Membership

Volleyball celebrates 30 years of safe net systems

Congratulations and thanks to Associate Member Sports Imports for changing the game for the better

Thirty years ago, volleyball players had to dodge dangerous guide wires that anchored volleyball net systems to the floor. In 1976, Ken Dunlap formed Sports Imports and brought the simple and safe Senoh floor sleeve system to America, revolutionizing the safety of volleyball net systems.

As a former player and Ohio State University Division I Men’s Volleyball coach, Ken Dunlap experienced firsthand the dangerous guide wire systems. During rigorous play, it was possible for a player to get tangled in the wires and potentially experience serious injury. Ken had seen the unique new design of the Senoh Net System and resolved to make it available in the U.S. He formed Sports Imports and became the exclusive distributor of Senoh Volleyball Net Systems. His vision was to provide a truly safe net system, backed by a high level of knowledge and service, to help coaches and teams in the U.S. achieve a higher level of competition play.

Senoh Net Systems quickly became the industry standard and the only net system ever used by the Olympic Games. It is the only system currently used by the NCAA Championships and the only one ever endorsed by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). And, with Sports Imports as a Corporate Partner, it is the official volleyball net system of the NIRSA Foundation.

“We are proud to carry on the Sports Imports legacy,” said Brad Underwood, president. “As the industry leader in volleyball net systems, we continue to uphold the tradition of safety, the highest quality products and expert service. And, we are always looking for ways to improve the game. Just like Ken Dunlap, we love volleyball and we enjoy helping others achieve the highest level of play.”