Have you ever watched a volleyball game and noticed how tall some of the players are? It’s not just a coincidence! Height plays a big role in volleyball for several reasons.
Taller players can reach higher, which helps when they’re trying to block or spike the ball over the net. The net is quite high, so being tall gives players an advantage. Also, taller players often have longer arms, which means they can cover more area on the court, especially when serving or blocking.
However, many female volleyball players may not be blessed with height but excel in other areas of the game, such as speed, agility, and technique. These players may not be the tallest on the court, yet they still manage to make a significant impact on their team’s performance.
In this article, we will provide information about 10 famous and accomplished female volleyball players who stand at less than 5'5'' (165 cm). They are an inspiration for any aspiring volleyball player, proving that height is not the sole factor in becoming successful in volleyball.
8 Short Height Women Volleyball Players
Below are the 8 shortest female volleyball players who have made their mark in the sport despite their height:
1. Jorella Marie de Jesus
- Height: 152cm (5’0″)
- Nationality: Filipino
Ella, also known as Jorella Marie de Jesus, has made a name for herself in the volleyball world despite her height of 157 cm (5'2"). She was born on August 17, 1993, in Manila, Philippines. She played the OH/libero position for the Ateneo de Manila University’s varsity Lady Eagles volleyball team.
Ella was a part of the “Fab Five” and contributed to her team’s success, winning championships in the UAAP Seasons 76 and 77. Her skills as a libero were instrumental in securing victory for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference.
2. Jamenea Ferrer
- Height: 157cm (5’2″)
- Nationality: Filipino
Jamenea “Jem” Ferrer, a prominent Filipino volleyball setter, stands at 157 cm (5'2"). She was born on December 11, 1990, and gained recognition as a three-time UAAP best setter awardee during her tenure with the Ateneo University Lady Eagles volleyball team.
Jem’s career includes playing for teams like Smart-Maynilad, BaliPure, Perlas Spikers, and Choco Mucho. Her strategic acumen and agility have made her a key player in the PVL for almost a decade.
3. Yoshie Takeshita
- Height: 159cm (5’2.5″)
- Nationality: Japanese
Yoshie Takeshita, a retired Japanese volleyball player, stands at 159 cm (5’2.5″). Born on March 18, 1978, she played for JT Marvelous and later became the head coach of the Japanese team Victorina Himeji.
Takeshita was a member of the All-Japan women’s volleyball team and participated in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics, winning a bronze medal in 2012. Her career as a setter inspired many despite her relatively small stature.
4. Deborah Green-Vargas (Debbie)
- Height: 162-163cm (5’4″)
- Nationality: American
Deborah Green-Vargas, famously known as Debbie, is an American volleyball player born on June 25, 1958. Despite her height of 162-163 cm (5’4″), she is considered one of the greatest American women’s volleyball setters.
She played for the Los Angeles Starlites in Major League Volleyball, winning two championships in 1987 and 1988. Debbie also won a silver medal with the U.S. National Team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
5. Gina Custer
- Height: 152cm (5’0″)
- Nationality: American
Gina Custer, a talented American libero standing at 152 cm (5'0"), has made a name for herself in collegiate volleyball. Pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, she has garnered accolades for her outstanding achievements both academically and athletically.
Gina led her team and conference in digs, showcasing her exceptional skills on the volleyball court. She has won several notable awards during her career, including back-to-back Player of the Year and Specialist of the Year honors.
6. Megumi Murakami
- Height: 165cm (5’5″)
- Nationality: Japanese
Megumi Murakami, a Japanese beach volleyball player, is 165 cm (5’5″) tall. Born on September 14, 1985, she has competed at the highest levels, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Murakami has made significant achievements in international competitions, such as winning a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games. She has been a notable figure in the sport, leaving a mark with her performances.
7. Katie Spieler
- Height: 165cm (5’5″)
- Nationality: American
Katie Spieler, an American volleyball player, is 165 cm (5’5″) tall. She has been a part of the University of Hawai’i at Manoa’s volleyball team, playing as a libero/defensive specialist.
Katie has made a significant impact in beach volleyball, both on the AVP tour and internationally. She has achieved several top-10 finishes and holds a career-best 3rd-place finish on the AVP tour.
8. Natalia Alfaro
- Height: 165cm (5’5″)
- Nationality: Costa Rican
Natalia Alfaro, a beach volleyball player from Costa Rica, stands at 165 cm (5’5″). Born on April 8, 1987, she has competed in prestigious tournaments like the 2016 Rio Olympics and the Swatch FIVB World Tour. Her achievements in the sport have made her one of the most successful and popular beach volleyball players from Costa Rica.
How Short Players Make a Big Impact in Volleyball?
Height is commonly regarded as a significant advantage in volleyball games. However, it is worth noting that short players can also have a huge impact. It’s true! Short players bring unique skills to the game, often exhibiting exceptional speed and agility as they dart around the court. This makes them excellent at defense, particularly when it comes to retrieving difficult low shots.
Also, short players have a lower center of gravity. This means they have excellent balance and can make sudden moves easily. They are often the stars when it comes to passing the ball accurately to teammates. And let’s not forget serving! Short players can be just as powerful in serving the ball, using their speed and technique.
Final Thoughts
In volleyball, teamwork and skill matter a lot. So, short players use their strengths to contribute in big ways. Every player, tall or short, has an important role. That’s what makes volleyball such a fun and inclusive sport!
We hope that if you have a shorter height and aspire to pursue volleyball, you are now inspired by these amazing short players who have made a significant impact in the sport. Keep playing and be proud of the unique skills you bring to the game!
