FAQ
Please see questions we’ve been asked frequently. Of course, if there is a question you have that’s not found below, please contact us by sending us mail through our Contact Us page.
What are tryouts like?
Tryouts can feel a little intimidating at first, depending on the number of participants and their level of experience. Everyone is working hard to showcase their skills while coaches are making thoughtful decisions about team placement.
We begin with basic testing: agility, height, and vertical jump, before moving into a series of drills to evaluate volleyball skills. Athletes are rated in areas such as:
-
Serve receive
-
Hitting
-
Setting
-
Serving
-
Blocking
-
Digging
After skills testing, athletes will play in a series of games. This allows coaches to evaluate cognitive qualities such as court sense, competitiveness, leadership, and teamwork.
There may be moments of standing and waiting, followed by periods of high-intensity activity. Athletes who stay alert, listen closely, and follow instructions usually find the process much smoother and less stressful.
My daughter has played many seasons of recreational volleyball (like Spike Frog), is club the next level for her?
Most likely your daughter has experienced different levels of competition, talents and abilities in her seasons and training. She is probably ready to attend a tryout to see how her skills compare to her peers. If accepted, she will get to practice with a team of similar abilities. She will get an opportunity to compete with that team far more than a recreational season or advanced volleyball training will provide. Club Lite would be a good introductory option for your athlete as well.
How long is the season?
Regular club teams will begin practicing in November and finish in late April/early May (National teams play through June). Club Lite teams will begin practicing the first week in January and finish in late April/early May. There will be no practices over Christmas and Spring break.
What if my athlete has a school conflict with a practice night because of a school function?
School always comes first, but athletes should plan and communicate any conflicts with their coaches as early as possible. Missing practices may affect playing time in tournaments and could also impact the requirement of maintaining 90% or higher practice attendance to remain eligible for tournament play, which is our policy for all club teams.
What other costs can I expect outside of the season fees?
Fees do NOT include personal travel to and from the tournament locations or practices, meal expenses associated with that travel, or any tournament merchandise.
How much does it cost to play club?
Club fees vary depending on the athlete’s age group and team level. For a detailed breakdown of costs, please visit our [Season Fees page] for the most up-to-date information.
What do those fees cover?
Season fees cover a wide range of items and services to support each athlete’s experience, including:
-
Uniform package (socks, knee pads, shorts, jerseys, practice shirts, warm-ups, and backpack)
-
Coaches’ salaries and travel expenses
-
Tournament entry fees
-
Practice facility rental
-
Team volleyball equipment
For older age groups, national, and travel teams, fees may also include college recruiting assistance and access to HUDL for video analysis and exposure.
How often does the team practice?
-
Regular Club Teams: Practice twice a week for two hours each session.
-
Travel & National Teams: Practice 2–3 times per week.
-
Club Lite Teams: Practice once a week for two hours.
Where do the teams practice?
Practices are primarily held at High Point Center and our new facility at The Crossover. Please note that locations are subject to change, and practices may occasionally be scheduled at other non-Velocity facilities.
Is club volleyball a requirement to play in High School?
No—club volleyball and high school volleyball are completely separate organizations, and it is not required to play one to participate in the other. However, many of the area’s most successful high school programs feature athletes who also play club volleyball. In fact, many high school coaches are involved in coaching club as well, which helps strengthen the connection between the two.
How much playing time will my daughter get?
Coaches are instructed to provide all athletes with fair opportunities, but this does not mean playing time will be equal. Every athlete is guaranteed practice time, but playing time in tournaments and matches is not guaranteed.
Volleyball has specific rules regarding substitutions and positional rotations, and because each team has a unique roster makeup, it is nearly impossible to divide playing time equally. What is considered “fair” may vary by situation and is ultimately determined by the coach with the team’s best interest in mind.
Where are the tournaments held?
-
Regional Teams: Primarily compete in local tournaments that do not require overnight stays. They will also attend 1–3 multi-day tournaments, such as the Lone Star Classic (Dallas) and Lone Star Regionals (Austin/Houston).
-
Travel & National Teams: Follow a more extensive travel schedule with multiple multi-day tournaments requiring overnight stays. These teams will also attend out-of-state events, providing valuable opportunities to compete in front of college coaches.
-
Club Lite Teams: Play mostly in local, one-day or two-day tournaments around the Austin and San Antonio area.
How many players are on a team?
Austin Velocity teams typically have 10–12 players. After tryouts, 10 players are selected and a list of alternates is created. A deposit is required to secure a roster spot—if a player does not accept or make payment, an alternate may be invited to join.
How often are the tournaments?
Tournaments typically begin in December or January, with most teams competing in about two per month. The exact number may vary depending on the team and its level—some may play more, while others may play less. Club Lite teams generally compete in 4–6 total tournaments from January through April.
When can we see the tournament schedule?
The tournament schedule will be released in November.
Which tryouts should I attend and how do I tell which is the right club for my daughter?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from first-time club parents. Every family has different goals, and every club has its own philosophy, time commitment, and financial investment. We encourage you to do your homework—visit each club’s website, learn about their programs, and decide what best fits your athlete’s needs.
At Austin Velocity, we pride ourselves on being more than just a volleyball club. We focus on family, relationships, and support, creating an environment where athletes can grow both on and off the court. Our goal is to help each player reach their potential while feeling valued and connected to their team.
A helpful resource for finding clubs in the Austin area is the Lone Star Region website.
Do you offer scholarships?
We are excited to share that a scholarship program is currently in development. While it is not available yet, our goal is to provide future opportunities to help support families and make club volleyball more accessible.
If my athlete quits during the season, can I get a refund?
Once your athlete is selected for a team, families will be required to sign a contract committing to full payment of fees according to the established schedule. Please note that all fees are non-refundable.
Why do we have to put down so much money before the season even starts?
Many of a club’s expenses are due well before the season even begins. Uniforms and apparel must be ordered in advance so they are ready for the first practices, and tournament entry fees are paid early to secure a team’s schedule. In addition, many facilities require an advance payment to reserve practice space. Because these costs are incurred upfront, fees cannot be refunded once a player commits.