High school volleyball teams overflow with athletic talent and ability, especially at the varsity level. However, these athletes did not become skilled overnight. Many students who play volleyball for their school are involved in a competitive team as well; which is said to be quite different.
Club volleyball refers to the outside-of-school version of the sport. It is considered more competitive because of the effort and hard work put into practice and competitions.
“Club is more competitive because you compete against teams from all over the country as opposed to just schools in your surrounding districts,” sophomore Meredith George said. “Plus practices are longer and people are always trying to beat people out on a better team.”
Even though club volleyball is exciting with its traveling and big tournaments, many athletes are just as passionate about playing volleyball in high school.
“Club volleyball prepares me for school season, which is very important to me,” said sophomore Kiersten Graham. “I enjoy playing it [volleyball] in high school because it allows me to bond with my peers over the course of a few years.”
Fortunately for girls, there are always many options as to where or when to play volleyball. However, boys are not as lucky in these situations.
“It isn’t fair to us guys that school volleyball is not an option,” said senior Skylar Yee.
In the Kansas City volleyball region, Heart of America, there are several clubs available for boys. There are currently no schools in the Blue Valley School District that offer Boys’ Volleyball.
“I started my freshman year and was hooked ever since,” said Yee. “It is hard to keep up with the sport when it is not club season since I cannot play at school.”
It is very frustrating to male athletes who would like to play volleyball in high school, because representing one’s school through his or her abilities is one of the most exciting parts of high school.
“I love meeting girls in other grades at school and being able to play with them,” said Meredith George. “My goal is to make varsity next year.”
To a coach, school volleyball as well as club go together cohesively. One cannot be prepared for the other if he or she does not practice the whole year.
“All of my players play on their high school teams as well,” said KC Power Volleyball coach Lucas Galmarini. “It is important that they get as many repetitions throughout the year as possible.”
Though club may be more fancy with its out of state tournaments and wide range of teams, both school and club volleyball are needed to keep one’s game tight. Volleyball athletes know it is important to play competitively during the spring so when school season comes back around, they will be ready to play and defeat.