Anonymous wrote:My daughter received three offers: NVVA, VAA, and Libero regional.

VAA: Her first choice was VAA. She really likes the coach and the team and they have three practices a week, as opposed to the others which only offer two. But, she just learned that she will be the 3rd string setter, which I think means she would essentially be a practice player.

Libero Regionals: She would be 1st setter, but they only have practice twice a week and have far fewer tournaments. She also felt like the level of play wasn't super competitive (just based on tryouts). She wants to be on a team that challenges her. Significantly farther from us than the other two.

NVVA: This was her "safety club." She really likes the coaches here but feels that it's not "a real club team" whatever that means. It's also significantly more expensive than the other teams.

Her goals are to get better and play as much volleyball as possible because it's her favorite thing in the world.

I know we are super lucky to have any offers at all (she got zero last year). Any club insight or criteria you all are using to make your decision would be most appreciated.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which NVVA team? They have gone through major changes recently and I would be hesitant if you have other offers.

As for the other two, I’d pick the one where she will get playing time unless the commute for Libero is really too far.

NVVA Green. What are the changes?

NVVA announced a major overhaul and changes to their entire program in the fall. Their top team used to be called “XP” and entered more competitive tournaments. Now every team is part of the XP program and all teams are local or regional and they raised the prices. It could be okay if you are looking for a regional team and willing to pay those prices. It’s very expensive. They are not a part of the Chesapeake region so you will be different tournaments than everyone else.

That makes eo much sense, now. It was weird that their tryouts were at a different time and they weren't listed on the Chesapeake Valley results. Why are they so expensive? Like what are you getting for the extra money?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which NVVA team? They have gone through major changes recently and I would be hesitant if you have other offers.

As for the other two, I’d pick the one where she will get playing time unless the commute for Libero is really too far.

NVVA Green. What are the changes?

NVVA announced a major overhaul and changes to their entire program in the fall. Their top team used to be called “XP” and entered more competitive tournaments. Now every team is part of the XP program and all teams are local or regional and they raised the prices. It could be okay if you are looking for a regional team and willing to pay those prices. It’s very expensive. They are not a part of the Chesapeake region so you will be different tournaments than everyone else.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which NVVA team? They have gone through major changes recently and I would be hesitant if you have other offers.

As for the other two, I’d pick the one where she will get playing time unless the commute for Libero is really too far.

NVVA Green. What are the changes?

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that the 1st and 2nd string are also likely to work hard to not have their position taken. So even if she works hard, she may still never really see the court.

Some coaches are very upfront about it so that you don’t complain later when your dd doesn’t get any play time.

I’d ask how much play time he sees her getting if she stays at 3rd string.

Anonymous wrote:I heard from a Paramount parent that they try to play everyone - they send in the weaker players in the pool play (unless they meet a very competitive club), then they play their best players in the bracket. Ask VAA they have a similar policy, so your DD gets at least some court time. You will still have a decision to make once you get the answer, but you have a better understanding on what you sign up for.

Anonymous wrote:Which NVVA team? They have gone through major changes recently and I would be hesitant if you have other offers.

As for the other two, I’d pick the one where she will get playing time unless the commute for Libero is really too far.

Anonymous wrote:We really like the coaches at NVVA but in our experience the business end is not run well. Nobody answers the phone, never a reply to an email question, etc. As you point out, that's a lot of money to throw at their new XP format.

IMHO your answer depends on whether the real goal is to get more time on court during tourneys or simply to be challenged to keep up (even during practices) with perhaps stronger players. No doubt traveling just sucks, but then again if the overall goal is learning, then maybe that's just what you do. Maybe it's worth asking the VAA coach what their playing time philosophy is (beyond just you earn your court time).

Anonymous wrote:If she is willing to work hard and take some private lessons on the side to get better- I would take the VAA offer. It is not uncommon for a 3rd string player, sometimes even a 4th string to become a starting (1st or 2nd) player if they are willing to work for the position. On the other hand- if she mostly wants playtime at tournaments (which is also important for improvement), without doing “extra/outside” training- go Libero. Most setters in particular need a little private training to be good (a lot of training to be really good)