As one of the fastest growing NCAA sports, men’s volleyball mirrors senior and middle blocker Belsey Ferguson’s own progress in developing a stronger mindset alongside his volleyball skills.

Ferguson started volleyball as a sophomore when a friend encouraged him to join the Houston Volleyball Academy (HVA), an extracurricular club that works alongside Houston High School Volleyball league to create volleyball teams in the Greater Houston Area.

“As a kid, I could’ve been really good at a lot of sports because of my height,” Ferguson said. “I couldn’t bring myself to hurt other kids like in a lot of other sports, such as football, where you tackle other players. I chose volleyball because it is one of the only sports where I can be competitive and aggressive to an inanimate object without having to hurt other people.”

Boys high school volleyball has grown about 12% annually in the past five years, but due to its nonexistent UIL recognition, the sport lacks general acceptance. Marketing and Operations Director of HVA, Eric Wooldridge, has made it a personal goal to bring more attention to the sport.

“Unfortunately, volleyball is not as popular for boys compared to football, baseball or basketball,” Wooldridge said. “So being in my hometown, it has been natural to bring more awareness about the sport that I think should be more widely accepted when played by boys as well.”

Despite a 7 to 1 ratio of girls to boys in high school volleyball, Ferguson was not discouraged from wanting to enjoy some friendly competition.

“Volleyball showed me my love of playful rivalry and what can happen when you consistently work towards a goal,” Ferguson said. “It taught me the true values of trust and teamwork, as volleyball is a sport where you fail if you don’t know how to work with and rely on your team.”

Belsey Ferguson

Ferguson (sixth from the right) poses with his teammates after a tournament. His team took home first place from this event in Louisville, Kentucky.

Senior, school team captain and setter Jacob Schwartz’s friendship with Ferguson has strengthened as they continued to play volleyball together on the school team. He has consistently noticed Ferguson’s efforts through their close relationship as teammates.

“He is one of the few players that joined what is considered ‘late’ and still managed to work his way up to a good team at HVA,” Schwartz said. “He puts in the work and you constantly see his improvement.”

Wooldridge has seen firsthand the prominence of a strong mindset and emotional attitude in a team sport setting.

“I have seen this tall kid who came into the gym not knowing a thing about the sport transform into a volleyball player,” Wooldridge said. “He always has a smile on his face, but now he has become more confident, physically stronger and more athletically coordinated. At his height, he already has a presence when he enters a room, but it’s been great to see what he has grown into over the years.”

As his journey continued, Ferguson learned that he would have to rely heavily on his virtues and discipline to reach the top.

“I started out on the lowest team at my club and have moved up to one of the best,” Ferguson said. “It took a lot of persistence and dedication. I have gotten considerably better over time, although sometimes it is evident how much work I have to put in to keep up.”

Beyond his skill improvement, Ferguson stood out through his positive attitude and confidence.

“Ferguson is a very great teammate and person,” Schwartz said. “When he isn’t playing well, he doesn’t lash out or react negatively. His volleyball mindset of constantly moving forward is something that many college coaches look for, and it makes him an attractive player. Plus, he’s mad funny. Ferguson looks out for his friends and always has a great energy — definitely someone you want to be around and have in your corner.”

Ferguson’s dedication shows an understanding of the grit and commitment required to succeed in volleyball, as the sport is not just a physical sport but one that exercises the mind and one’s emotional capacities.

“I think that the sport teaches you not to dwell in the past and move on to the next play,” Wooldridge said. “I have seen his mental strength being tested in tournaments that, at the time, he didn’t win; until now, in his senior year, getting gold medals and being on the podium. That has to come from mental toughness and preparation.”

Ferguson plans to continue playing volleyball through his college career, as it has become a huge part of his life.

“I can’t say I know where I want to go to college yet, but I know I don’t want to give up volleyball,” Ferguson said. “Wherever I end up, I want to keep playing.”

Alongside his individual efforts, Ferguson said that much of his development has been because of the support he’s received. With such an expansive network of teammates, coaches and support staff, the balance of hard work and recreation was more achievable.

“The friends I make while playing make the sport way more fun than if I were trying to play by myself,” Ferguson said. “I would not be the player I am today without my coaches.”