Reply to What's the benefit of Metro volleyball travel team?

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[quote=Anonymous]My daughter played for Metro from 13s to 18s (she was on the very first 13s team fielded). She attended one (then) P5 school and then transferred to another P4 school (not because of playing time – she actually led the team in scoring the year she decided to leave – but because of environment). My husband played D1 P5 football, and I played AND coached D1 P5 women’s basketball.

I've have rolled through the pages of this thread and what I have realized is that people who are hell bent on disliking and trashing Metro will never be moved. They will lie and insult, even in the face of facts (someone listed all the local clubs and the number of D1 commitments, and someone else called the person listing the FACTS a “Metro homer”). So, this is not for them. This is also not for the people who think their daughters are better than they actually are and feel they have to put Metro down because their daughter didn’t make their desired team. And, finally, this is not for the parents who want their daughters to be praised and coddled, and made to feel like they’re the greatest thing since sliced bread. I’m not trying to talk anyone out of their beliefs. This is for the people who want some information from someone who went through Metro’s program for 6 years.

When my daughter began in 13s she was awful. And I mean awful. She didn’t play very much and, quite frankly, she was not good enough to play. It was hard. But we’re realistic parents. Going into 14s we had no hope for her making that team. So, we took her to VA Elite and VA Juniors clinics on the weekends, in addition to Metro clinics (where she was very clearly not in the mix of those who were being considered for 14s). However, my daughter was adamant that she did not want to play for any other club. So, I sat her down and explained to her the amount of work (skill and strength) it would take, and the amount of time she would have to put in, in order to make 14s. If you’re interested in what she did, I’m happy to share. It was a lot of work; but she was committed. And she made it. She started sporadically for Metro her 14s year and consistently her 15s thru 18s year. And each year she worked her ass off to get better. That is our family motto, “If you want it, be better. If you don’t want to work for it, that’s on you." Over our years in the club, many parents were encouraged to talk to me about what she did to improve so rapidly.

Over her years in the club, she had lessons with her Metro coaches. But I also took her to different coaches to work out, including coaches at VA Elite, VA Juniors, Maureen at Paramount, and others. It wasn’t always looked at positively by Metro (they, like any club, worry about poaching). However, I assured them we weren’t going anywhere. I didn’t do it because she wasn't getting enough coaching from Metro. I did it in order to get my daughter used to other coaching methods. I knew she would need that once she went to college – the ability to adapt and grow her skill set. I believe it is the parents' responsibility to make sure your daughter has everything she needs to develop and improve. And if you don't believe she is getting it, ask for it. Don't just expect it. Travel seasons are relatively short and practices are sporadic compared to high school and college athletics.

Someone mentioned that Metro players don’t do well at the next level and used Hannah Sherman as an example. No, every Metro player does not roll into college and take over (many do, but not all). Again, college coaches may do things very differently, have different philosophies for defense, blocking, swing approach, etc. And it may take time to learn and adapt. That’s normal. I find it unfair to use Hannah Sherman as an example without noting that she IS playing a great deal this year, and that her first two years she was behind TWO All-Americans at middle. It is not right to cherry-pick facts without telling the whole story. The question you should be asking is, is your daughter HAPPY? Is she enjoying the full college experience? Is she learning and growing? Does she like her coaches? Does she like her teammates? I guarantee you Hannah Sherman would answer yes to each of those questions. The focus on playing time only is why some players never improve (high school and college). Their attitudes are terrible. They think they deserve to be playing. They think they’re already good enough. They refuse to see their own weaknesses. And they have people in their ears telling them they’re amazing and should be on the court.

Metro is not for everyone. And that’s okay. It’s not a club you join because you want to say you played for Metro in order to stroke your ego. You join the club because your daughter has goals of playing at the next level, she’s willing to work for it, and you want to put her in the best position to get better and achieve her goals – at whatever division or level. Yes, there are other clubs that can provide that opportunity. So, you have to find what works for you. Metro is also one of the most affordable clubs because they do not roll up the entire fee in one number, allowing parents so make choices about travel, and gear, and (some) meals that work for them and their budget. This is not hidden. It's just done differently.

In summary, my daughter was never coddled, but she was coached. It was an amazing environment, but it is not for parents who want their child to be complimented at every turn. My daughter was treated fairly, and rewarded for her hard work, the energy she brought, and her attitude as a player and teammate even when she was not on the court. To me, the biggest advantage to Metro as a club, in regards to the transition to college, is not where the teams placed in tournaments (that is SO short-sighted), it is is the ability to gain mental toughness and know how to consistently compete and win at a high level. Additionally, the commitment to the players by the club director and coaches goes far beyond their playing days, and the friendships developed are genuine and deep. You don’t grow to be the #21-ranked club nationally by accident. I could share so much more. But I’ll stop here.[/quote]

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