Volleyball's Rise in Israel: From Grassroots Hobby to Global Success
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Volleyball has emerged as a major women's sport in Israel, with thousands of players and teams, culminating in the "Dora" Kfar Saba team winning the 2025 Club World Cup. Coach Shiraz Sagai Liam has been a driving force in its competitive development, aiming for international recognition and Olympic inclusion. Despite challenges in funding and public perception, the sport fosters professionalism and personal growth for its players.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The "Dora" Kfar Saba volleyball team won the 2025 Club World Cup in Amsterdam.
- Volleyball has grown significantly in Israel, attracting thousands of women players.
- Shiraz Sagai Liam is a key figure in developing competitive volleyball in Israel.
- The sport aims for international recognition and potential Olympic inclusion.
- Players often fund their participation due to a lack of professional budgets.
Volleyball has rapidly become a prominent women's sport in Israel, boasting thousands of players, hundreds of teams, and even a world championship title. While the "Mamanet" league is a significant part of this growth, other amateur and competitive leagues, youth divisions, and international teams also contribute to the sport's expansion. The "Dora" Kfar Saba team's victory at the 2025 Club World Cup in Amsterdam exemplifies the sport's international achievements.
Shiraz Sagai Liam, a 37-year-old physiotherapist, player, entrepreneur, and coach for "Dora" Kfar Saba, has been instrumental in developing volleyball from a recreational activity into a competitive sport with high aspirations. Having previously played and coached volleyball, she discovered a passion for volleyball among women seeking to be stronger and more competitive. Sagai Liam has dedicated 19 years to coaching and has been involved in building a competitive volleyball structure in Israel, including creating comprehensive support systems for players.
Sagai Liam is also active in the Israeli Volleyball Association's professional committee and the global association, which originated in Israel and provides professional support to teams abroad. She notes that volleyball serves as a preparatory sport for volleyball, teaching fundamental skills like catching and passing. The sport's roots trace back to Clara Gregory Baer in New Orleans in 1895, with its competitive development in Israel beginning in the 1980s under Chaim Borovsky's promotion, starting in northern Israel and spreading to other cities.
"Dora" Kfar Saba has been the Israeli champions for the last four consecutive years, winning the European Championship and subsequently the World Cup. Sagai Liam believes the team's victory over another Israeli team in the World Cup final demonstrates that the level of volleyball in Israel is among the highest globally, especially considering the sport's nascent competitive development internationally. She acknowledges the sport's increased exposure, including a drama series on Kan 11, "All Mothers Lie," and a joke by comedian Adir Miller, but feels these portrayals do not accurately reflect the dedication and professionalism of competitive players.
Despite the lack of professional funding, Sagai Liam emphasizes that "Dora" operates like a top-tier professional team, with players funding their participation out of pocket. A key goal of the global association is to gain recognition for volleyball as a sport, with aspirations to reach the Olympics through international collaboration. Sagai Liam views volleyball as a mission, inspiring women to be their best both on and off the court, fostering professionalism, teamwork, and resilience.