The invention of volleyball is credited to Willam G. Morgan, an American born in 1870.

Morgan originally called the gam “Mintonette”.

While working as the Director of Physical Education at the YMCA in Holyoke, MA, Morgan was interested in having a game that was easier to play and more inclusive than basketball.

In order to complete his creation, Morgan was able to convince the A.G Spalding Company to create a special ball specifically for Mintonette.