Volleyball match mirrors Disney World

By Mark Levitt

Published Oct. 24, 2008

There was something missing in the atmosphere at the Missouri volleyball game Wednesday night. There was no booing. There was no swearing. Nobody taunted the opponent (Colorado). I would not have believed I was at a sporting event had it not been for the scoreboard hanging over center court.

I sat as an honorary member of VolleyZou, wanting to get the full experience of one of the so-called best cheering sections in the Big 12. And for the first two sets of the match, I could not understand how people could possibly label this as an "intimidating" atmosphere. Of the 50 students in attendance, only a handful stood up for the game. They cheered, but not abnormally loudly. There were a total of zero signs and one painted chest. It seemed far from special.

It all clicked during the 10-minute intermission between the second and third sets. The atmosphere inside the Hearnes Center wasn't scary or intimidating. It was happy. Everywhere I looked there were people smiling. High school students, grandparents, toddlers, along with the VolleyZou, were in a good mood from the opening serve to the final spike.

Most people don't know the sport of volleyball as well as they do the more popular basketball and football. So when the Tigers lose a point, nobody feels the need to tell the player who made the error that she is the scum of the earth. The fans want to win, but what makes them unique is they are just as happy being at the game.

Junior Drew Copple, the unofficial student leader of VolleyZou, echoes this sentiment.

"There's nothing as fun as a volleyball game because we're here yelling for Mizzou," Copple said.

If it sounds romantic, it's because it is. For the hour and a half these women are bumping, setting and spiking the ball, the Hearnes Center transforms into Disney World. It's the happiest place on earth. Nothing can go wrong.

Truman plays the role of Mickey Mouse, leading fans that range from ages 2 to 70. He claps in celebration after MU wins a tough point. He claps in encouragement after they lose one.

Disney tunes are replaced with Missouri favorites. A high school bands joins the Tiger Pep band blasting out the "Missouri Waltz" and "Hey, Baby."

And though there might not be rides, the competition is not lacking excitement. These women hold their ground as balls shot like missiles are being aimed at their faces. I'd like to say I wouldn't duck and take cover. I would be lying.

The same characteristics that draw vacationers to Orlando drew fans to the game on a cool Wednesday night. I asked Athletic Director Mike Alden what makes the volleyball games the way they are.

"Fans feel closer to the sport," Alden said. "The family atmosphere is something people really gravitate to."

The players play a large role in the atmosphere as well. Caitlyn Vann, Lei Wang and Julianna Klein act as Donald, Goofy and Pluto, being the lovable entertainment for this unusually loving crowd. After one of them executes a solid play, the whole team huddles to congratulate her. Yet players probably receive more high fives after an error than any other time. Weird sport.

I had to wait for interviews after the match while the players signed each and every autograph fans shoved in front of them. I stood there and couldn't help but think of how unusually great the scene was. I felt like Aladdin, taking a magical ride into a whole new world of sports.