Volleyball club- recap and thoughts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

YES, ever. single. year. My DD got 4 offers her first year club and by the end of the season she was not be rotated out during games. She was invited to invite only clinics before the next year's try outs for her former club. She was cut after the first round of try outs from that former club. She was lucky enough to get 1 offer last year to play at a new club so took that. Unfortunately that was ECP, which disbanded/dissolved about 2 weeks before this year's try outs, so once again she was clueless. Her prior coach let her know where they were coaching this season and asked her to try out, and then that club did NOT give her an offer.

There is zero loyalty in club volleyball. None. It is unlike any other sport my other kids have played where if you start with a club early often that club will look at the long term goal of developing you over the years and often you can stay year after year (not a guarantee but likely, such as lacrosse, soccer, etc). With volleyball there is no club loyalty so the players also are looking to change every year as well. Learn this lesson now for next year.

It really is such a hard experience for families, and it’s a shame. But as this thread indicates, some ppl are frustrated by a lack of loyalty, myself included, while others are equally frustrated that they saw clubs fill their rosters ahead of time with their girls from last year. The best we can do is go into the process with eyes wide open and exposure to as many clubs as possible ahead of time. My heart hurts for those families that don’t have the benefit of that knowledge because they are newer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

Yes. Unfortunately this is an annual nightmare. We know several “incumbent” girls at clubs who didn’t get offers this year, and they were scrambling by Sunday/Monday. We personally know return players who didn’t get offers from Mojo/ECP and Metro (Regional) despite being solid players. The girls we know personally were strong enough to get offers from other clubs (in some cases better offers) but it was certainly not ideal and parents are pissed.

So funny, I was about to post the same thing. We know girls from both ECP/Mojo and Metro who were not given offers despite playing for those clubs last year. And despite being given verbal assurances they had nothing to worry about and that there would be a spot for them. But I agree, with a couple of exceptions, we have seen zero loyalty in club volleyball and we know some girls who have played for a different club each year since they were U13.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

Yes. Unfortunately this is an annual nightmare. We know several “incumbent” girls at clubs who didn’t get offers this year, and they were scrambling by Sunday/Monday. We personally know return players who didn’t get offers from Mojo/ECP and Metro (Regional) despite being solid players. The girls we know personally were strong enough to get offers from other clubs (in some cases better offers) but it was certainly not ideal and parents are pissed.

So funny, I was about to post the same thing. We know girls from both ECP/Mojo and Metro who were not given offers despite playing for those clubs last year. And despite being given verbal assurances they had nothing to worry about and that there would be a spot for them. But I agree, with a couple of exceptions, we have seen zero loyalty in club volleyball and we know some girls who have played for a different club each year since they were U13.

I know at least 5 girls in one age group that had this happen to them with Mojo. They were specifically told they had "a home for them" with the new club, so these girls didn't focus on other clinics or clubs, only to be given the run around this weekend and not be given an offer as of last night. Even with Mojo claiming they needed more girls and holding that last minute third tryout on Monday night. Volleyball clubs are like politicians, you cannot believe anything they say and it's all about the money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

Yes. Unfortunately this is an annual nightmare. We know several “incumbent” girls at clubs who didn’t get offers this year, and they were scrambling by Sunday/Monday. We personally know return players who didn’t get offers from Mojo/ECP and Metro (Regional) despite being solid players. The girls we know personally were strong enough to get offers from other clubs (in some cases better offers) but it was certainly not ideal and parents are pissed.

So funny, I was about to post the same thing. We know girls from both ECP/Mojo and Metro who were not given offers despite playing for those clubs last year. And despite being given verbal assurances they had nothing to worry about and that there would be a spot for them. But I agree, with a couple of exceptions, we have seen zero loyalty in club volleyball and we know some girls who have played for a different club each year since they were U13.

Speaking as the parent of a DD playing D1 volleyball and going through this every year while at club, some observations

1. There is no loyalty because these clubs have a reputation within the sport - Metro/Paramount in particular are completely ruthless. If your kid has been there for years and a better prospect walks in the door - you’re out. These clubs, and I include the next tier down of VA Juniors, VAE and MD Juniors as well, attract the best by being competitive and placing kids in colleges. The commitments have been quite impressive lately and none of these clubs are taking a kid that they don’t see with significant upside and a college commitment.
2. Talent flows downhill - as more kids play the sport, the more competitive it gets and consequently the kids that get cut by Metro go to VA Jnrs/VAE/Md Jnrs etc, the kids that get cut from VA Jnrs/VAE etc go to St James, Vienna etc etc and so on and so on. That’s why there are so many new clubs - catering for the kids that are new to sport/just want to play etc etc
3. The rosters at the top clubs are almost always set before tryouts, then once cuts start, the merry go round starts for a couple of days before rosters are set. I hate to say it but if your kid is getting an offer late in the process, they will have to understand that they’re not playing much (at least to start, if at all)
4. For the future, if your kid has not been invited to ‘invite only clinics’, or have a steer from the coaches that your DD is of interest, do not waste your money trying out
5. Think very carefully about taking a spot on one of the ‘elite’ teams unless you have an idea where you sit in the depth chart - I have seen too many very good athletes sit on the bench all season (and I do mean all season). It’s soul crushing for the kid and not much fun for the parent - don’t be seduced by your kid being on a roster at Metro/Paramount/VA or MD Juniors/VAE without understanding the lie of the land.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone heard more details from Renaissance? We got an offer, emailed a couple of questions but never received a reply. Does anyone know who is coaching the teams? Pretty basic inquiry.

This may be too late to be helpful, but it’s not a good sign if they don’t have coaches in place.

Renaissance definitely has all their coaches. Apparently they are fielding at least 13-18U and are even having some unexpected B teams- also with coaches. As mentioned- this process is overwhelming for all clubs given all ages must be figured out over one weekend as opposed to divided up into 2- and this club has formed since early October so the likely the assignment of the coaches to the various teams was being figured out real time. However would sure hope that they get back to you about who the coach is for the team you got offered! They didn’t tell you at tryouts??

FWIW My DD received an offer from Renaissance and it was in her final two choices out of four offers. She ultimately decided to go with the other option (not my decision!) but I wish she had taken a chance. She was concerned they were still getting set up and she didn’t know if the team was fully rostered. I wish they had hit the ground running a few weeks sooner bc she would have absolutely picked them. She’s still wondering if she chose right this morning. Coaches were great. Clinics were excellent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone heard more details from Renaissance? We got an offer, emailed a couple of questions but never received a reply. Does anyone know who is coaching the teams? Pretty basic inquiry.

This may be too late to be helpful, but it’s not a good sign if they don’t have coaches in place.

Renaissance definitely has all their coaches. Apparently they are fielding at least 13-18U and are even having some unexpected B teams- also with coaches. As mentioned- this process is overwhelming for all clubs given all ages must be figured out over one weekend as opposed to divided up into 2- and this club has formed since early October so the likely the assignment of the coaches to the various teams was being figured out real time. However would sure hope that they get back to you about who the coach is for the team you got offered! They didn’t tell you at tryouts??

FWIW My DD received an offer from Renaissance and it was in her final two choices out of four offers. She ultimately decided to go with the other option (not my decision!) but I wish she had taken a chance. She was concerned they were still getting set up and she didn’t know if the team was fully rostered. I wish they had hit the ground running a few weeks sooner bc she would have absolutely picked them. She’s still wondering if she chose right this morning. Coaches were great. Clinics were excellent.

For what it’s worth- I believe Renaissance is still looking for a few players to round out some of their teams. They are formed- meaning they have enough players but may be looking for 1-2 more players to make it say 11-12 players instead of the 9-10 they have. (NOT to make it a 15 person team). So if anyone is still looking for a team- it may be worth reaching out to the director. His phone and email are on the website. I believe this may even apply to most if not all ages .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

YES, ever. single. year. My DD got 4 offers her first year club and by the end of the season she was not be rotated out during games. She was invited to invite only clinics before the next year's try outs for her former club. She was cut after the first round of try outs from that former club. She was lucky enough to get 1 offer last year to play at a new club so took that. Unfortunately that was ECP, which disbanded/dissolved about 2 weeks before this year's try outs, so once again she was clueless. Her prior coach let her know where they were coaching this season and asked her to try out, and then that club did NOT give her an offer.

There is zero loyalty in club volleyball. None. It is unlike any other sport my other kids have played where if you start with a club early often that club will look at the long term goal of developing you over the years and often you can stay year after year (not a guarantee but likely, such as lacrosse, soccer, etc). With volleyball there is no club loyalty so the players also are looking to change every year as well. Learn this lesson now for next year.

It really is such a hard experience for families, and it’s a shame. But as this thread indicates, some ppl are frustrated by a lack of loyalty, myself included, while others are equally frustrated that they saw clubs fill their rosters ahead of time with their girls from last year. The best we can do is go into the process with eyes wide open and exposure to as many clubs as possible ahead of time. My heart hurts for those families that don’t have the benefit of that knowledge because they are newer.

This ^^^^ . +1000

Now you know why young kids lose trust from those in higher authority. Broken promises and broken dreams.

[Anonymous]

For girls who love volleyball but end up club less, maybe they can enjoy summer grass/beach volleyball? And use all that time they’re not spending on club season to develop other interests. Cold comfort but maybe a way to keep playing in some capacity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

YES, ever. single. year. My DD got 4 offers her first year club and by the end of the season she was not be rotated out during games. She was invited to invite only clinics before the next year's try outs for her former club. She was cut after the first round of try outs from that former club. She was lucky enough to get 1 offer last year to play at a new club so took that. Unfortunately that was ECP, which disbanded/dissolved about 2 weeks before this year's try outs, so once again she was clueless. Her prior coach let her know where they were coaching this season and asked her to try out, and then that club did NOT give her an offer.

There is zero loyalty in club volleyball. None. It is unlike any other sport my other kids have played where if you start with a club early often that club will look at the long term goal of developing you over the years and often you can stay year after year (not a guarantee but likely, such as lacrosse, soccer, etc). With volleyball there is no club loyalty so the players also are looking to change every year as well. Learn this lesson now for next year.

It really is such a hard experience for families, and it’s a shame. But as this thread indicates, some ppl are frustrated by a lack of loyalty, myself included, while others are equally frustrated that they saw clubs fill their rosters ahead of time with their girls from last year. The best we can do is go into the process with eyes wide open and exposure to as many clubs as possible ahead of time. My heart hurts for those families that don’t have the benefit of that knowledge because they are newer.

This ^^^^ . +1000

Now you know why young kids lose trust from those in higher authority. Broken promises and broken dreams.

And no one tells you that if your kid who loves JV volleyball 9th grade doesn’t play club, they’re not going to keep up skill-wise and court sense and by junior year they won’t be making high school team either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

YES, ever. single. year. My DD got 4 offers her first year club and by the end of the season she was not be rotated out during games. She was invited to invite only clinics before the next year's try outs for her former club. She was cut after the first round of try outs from that former club. She was lucky enough to get 1 offer last year to play at a new club so took that. Unfortunately that was ECP, which disbanded/dissolved about 2 weeks before this year's try outs, so once again she was clueless. Her prior coach let her know where they were coaching this season and asked her to try out, and then that club did NOT give her an offer.

There is zero loyalty in club volleyball. None. It is unlike any other sport my other kids have played where if you start with a club early often that club will look at the long term goal of developing you over the years and often you can stay year after year (not a guarantee but likely, such as lacrosse, soccer, etc). With volleyball there is no club loyalty so the players also are looking to change every year as well. Learn this lesson now for next year.

It really is such a hard experience for families, and it’s a shame. But as this thread indicates, some ppl are frustrated by a lack of loyalty, myself included, while others are equally frustrated that they saw clubs fill their rosters ahead of time with their girls from last year. The best we can do is go into the process with eyes wide open and exposure to as many clubs as possible ahead of time. My heart hurts for those families that don’t have the benefit of that knowledge because they are newer.

This ^^^^ . +1000

Now you know why young kids lose trust from those in higher authority. Broken promises and broken dreams.

k

If you want broken promises and broken dreams - trying the college recruiting process. Club is small potatoes in comparison.

[Anonymous]

There should be more clubs geared towards the girls that want to do travel and are new to the sport 1/2 years in and just want to play abut not do rec. There is definately a market

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

Yes. Unfortunately this is an annual nightmare. We know several “incumbent” girls at clubs who didn’t get offers this year, and they were scrambling by Sunday/Monday. We personally know return players who didn’t get offers from Mojo/ECP and Metro (Regional) despite being solid players. The girls we know personally were strong enough to get offers from other clubs (in some cases better offers) but it was certainly not ideal and parents are pissed.

So funny, I was about to post the same thing. We know girls from both ECP/Mojo and Metro who were not given offers despite playing for those clubs last year. And despite being given verbal assurances they had nothing to worry about and that there would be a spot for them. But I agree, with a couple of exceptions, we have seen zero loyalty in club volleyball and we know some girls who have played for a different club each year since they were U13.

Speaking as the parent of a DD playing D1 volleyball and going through this every year while at club, some observations

1. There is no loyalty because these clubs have a reputation within the sport - Metro/Paramount in particular are completely ruthless. If your kid has been there for years and a better prospect walks in the door - you’re out. These clubs, and I include the next tier down of VA Juniors, VAE and MD Juniors as well, attract the best by being competitive and placing kids in colleges. The commitments have been quite impressive lately and none of these clubs are taking a kid that they don’t see with significant upside and a college commitment.
2. Talent flows downhill - as more kids play the sport, the more competitive it gets and consequently the kids that get cut by Metro go to VA Jnrs/VAE/Md Jnrs etc, the kids that get cut from VA Jnrs/VAE etc go to St James, Vienna etc etc and so on and so on. That’s why there are so many new clubs - catering for the kids that are new to sport/just want to play etc etc
3. The rosters at the top clubs are almost always set before tryouts, then once cuts start, the merry go round starts for a couple of days before rosters are set. I hate to say it but if your kid is getting an offer late in the process, they will have to understand that they’re not playing much (at least to start, if at all)
4. For the future, if your kid has not been invited to ‘invite only clinics’, or have a steer from the coaches that your DD is of interest, do not waste your money trying out
5. Think very carefully about taking a spot on one of the ‘elite’ teams unless you have an idea where you sit in the depth chart - I have seen too many very good athletes sit on the bench all season (and I do mean all season). It’s soul crushing for the kid and not much fun for the parent - don’t be seduced by your kid being on a roster at Metro/Paramount/VA or MD Juniors/VAE without understanding the lie of the land.

Thanks for this post. I wish I had this knowledge prior. Hopefully it will benefit families moving forward when they read this thread. Pin this at the top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There should be more clubs geared towards the girls that want to do travel and are new to the sport 1/2 years in and just want to play abut not do rec. There is definately a market

If you’re in VA, I would highly recommend No Panic, which fits this description perfectly. It’s a great, kind, developmental club. Clinics, Rec, travel and develops leagues, and there are also community service opportunities and opportunities for U14 and up to assistant coach. My DD really likes this club a lot. Unfortunately their travel program isn’t as competitive as many others in the area. But we can’t say enough about the development and coaching for those new to the sport.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do players have to do this circus every year, even after they’ve made a club one year and are happy? In other words, do they have to fight hard to retain their spot from the prior year or are clubs loyal to returning players? I realize she will always have to tryout but is her spot safe with the same club, assuming no issues? This was our first year of tryouts, and DD got offers from 4 of her 5 teams from tryouts. But it was stressful and we put so much time and money into clinics at each place. I know she will have to tryout again but I’m hoping the stress is not like this every year.

YES, ever. single. year. My DD got 4 offers her first year club and by the end of the season she was not be rotated out during games. She was invited to invite only clinics before the next year's try outs for her former club. She was cut after the first round of try outs from that former club. She was lucky enough to get 1 offer last year to play at a new club so took that. Unfortunately that was ECP, which disbanded/dissolved about 2 weeks before this year's try outs, so once again she was clueless. Her prior coach let her know where they were coaching this season and asked her to try out, and then that club did NOT give her an offer.

There is zero loyalty in club volleyball. None. It is unlike any other sport my other kids have played where if you start with a club early often that club will look at the long term goal of developing you over the years and often you can stay year after year (not a guarantee but likely, such as lacrosse, soccer, etc). With volleyball there is no club loyalty so the players also are looking to change every year as well. Learn this lesson now for next year.

It really is such a hard experience for families, and it’s a shame. But as this thread indicates, some ppl are frustrated by a lack of loyalty, myself included, while others are equally frustrated that they saw clubs fill their rosters ahead of time with their girls from last year. The best we can do is go into the process with eyes wide open and exposure to as many clubs as possible ahead of time. My heart hurts for those families that don’t have the benefit of that knowledge because they are newer.

This ^^^^ . +1000

Now you know why young kids lose trust from those in higher authority. Broken promises and broken dreams.

k

If you want broken promises and broken dreams - trying the college recruiting process. Club is small potatoes in comparison.

College recruiting sounds brutal. But at least most know going in how hard that is. I think a lot of girls want to play club and not college but didn’t know they wouldn’t find anywhere to play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There should be more clubs geared towards the girls that want to do travel and are new to the sport 1/2 years in and just want to play abut not do rec. There is definately a market

I thought travel was geared towards serious D1 recruits. Regional was more for the average, slightly above average player that also plays HS. Maybe an outside shot at DIV 2 or 3 college player.