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[quote=Anonymous][quote=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.  [/quote]

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    [/quote]

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