Volleyball quotes have not only become staples on t-shirts, but have also become truisms to a volleyball player. It’s a game in which the state of mind is as important as skill.
Words are powerful; they can ignite team spirit and build confidence ahead of a big match. But it can be tough to find the perfect volleyball quotes for inspiration.
That’s why we’ve gathered over 50 of the best running quotes that offer the perfect source of motivation and humour when you need it most.
Whether you need a firm quote about volleyball for a team pep talk or for your social media caption, you’ll find it here.
Inspirational Volleyball Quotes for Players

A champion’s path starts with perseverance and resolve. The following quotes, passionate and mind-bending, delve into the importance of effort, heart, and internal growth.
They are reminders to players that true success must come from themselves.
- “There’s nothing worse than the feeling of wishing you had another chance at a play because you weren’t ready. Don’t even expose yourself to the possibility of being caught off-guard.” – Karch Kiraly
- “Adversity, if you allow it to, will fortify you and make you the best you can be.” – Kerri Walsh Jennings
- “I have had to change the game to one that is a match of wits rather than brawn to give myself a fighting chance.” – Todd Rogers
- “Good players rarely look like the game is stressful for them. They never seem rushed because they adjust their position all the time based on what’s happening.” – Doug Beal
- “Over the years, I realised that if I’d done everything possible to prepare myself, it took a weight off my shoulders. I could play without fear.” – Karch Kiraly
- “I never went to a prom or to movies like other high school girls. My entire life was volleyball.” – Debbie Green
- “The will to win is more important than the skill to win.” – Lloy Ball
- “Pushing yourself over the barrier is a habit. If you want to win the war, you’ve got to pay the price.” – Flo Hyman
- “It’s not how tall you are, it is how good you are.” – Marv Dunphy
Ultimately, these motivational volleyball quotes can also inspire a setter to stay focused and a libero to remain determined. They’re great to have on for a pregame cheer or for self-reflection.
Volleyball Quotes About Teamwork: We Rise Together
Volleyball is a Team Sport with Individual Talent. Here are these quotes for volleyball that stress trust and unity.
- “Individual commitment to a group effort is what makes a team work.” – Vince Lombardi
- “You can’t have a team without a team.” – Kerri Walsh Jennings
- “Teamwork is not a matter of a few people doing a lot of things. It is a matter of many people doing a few things and doing them well.” – Marv Dunphy
- “It’s a game of intuition. Imagination. Improvisation. But most of all, of reciprocity. Of teamwork.” – Marv Dunphy
- “We can control our standard of training, preparation, and commitment to executing our system at a high level each time we take the floor.” – Alan Knipe
- “There are six people around the court, and it’s literally like a ballet. Fundamentals are at the core of everything you do.” – Caren Kemner
These volleyball sport quotes demonstrate that a great team is comprised of winners who come together through a loss. So, it’s all about talking things through and trusting each other.
Hilarious & Lighthearted Volleyball Sayings
Profound sayings are not always the source of inspiration. Every once in a while, the best motivation is a good laugh.
Following is our list of the best and funniest volleyball quotes and sayings. They are ideal for team T-shirts, social media captions or just a good chuckle.
- “My favourite thing is getting a kill so hard it almost knocks over the referee.” – Taylor Sander
- “I love volleyball because it’s a team sport, and it’s a game of inches.” – Lauren Carlini
- “I’m not the most physical person, not the tallest, not the skinniest. You can’t listen to anybody. Just know your dreams. Work hard, have fun doing it, and you can really make it places you never thought you would.” – Lindsey Berg
Quotes for Volleyball’s Biggest Moments
There are special moments in a volleyball season that you can only capture in a volleyball quote. These quotes perfectly capture the emotional tribute of senior night and the high-stakes pressure of tryouts.
Senior Night Quotes for Volleyball Players
Senior night is about looking back on history and honor. These volleyball quotes would make great heartfelt speeches, banners and Senior gifts.
- “My entire life was volleyball.” – Debbie Green
- “A lot of people told me I would never be a good volleyball player… I just followed my heart and did it.” – Tayyiba Haneef
- “The sport is a gift; the team is a family; the game is a passion.” –Anonymous
- “Volleyball has allowed me to travel throughout the world… to meet so many interesting people, including my husband and three presidents.” – Debbie Green
Inspirational Volleyball Quotes for Tryouts
Tryouts can be stressful. These volleyball sports quotes are perfect for allowing a player to clear their head and focus on their skill.
- “We are all going to fall short. We will all experience some bitter losses. We must use those to come back even stronger.” – Karch Kiraly
- “I’m here to see how all the parts fit together. I am in the middle of this storm, and that is where the calm is supposed to be.” – Mark Pavlik
- “You have to be willing to fail, to improve.” – Al Scates
Life Lessons from the Court
Many lessons from volleyball will prepare you for life on the outside. And these volleyball sport quotes share that wider view.
- “Adversity, if you allow it to, will fortify you.” – Kerri Walsh Jennings
- “It’s about taking time to enjoy other aspects of life… It helps rejuvenate.” – Misty May-Treanor
- “If you don’t succeed it doesn’t mean you are a failure.” – David Beard
- “Everybody likes the guy who works hard. Nobody likes the guy who tells you how hard he works.” – Lloy Ball
More Powerful Volleyball Quotes For Coaches

We’ve collected many more genuine quotes to ensure that you have a quote for every situation.
For Coaches:
- “Coaches must be critical thinkers, not protectors of the status quo.” – Mike Herbert
- “A coach should take the athletes to their limits… If you are concerned about being friends with the players, you are not going anywhere.” – Doug Beal
- “The team is going to win or lose the match… I like to help the team use what they have been trained to use.” – Mark Pavlik
For Strategy & Mindset:
- “Don’t fire your opponents up. If they’re down, don’t tick them off.” – Sinjin Smith
- “There is no way to freelance in volleyball.” – Marv Dunphy
- “On the surface, a duck looks nice and calm, but underneath it’s trying really hard.” – Foluke Akinradewo
- “The best passing drill is pass-set-hit.” – Marv Dunphy
Conclusion
Volleyball quotes are more than the sum of their words; they remind players and coaches of the effort and determination it takes to be successful.
They’re an opportunity for reflection and collaboration, guidance and inspiration. With a collection like this, you get to have the perfect words for every situation- be it on the court or in the locker room.
Don’t forget to use them to motivate and encourage yourself and others. Don’t let powerful sayings be forgotten, add them to a team poster, a social media post or a gift and watch them come to life.
FAQs
What is a good volleyball quote for a team?
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” This quote, attributed to Vince Lombardi, is excellent for fostering team unity.
What are some short motivational quotes for volleyball?
- “Hard work beats talent.”
- “Go hard or go home.”
- “Leave it all on the court.”
What is a quote about a volleyball player’s mindset?
Volleyball is 90% mental. You need to stay cool under fire and make the right choices.” – Al Scates
What is the most famous quote in volleyball?
“It’s the will to win that counts, not the skill to win. Despite the lack of information behind the original writer of this poignant quote, it is widely claimed and repeated by notable volleyball players and coaches alike. It has become a central tenet in the philosophy of the game.
What is a funny saying about volleyball?
“I’m a volleyball player. What’s your superpower?” This fun and popular saying is perfect for team T-shirts or social media captions.