of the book can still be purchased at a special discounted price of $4.95.
Lopes, a Ball State alumnus with degrees in journalism and history, has covered college men’s volleyball for seven years and is a two-time national finalist for American Volleyball Coaches Association Grant Burger Media Award. He is also the founder and editor of Off the Block, a website focusing on college men’s volleyball news and analysis.