Over the past decade, the movement for safe sport has gained momentum across the athletic world, and volleyball has been at the forefront of this change. From the sand of Olympic beaches to polished indoor courts, star players are leveraging their platforms to demand an end to abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Their advocacy is not only reshaping policies but also transforming the culture of the sport itself. This article explores how volleyball stars are driving anti-harassment initiatives, the impact of their efforts, and what it means for athletes at every level.

The Foundation of Safe Sport in Volleyball

Safe sport refers to an environment where athletes can train, compete, and develop without fear of physical or emotional harm, including sexual abuse, bullying, hazing, and discrimination. In volleyball, the need for such protections has become increasingly urgent as high-profile cases have emerged across amateur and professional ranks. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) defines safe sport as a core pillar of athlete welfare, and national federations worldwide have adopted corresponding codes of conduct and reporting structures.

The concept gained traction after several scandals in other sports—most notably gymnastics—sparked a global reckoning. Volleyball players, inspired by the #MeToo movement and survivor-led campaigns, began speaking out about their own experiences. Their courage has led to the establishment of independent ombudspersons, mandatory background checks for coaches, and anonymous reporting tools in many volleyball organizations. Today, the safe sport framework includes prevention education, clear policies, and accountability mechanisms designed to protect all participants, regardless of age, gender, or competitive level.

Why Volleyball Stars Are Taking a Stand

Professional volleyball players occupy a unique position. They are role models for millions of young athletes, and their visibility commands attention from media, sponsors, and governing bodies. When a star like Kerri Walsh Jennings, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in beach volleyball, speaks out about the importance of safe sport, it sends a powerful message. Similarly, Brazilian legend Giba (Gilberto Godoy Filho) and Italian standout Paola Egonu have used their influence to advocate for respectful treatment of players and push back against toxic coaching cultures.

Many players have personal motivations. Some experienced abuse themselves or witnessed it among teammates. Others were moved by stories from colleagues in different sports. The decision to go public is never easy—it often invites scrutiny and backlash. Yet, these athletes recognize that silence perpetuates harm. By raising their voices, they create a ripple effect that encourages others to come forward and demands that institutions take meaningful action.

Leading Voices in the Movement

  • Kerri Walsh Jennings – The American beach volleyball icon has been a vocal advocate for athlete safety, partnering with organizations like the U.S. Center for SafeSport to promote education and policy reform. She has spoken at congressional hearings and in media interviews about the need for cultural change.
  • Giba (Gilberto Godoy Filho) – The Brazilian indoor volleyball legend has used his platform to address misconduct in South American volleyball, calling for stronger oversight and support for young athletes. His foundation also runs workshops on respect and ethics.
  • Paola Egonu – The Italian opposite hitter has been outspoken about racism and harassment in Italian volleyball. Her activism extends to safe sport, where she demands zero tolerance for any form of abuse from coaches or officials.
  • Erik Shoji – The U.S. men’s national team libero has been a consistent voice for mental health and safe environments, using social media to call out toxic behaviors and promote resources like the SafeSport Helpline.
  • Carol Gattaz – The Brazilian middle blocker, who played into her 40s, has been a mentor to younger players and an advocate for anti-harassment policies in Brazilian club volleyball, participating in roundtables with the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV).

These athletes do not act alone. Many collaborate with nonprofits, player associations, and international bodies to amplify their impact. Their collective pressure has led to tangible reforms in how volleyball organizations handle complaints and educate stakeholders.

Key Initiatives and Campaigns Led by Volleyball Stars

One of the most prominent campaigns is #SafeSportNow, which started in volleyball but spread to other sports. The campaign encourages athletes to share their stories and demand stronger protections. Volleyball players have been at the heart of this initiative, posting videos and written testimonials about their experiences. The hashtag has been used millions of times and has prompted several federations to review their policies openly.

Partnerships with Governing Bodies

Volleyball stars have formed strategic alliances with the FIVB, national federations, and independent safe sport organizations. For example, the FIVB's “Athlete Committee” includes current and former players who advise on safe sport policies. The committee helped develop the FIVB’s safe sport guidelines, which now require all member federations to have a code of ethics, a safeguarding officer, and accessible complaint mechanisms. Players also participate in the FIVB’s “Safe Sport Ambassador” program, recruiting peers to spread awareness across regions.

In the United States, USA Volleyball has a dedicated safe sport program that includes background checks, abuse prevention training, and a reporting system. Stars like Karch Kiraly, the U.S. women’s national team head coach and a former Olympic champion, have publicly endorsed the program and emphasized that winning cannot come at the cost of athlete safety. Kiraly’s leadership as a coach who played at the highest level adds credibility to the message.

Educational Outreach

Many volleyball stars conduct workshops and webinars for clubs, schools, and national teams. They cover topics such as recognizing signs of abuse, bystander intervention, and the importance of consent in coach-athlete relationships. For example, beach volleyball player April Ross has participated in USA Volleyball’s “Parents as Partners” sessions, helping families understand how to create safe environments at local tournaments. These sessions often include role-playing scenarios and discussions about power dynamics.

In Italy, the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) has enlisted star players to visit youth clubs and present anti-harassment modules. Players like Cristina Chirichella and Ivan Zaytsev have gone into schools and training centers to talk about respect and the responsibility of everyone in the volleyball community. The hands-on approach makes the issue personal and relatable, especially for younger athletes who may idolize these players.

Social Media Advocacy

Social media has become a powerful tool for volleyball stars to reach a global audience. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok allow players to bypass traditional media and speak directly to fans. They share calls to action, link to reporting resources, and amplify the voices of survivors. U.S. men’s setter Micah Christenson has used his Instagram stories to spotlight safe sport hotlines and share stories of athletes who found support through these channels.

During the 2021 Olympics, several volleyball players used their platforms to demand that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) strengthen its safe sport protocols. They posted side-by-side comparisons of IOC policies versus what athletes actually experienced in the village. The online pressure contributed to the IOC’s decision to create an independent safe sport unit for the 2024 Paris Games.

Impact on Policy and Culture

The advocacy of volleyball stars has produced measurable changes. The FIVB now requires all member federations to have a safe sport policy as a condition of hosting international events. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including loss of hosting rights. National federations in countries like Brazil, the United States, Italy, and Japan have updated their codes of conduct, implemented mandatory training for coaches, and established independent complaint committees.

Perhaps more importantly, the culture is shifting. Athletes feel more empowered to speak up. In 2022, the Italian women’s national team faced a crisis when several players reported psychological abuse by a coach. Because of the groundwork laid by star advocates, the federation conducted a transparent investigation, the coach was suspended, and new oversight measures were put in place. Players credited the safe sport movement with giving them the confidence to report.

Another example comes from the professional beach volleyball tour. After multiple players reported harassment from fans and officials, the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) implemented a zero-tolerance policy for fan misconduct and a code of conduct for all staff. Players like Tri Bourne and Lauren Fendrick publicly supported the policy and helped design the reporting app used at events. The result has been a safer environment at tournaments, with faster responses to incidents.

Challenges and Ongoing Gaps

Despite progress, challenges remain. In many countries, safe sport policies are not enforced uniformly. Cultural norms and power imbalances can inhibit reporting, particularly for young athletes who fear retaliation or stigmatization. Volleyball stars recognize these gaps and continue to press for accountability. They advocate for anonymous reporting systems, third-party investigations, and protections for whistleblowers.

Another challenge is the financial cost of implementing robust safe sport programs. Small clubs and school teams in lower-income regions may lack the resources to conduct background checks or provide training. Star players have stepped in to fundraise and donate their time. For example, the Giba Foundation supports safe sport training for coaches in northeastern Brazil, and Kerri Walsh Jennings has helped secure grants for USA Volleyball’s youth programming.

The mental health toll of advocacy is also real. Players who speak out may face online harassment, threats, or exclusion from the sport. Support networks within the volleyball community are crucial. Athlete-led organizations, such as the Global Athlete Council and the Volleyball Players’ Union, provide peer support and legal assistance. These groups help advocates navigate the emotional and professional risks of their activism.

How Schools and Clubs Can Support the Movement

Educational institutions and volleyball clubs are the frontline of athlete safety. They can implement several best practices inspired by the advocacy of professional stars:

  • Adopt comprehensive policies – Develop clear codes of conduct for coaches, athletes, and volunteers. Include definitions of abuse, harassment, and discrimination, and outline consequences for violations.
  • Provide mandatory training – Require all staff, coaches, and players to complete abuse prevention programs. Programs like SafeSport Trained (U.S.) or the FIVB’s online module are good starting points.
  • Establish confidential reporting channels – Create multiple ways for athletes to report concerns, including anonymous hotlines, online forms, and designated safe sport officers.
  • Foster open communication – Encourage athletes to speak up about any discomfort. Teams can hold regular check-ins where players can raise concerns privately.
  • Lead by example – Coaches and administrators should model respectful behavior and hold themselves accountable. Invite former or current volleyball stars to speak at clinics and assemblies about the importance of safe sport.
  • Partner with experts – Work with local child protection agencies, mental health professionals, and organizations like the U.S. Center for SafeSport or the International Safeguards for Children in Sport.

When schools and clubs take these steps, they create environments where young athletes can thrive. They also send a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated, which reinforces the work of the star advocates on the international stage.

The Business Case for Safe Sport

Beyond ethics, there is a strong business imperative for safe sport in volleyball. Sponsors and broadcasters are increasingly wary of associations with organizations that tolerate misconduct. Brands such as Nike, Mikasa, and Gatorade have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to athlete safety, and many require their sponsored athletes and partners to adhere to strict codes of conduct. Volleyball stars who champion safe sport become more attractive to sponsors, as they embody integrity and leadership.

Moreover, safe sport attracts and retains participants. Parents are more likely to enroll their children in programs that prioritize safety. Clubs with strong safe sport reputations see higher retention rates and stronger community support. The movement thus benefits both the moral fabric of the sport and its commercial viability.

Future Directions in Volleyball’s Safe Sport Movement

Looking ahead, volleyball stars are pushing for international uniformity in safe sport standards. Currently, policies vary widely between countries and even between clubs within the same nation. A global framework would ensure that athletes traveling for competitions receive the same protections everywhere. The FIVB’s athlete committee, with input from star players, is working on a universal safe sport certification that all events would need to obtain.

Technology will also play a larger role. Apps for anonymous reporting, digital education modules, and AI-driven monitoring of online harassment are being piloted. Players are involved in beta testing these tools and providing feedback to ensure they are athlete-friendly. For instance, the FIVB’s reporting app, launched in 2023, was shaped by input from professional volleyball players on the athlete committee.

Mental health support is another frontier. Advocacy is increasingly linking safe sport to psychological well-being. Volleyball stars are destigmatizing therapy and encouraging teams to include sports psychologists as part of the staff. Several national teams now have mandatory mental health breaks during tournaments, a policy pushed by player representatives.

The fight for safe sport is far from over, but the dedication of volleyball stars has already transformed the landscape. Their willingness to speak out, collaborate, and lead by example proves that athletes are not just performers—they are changemakers. As the movement grows, it will continue to shape a sport that is safer, more inclusive, and more respectful for everyone who steps onto the court.

To learn more about safe sport initiatives in volleyball, visit the FIVB Safe Sport page, the USA Volleyball Safe Sport program, or the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Additional resources include the IOC Safe Sport framework and the Giba Foundation, which supports youth safety initiatives in Brazil.