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Readers can begin to purchase “The Volleyball Debate,” the newest ebook written by Off the Block editor and national award winning college men’s volleyball reporter Vinnie Lopes.
“The Volleyball Debate” focuses on the Ball State University men’s volleyball team and Hall of Fame coach Don Shondell overcame opposition from school officials in the 1960s to emerge as one of the first varsity college volleyball teams in the nation.
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.
“The Volleyball Debate” is available to purchase in an ebook format on the Off the Block website. The ebook costs $9.95 with part of the proceeds going to the Ball State men’s volleyball team. Click here to purchase a copy of “The Volleyball Debate.”
Among the features of “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 also the first book published chronicling the history of Ball State men’s volleyball
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.