The Spark That Started It All
In the middle of the 2020 lockdown, Olympic gold medalist April Ross posted an Instagram video doing something simple but powerful: bouncing a volleyball off a wooden plank in her backyard. No teammates. Just a wall, a board, and a ball.
For most viewers, it was just another glimpse into how pros stay sharp during uncertain times.
But for Jonathan, it was a lightbulb moment.
"I remember watching that video and thinking, 'there has to be a better way for athletes to train reaction and ball control when they're on their own.' That's when the idea for the VolleyBoard hit me."
The Need for a Real Training Tool
As a lifelong volleyball player and coach, Jonathan knew that reaction time, angles, and unpredictability were critical to game performance — especially for defenders and passers. But no one had created a volleyball rebounder specifically designed to train those skills in a real, dynamic way.
From Garage Prototype to the First VolleyBoard
Armed with April's video and a garage full of tools, Jonathan started experimenting with angles, materials, and bounce patterns to mimic the chaotic nature of a real rally. After months of prototyping, testing, and feedback from real players, the VolleyBoard was born — a volleyball reaction training device that's lightweight, durable, and portable for both beach and indoor use.
Training the Next Generation
Now shipping in Summer 2025, the VolleyBoard has already become a go-to tool for players looking to elevate their training — whether they're working up on the sand or grinding reps solo in the driveway.
What started as a simple Instagram post has turned into a movement: empowering athletes with smarter, more accessible training.
Ready to Train Like April?
Pre-orders for the VolleyBoard are now live. Reserve yours today and be part of the new wave in volleyball training.