Club Volleyball - rate your club pros/cons

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:if you are on a regional team, you are just on a revenue source team. Soon it will be a northwest regional to go with north south east, and west, then a midsouthern, north regional.

When they created these regional teams every ran there to be on Metro and wear their uniform but soon found out, it's just another mid level club paying for the travel budget.

100% correct. There is no movement between the regional teams as the travel team, no matter how good you are. It’s not worth it for the metro backpack and impressing the unaware…

[Anonymous]

We were with MOCO from year 1, Frances is going to teach the best fundamentals of anyone out there. It's up to your kid to use them or not. He has turned it into a money maker like they all do and it was very convenient for us.

our kid went form a tiny kid to a very accomplished player and her fundamentals were rock solid because of constantly working on it.

It can be bit hectic but a good team manager can buffer that. What i learned is not to think my kid is going to get a scholarship, keep an eye on the kids when they get older on road trips -you will be shocked what goes on in the rooms, at all clubs and enjoy it, it goes by so fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know anything about Virginia United. Looks like they are having a 12s and 15s team this year. They turned into an academy after Covid, but wondering if anyone was with them precovid.

Also interested in this. Any info on the coaches there or whether this is a worthwhile opportunity? couldn't find anything on their website about tryout day/time for 15s. Doesn't the club director coach somewhere else in the area too and if so, how would that work for tournament weekends?

The coach will be the current freshmen coach at Oconnell. The director is the coach (also the varsity coach at Oconnell)for the 12/13s team. He will be at the practices but not the tournaments as he coaches another team at VAE. I was able to find the tryout for 15s time on the website

[Anonymous]

New potential club volleyball parent here for a U14 kid. She has only been playing a year and has played NVVA Galaxy and did the VA Elite Middle School clinic and McLean youth program this past year. For a kid who is green, she is good and super committed but not stellar (her serve for example needs work bc most of the leagues have been okay with underhand serving) She just tried out for four club teams, and - to be honest- is super discouraged. She cried after one tryout bc she felt so lost in the crowd with literally hundreds of kids there like a mob. We all can’t believe this is the culture for kids age 12-14 in the DMV and that there is so much demand to pay $5k-$10k for this. Lol. You’d think they’d be begging players to join! How do people afford this?

Also, she hasn’t heard from a single team yet even from last Thursday. What is the timing on this? How does selection process work? Does she even have a chance. She tried out for teams that are listed in the “tier 3” and “tier 4” level and one in the tier 2 level (VA Elite since she did their middle school clinic). I guess I am trying to manage expections bc she is new to all this. So are we as parents, and we are frankly shell shocked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:if you are on a regional team, you are just on a revenue source team. Soon it will be a northwest regional to go with north south east, and west, then a midsouthern, north regional.

When they created these regional teams every ran there to be on Metro and wear their uniform but soon found out, it's just another mid level club paying for the travel budget.

100% correct. There is no movement between the regional teams as the travel team, no matter how good you are. It’s not worth it for the metro backpack and impressing the unaware…

Yes, Metro regional teams are a couple tiers below Metro travel (because they have normal athletes and not 95th percentile and above freak athletes), but those teams still do quite well in the area, and they have good coaches. Metro North not infrequently makes it to the gold bracket of multi-day tournaments, Metro East is run by the wife of the UMD head coach, and there have been D2 and D3 level players (plus the occasional D1) to come out of all of their regions. It’s not like it’s a bad experience there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seeking honest opinions on the local volleyball clubs. Which ones have over 12 players, have bad coaches or only trying to take your money. Additionally, which ones have great coaches and your daughters had positive experiences.

Tier 1
Metro Travel - If your daughter is a freak athlete, look here. Good coaches at pretty much every level, hyper-competitive atmosphere.

Tier 2
Paramount - High-level teams with almost Metro-level athletes, but coaches who scream a lot at the kids
Virginia Elite - Travel-only teams, are almost exclusively interested in height/athleticism, don't mind taking some lumps at younger ages for purposes of development, very expensive.
Virginia Juniors - High-level teams, pretty strong coaches
Maryland Juniors (travel) - Have their own facility that's pretty easily accessible if you live in Maryland, pretty deep coaching staff

Tier 3
Loudoun Elite - New-ish program, competitive but don't know a ton about them
MVSA - Good option at younger ages (their 12 & under director is the head coach of an elite HS program), not so great at older ages
ECP Chesapeake - Mostly good coaches, also better with younger age groups (14s and down), absorbed MOJO recently
St. James - Best facility hands down, expensive, okay coaches
Metro (regional) - They typically have North (Columbia/Frederick), East (PG County), Central (Montgomery/DC), and South (NOVA), depending on where you live. Good coaches, less travel and pressure.
Maryland Juniors (regional) - Same deal as the more advanced teams.
American - Good option if you live out in the NOVA suburbs.
Liberty Elite - Good option if you live in Frederick.
Vienna Elite - Some teams can be pretty good, others pretty bad.
Libero - New club, hadn't heard about the weight thing until this thread.

Tier 4
Braddock Road - Inconsistent coaching quality
Monument - Seen lots of complaints about club direction here.
No Panic - Inconsistent quality.
NVVA - Have really slipped in recent years. Used to be Tier 2 once upon a time.
X-Factor - New, good option for kids who just want to play and not have much pressure.

Everything else below that.

So where would you all put MOCO on this list? For the person who wrote it, would MOCO really be below Tier 4 to you? Our daughter got offers at Metro regional and another Tier 3 (according to this list) club, but she and we as her parents all were overwhelmingly impressed by MOCO the most. I know it's our decision and we should go where we feel is best fit all things considered, I just want to make sure we're not missing something?

I have to admit that I’m not familiar with MOCO, at least not enough to give an informed opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New potential club volleyball parent here for a U14 kid. She has only been playing a year and has played NVVA Galaxy and did the VA Elite Middle School clinic and McLean youth program this past year. For a kid who is green, she is good and super committed but not stellar (her serve for example needs work bc most of the leagues have been okay with underhand serving) She just tried out for four club teams, and - to be honest- is super discouraged. She cried after one tryout bc she felt so lost in the crowd with literally hundreds of kids there like a mob. We all can’t believe this is the culture for kids age 12-14 in the DMV and that there is so much demand to pay $5k-$10k for this. Lol. You’d think they’d be begging players to join! How do people afford this?

Also, she hasn’t heard from a single team yet even from last Thursday. What is the timing on this? How does selection process work? Does she even have a chance. She tried out for teams that are listed in the “tier 3” and “tier 4” level and one in the tier 2 level (VA Elite since she did their middle school clinic). I guess I am trying to manage expections bc she is new to all this. So are we as parents, and we are frankly shell shocked.

It is complete insanity and a huge cash cow for these club owners. If you have not heard from anyone by now it is highly unlikely you will get an offer. Give it till this evening. Moving forward, put her in winter leagues and have her tryout for travel volleyball thru the youth sports leagues (McLean, Vienna, etc).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New potential club volleyball parent here for a U14 kid. She has only been playing a year and has played NVVA Galaxy and did the VA Elite Middle School clinic and McLean youth program this past year. For a kid who is green, she is good and super committed but not stellar (her serve for example needs work bc most of the leagues have been okay with underhand serving) She just tried out for four club teams, and - to be honest- is super discouraged. She cried after one tryout bc she felt so lost in the crowd with literally hundreds of kids there like a mob. We all can’t believe this is the culture for kids age 12-14 in the DMV and that there is so much demand to pay $5k-$10k for this. Lol. You’d think they’d be begging players to join! How do people afford this?

Also, she hasn’t heard from a single team yet even from last Thursday. What is the timing on this? How does selection process work? Does she even have a chance. She tried out for teams that are listed in the “tier 3” and “tier 4” level and one in the tier 2 level (VA Elite since she did their middle school clinic). I guess I am trying to manage expections bc she is new to all this. So are we as parents, and we are frankly shell shocked.

Hi there, first let me say this is only our 2nd year trying out for Club volleyball. Our DD never touched a volleyball before July 2021, and was on a "Lower than tier 4" club team for her 1st club season (and also played a few clinics, played MS school volleyball last fall and this fall, and did a Nike camp that we thought was great last summer for 4 days). So fast forward to this past weekend, we are still learning about the reps of the other club teams but we also remember what we noticed about some clubs during tournaments last season, so a few Tier 2 or 3 teams that did pretty well in wins we'd never play on even if she could get on because we didn't like their attitudes or saw a bit of shady behavior when they were scoring games involving a team they were friendly with. We mostly chose the teams our DD tried out for based on reputation & commute to practice.

ANYWAY that's all to say... on timing of offers, what did they tell you when you tried out for each team? We went to four tryouts and every time they were super clear when they'd send out initial offers by, and also when the final deadline for saying yes or no was. Most teams still have ability to make offers after that deadline, of course, because if someone turns them down last minute they want to offer that spot to another player. So consider when the final deadline for accepting was (assuming they told you) and if there were a team or 2 that your daughter really liked, reach out to them and ask. It never hurts to inquire about timelines and who knows, in this crazy environment maybe it's good for them to know your daughter really wants them.

Also, maybe Virginia is more expensive, but most of the clubs we looked at are not going to be more than $4200.00 for the seasons, which is a LOT for us (we picked a good club that's much cheaper), so if cost is a big issue for you and you can commute, maybe next time look at clubs more spread out in the DMV.

If your daughter doesn't get any offers, I'd ask here again what possible other lower ranked club teams or what rec teams people recommend most, and maybe get on a rec team. Although my newbie self thinks if you can find a decent club team that's still better because most rec teams don't compete in tournaments if I understand correctly.

Really wishing you and your daughter luck, and maybe we'll see you on the same team one day!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New potential club volleyball parent here for a U14 kid. She has only been playing a year and has played NVVA Galaxy and did the VA Elite Middle School clinic and McLean youth program this past year. For a kid who is green, she is good and super committed but not stellar (her serve for example needs work bc most of the leagues have been okay with underhand serving) She just tried out for four club teams, and - to be honest- is super discouraged. She cried after one tryout bc she felt so lost in the crowd with literally hundreds of kids there like a mob. We all can’t believe this is the culture for kids age 12-14 in the DMV and that there is so much demand to pay $5k-$10k for this. Lol. You’d think they’d be begging players to join! How do people afford this?

Also, she hasn’t heard from a single team yet even from last Thursday. What is the timing on this? How does selection process work? Does she even have a chance. She tried out for teams that are listed in the “tier 3” and “tier 4” level and one in the tier 2 level (VA Elite since she did their middle school clinic). I guess I am trying to manage expections bc she is new to all this. So are we as parents, and we are frankly shell shocked.

Long time vb mom here. Let me see if I can help.
Players have until the end of the open tryout period to accept any offer made in writing. For U14 that deadline is end of the day today (midnight, I assume). I would say hang in there through tonight and even tomorrow - there are definitely girls who are deciding yes/no on possibly more than one offer, and they have to decide by the end of today. That means spots can open up. That being said, I agree with other posters who have recommended reaching out to clubs where you and your daughter have a particular interest or you think she has the best shot. They have a waiting list they are working through and players will be ranked on that waiting list -- if she is nowhere near the top, that is important information for you to have. It also gives you a chance to let them know how interested you are. The other option to explore is whether they take practice-only players. Some clubs do this - she gets to practice with the team (and get much better!) for a reduced fee but wouldn't attend tournaments. This can be a great option but I think would depend on the dynamic at the team/club (whether practice players really feel part of the team, etc).

If all of this fails, I agree with doing something like McLean VB over the winter/spring. They have a Select program there that requires tryout but is far less stressful than most club tryouts. Lots of girls like yours- new to volleyball and didn't make a club team, and others who want to play in HS but are committed to a different club sport or activity that conflicts with club VB. Take advantage of programs like StJ that offer volleyball in different forms and levels throughout the year.

Finally, I'm really sorry to hear how stressful this is and that your DD is feeling so bad about the whole process. It sucks and many of us wish it weren't this way. There is a strategy and a process to making it it onto a club team, especially if she is new to vb at this age. If this season doesn't work out, come back here and ask how we can help you navigate next year -- many of us will be happy to provide advice. Or ask us vb moms if you see us elsewhere -- lots of us would like to support and help. Best of luck to you and big hugs to you and your daughter

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New potential club volleyball parent here for a U14 kid. She has only been playing a year and has played NVVA Galaxy and did the VA Elite Middle School clinic and McLean youth program this past year. For a kid who is green, she is good and super committed but not stellar (her serve for example needs work bc most of the leagues have been okay with underhand serving) She just tried out for four club teams, and - to be honest- is super discouraged. She cried after one tryout bc she felt so lost in the crowd with literally hundreds of kids there like a mob. We all can’t believe this is the culture for kids age 12-14 in the DMV and that there is so much demand to pay $5k-$10k for this. Lol. You’d think they’d be begging players to join! How do people afford this?

Also, she hasn’t heard from a single team yet even from last Thursday. What is the timing on this? How does selection process work? Does she even have a chance. She tried out for teams that are listed in the “tier 3” and “tier 4” level and one in the tier 2 level (VA Elite since she did their middle school clinic). I guess I am trying to manage expections bc she is new to all this. So are we as parents, and we are frankly shell shocked.

V'ball dad here, going onto year 3 with two daughters (one being a U14). Following up as others have. I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's experiences. As tonight is the deadline for the original offer letters, it is very likely that your daughter may not be among the initial ones chosen. For us in our 1st year, it was very frustrating to learn about this principle of "no contact". I've come to recognize that this is, in part, due to keeping possibilities in case girls choose to go with a different club and gives coaches options to go down their list. For now, keep the faith and be patient as it is possible she could be offered after this initial period.

As with any sport or activity, there's a "deep" culture for club volleyball, and it's rather astounding what's going on here in the DMV area. If your daughter still enjoys playing and you wish to support this, I encourage the following:

1) For now, do what someone else suggested: reach out to the clubs where there appeared to be a decent chance and inquire. See where your daughter stands and ask for the possibility. Hopefully, they will be honest with regards to your daughter's chance.
2) Ask others (including here if you're open to anonymous feedback like this one) about the culture to get an idea of what different things mean and how a club volleyball operates. What your daughter is hoping for, what is she able to achieve, and which club principles and philosophy aligns with your own preference will hopefully determine the few clubs that you can target.
3) If club v'ball is not an option this season, try to join recreation leagues and clinics to give her opportunities to learn and improve. Basics of receiving and passing are so very key.
4) The rec leagues and clinics, if available (and they usually are) are particularly important during the summer and the early fall (Sept-Oct) as coaches then start considering the next season after the previous season ends and begin seeing what's possible and who could play for the following club season (2023-2024).

For U14 teams, fees can range as low as ~$1400 to as high as ~$4000 - the middlish range is $2K to low $3k. I'm basing this info off of a few clubs I am aware of here in the Montgomery County or general Maryland area (closer to DC). These fees encompass a huge range due to some of the following (but isn't limited to):

1) Coaches' fees/stipends (can obviously vary - a club can also have unpaid volunteer coaches)
2) Tournament fees
3) Jersey/training clothes - number of jerseys can vary
4) Fees to cover practice facilities or gyms (could be public schools or privately owned ones)
5) Conditioning sessions or training specialists

I really do wish you and your daughter the best of luck. Feel free to continue asking on this forum.

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP 3 posts back who is only doing this for the 2nd time, and I just wanna say thank you to the last 2 PPs (Long Time VB Mom & VB Dad) because to me this is this forum at it's best: Sincerely well-wishing folks sharing their experiences and offering concrete thoughts and ideas for next steps.

Thank you to you and everyone else who offered opinions & ideas in this thread, it is so very very helpful.

And to you new mom, I already gave my experience but I do hope maybe there's a good surprise for your daughter in the next 24 hrs. If not please let her know that strangers on this board are still rooting for her and hoping she keeps at it and we'll see her on the courts somehow!

[Anonymous]

Another new vb parent here who is having a similar experience with our U13 player trying out for the first time. We are expecting for her not to get on a team this season and she is being very mature about the whole thing but it is disappointing. I so appreciate the advice and information from other parents on here as we are very much learning our way in all of this. So thanks for the recent, informative and supportive posts.

[Anonymous]

For PP looking for U14 spot— all the advice so far has been awesome and solid.

Additionally:
1. St James director posted on FB today that their U14 is still
Looking for front row players (Oh, middle, Rs) so if DD did not try out there and she’s
Potential front row may be worth reaching out to those coaches


2. VAE usually maintains a spreadsheet on their website of unmatched players looking for spots. I have personally known players that actually works out for
In matching up with a club.

Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For PP looking for U14 spot— all the advice so far has been awesome and solid.

Additionally:
1. St James director posted on FB today that their U14 is still
Looking for front row players (Oh, middle, Rs) so if DD did not try out there and she’s
Potential front row may be worth reaching out to those coaches


2. VAE usually maintains a spreadsheet on their website of unmatched players looking for spots. I have personally known players that actually works out for
In matching up with a club.

Best of luck!

U14 players mom here. Thx so much, but I didn’t see anything on the St James FB page and don’t know who to contact? And how do I find the VAE list? Sorry I’m such a newbie here. I just feel sad for my girl bc she’s all in for volleyball and is actually a pretty good player with a lot of potential.

I appreciate all these posts offering advice and am taking it to heart. It’s such a learning curve and can be so discouraging. She was not happy playing rec At McLean youth last year bc the McLean league didn’t follow official regulation league rules or even use the standard balls. For example, girls were serving from anywhere even mid court, refs were all over the place missing calls, and many girls didn’t take it seriously. She really wants to up her game. She has enjoyed playing NVVA Galaxy bc they at least follow regulation protocols and have decent refs and make the girls serve from the back line.

[Anonymous]

U14 mom here again and I will say the pricing at the clubs DD looked at were at least $4k and up in VA. I just checked again on some of the others in this area. Virginia Elite is about $6k, NVVA regional starts around $4k and their most advanced travel team is $1000 a month! and X Factor is above $3400. ECP also around $3k and Up. Maybe the MD programs are less?