Durham College’s sitting volleyball is a relatively new addition to the extramural lineup.
The game is different from volleyball in that all the players sit on the court instead of standing. It also uses a smaller court and a lower net to accommodate people with lower limb impairments.
Head coach Joe Millage says sitting volleyball is the “best” accessibility-friendly sport for campus because it doesn’t require money or specialized equipment to play.
“[Sitting volleyball] is really the only parasport where there’s no cost of entry,” he says. “You don’t have to go out and buy a specialized wheelchair, there’s no specialized equipment required. So, virtually anybody can get involved in the game.”
Sitting volleyball is consider an “open-classification” sport until international play, meaning anyone can play the sport regardless of skill level, but the sport itself is designed primarily for people with mobility impairments.
Millage says many students have expressed interest in the sport since its arrival at Durham College in 2024.
“Yeah, we probably had about six or seven dozen people try the sport,” he says. “But on a weekly basis, we tend to be around 16 people.”
One of these core players is Ashley Green, who has been part of the team since it came to the college.
Green says she’s been proud to be able to teach her teammates over these last two years.
“I was the first one on the court, and with years of experience in the sport, I’ve been proud to share it with Durham College students and continue playing it with my teammates,” says Green.
The addition of this team is important for parasports to promote inclusivity and accessibility in sports on campus.
“Not only is it highly accessible to everyone but it’s an intense, fast-paced, and highly inclusive paralympic sport,” Green says.
Looking towards the team’s future, Millage has many goals for Durham College.
“The short-term goal is to have people appreciate the sport for what it is. It’s another sport. Long term is that it’s another option for students at Durham College,” he says.
Regardless of ability, anyone is welcome to join the sitting volleyball team.