Men’s volleyball will become an official OSAA sport and the season will start in spring of 2026. For over 50 years, volleyball was only sanctioned as a girls’ sport in Oregon.
According to OSAA, “Over the last six years, the sport has seen a 51% growth – the highest among boys sports”, so it’s no wonder why men’s volleyball is being included in the high school season.
This growth can be seen across the country too. States like California and Hawaii have had boys’ volleyball for years, and Oregon’s recent decision makes it the 26th state to add it as an official high school activity.
Still, when a new sport for boys gets added, people start to wonder what it means for girls’ sports. That’s where Title IX comes in. Title IX is the civil rights law that makes sure schools give boys and girls equal chances in athletics and other programs.
The OSAA’s Title XI and Athletics 101 explains it clearly: “Schools must offer male and female students equal athletic opportunities and effectively accommodate students’ athletic interests and abilities” (Title XI).
However, that doesn’t automatically mean a new sport has to be adopted by a school: it’s their choice. This sparks a new question: will Jesuit be getting a new women’s sport?
As to what that sport would be, some schools might already be talking about what comes next for girls athletics. At the moment, girls flag football may become the newest edition, as “It is in the second year of a two-year emerging sport status and is eligible to be voted on at the October 2026 Delegate Assembly Meeting” (OSAA).
The “emerging sports status” is a process in which schools can make club teams, and if enough interest is shown at schools around the state, it can become a full time OSAA sport.
If both boys’ volleyball and girls’ flag football become official sports, Oregon could see one of its most diverse spring seasons yet. Many hope this momentum will encourage students to try something new and will allow the school community to come out and support their teams. It’s a big step forward for high school athletics in the state.
