The inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited Volleyball concluded with the crowning of Jordan Larson as champion. Larson topped the list of 45 players who earned points based on individual and team play during the five-week season.

Jordan Larson photo courtesy Jade Hewitt Media – Athletes Unlimited.

As is the way with all AU Sports, teams change every week, creating new and interesting combinations and dynamics. This innovation also eliminated the possibility of a team championship. Despite the individual champ concept, the emphasis is still on team play, which makes the system incredibly fascinating.

Photo courtesy Jade Hewitt Media – Athletes Unlimited.

Unlike the AU Softball season, I had no idea what to expect. I have played a little volleyball over the years, but my knowledge of the sport is limited. With the softball league, I was friends with most of the players and at least knew all of them. For this volleyball league, I knew of a select few, such as Symone Abbott, a former star player with Northwestern.

Symone Abbott

After the first week of play, I was already looking forward to the next round. Over the five weeks I watched all 30 games. I quickly focused on the play rather than the point system, taking advice from the players who play their best and let the points come naturally. By the end of the season I was fully invested. I enjoyed the play and the interaction of the different combinations of players.

Photo courtesy Jade Hewitt Media – Athletes Unlimited.

Last summer AU softball proved the concept of a league run by the players, for the players. Now, AU volleyball proved the concept works in other sports. The AU system is capturing the attention of fans and other leagues.

Photo courtesy Jade Hewitt Media – Athletes Unlimited.

In a season-ending press session, volleyball legend Karch Kiraly joined AU CEO Jon Patricof, champ Larson and Defensive Player of the Year award winner Nomaris Velez Agosto. Patricof announced there will be a second season for AU Volleyball, although no details were announced.

Karch Kiraly

Next up for AU is the lacrosse league. This will be another new experience for everyone. With broadcasts on television and the web, the sport and players will get more exposure than ever. I know almost nothing about lacrosse, but a little research will serve as preparation.

Jon Patricof

— John Wroblewski, online writer