How to Choose the Right Volleyball Club — Without Outside Influences

Choosing a volleyball club is a big decision. Families invest a significant amount of time, money,

and energy into a club season, and where an athlete plays can have a major impact on their development, confidence, and overall experience with the sport.

With so many options available, however, choosing a club can sometimes become less about what is best for the athlete and more about the outside influences surrounding them.

High school coaches, private trainers, friends, teammates, and others within the volleyball community may all have opinions about where an athlete should play. While advice from people you trust can certainly be valuable, ultimately, the decision should belong to the athlete and their family.

Don't Choose a Club Based on Pressure

One of the most important questions parents can ask themselves is:

“If no one else had an opinion, would this still be the club we would choose for our child?”

That question can reveal a lot.

An athlete shouldn't feel that they need to join a particular club because their friends are going there. Families shouldn't feel pressured to choose a club because someone who coaches, trains, or works with their athlete recommends it.

This can become especially complicated when high school volleyball and club volleyball overlap.

A high school coach can play an important role in an athlete's development and high school experience. However, an athlete should never feel that choosing—or not choosing—a particular club could affect their relationship with their high school coach or their opportunities within their high school program.

The same principle applies to private trainers and others who work closely with athletes.

Recommendations are one thing. Pressure is another.

Look at What the Club Actually Offers

Instead of starting with “Where is everyone else going?” families should start with:

“What does my athlete need?”

Consider the things that will actually affect your athlete throughout the season:

• Coaching: Who will actually coach your athlete's team, and does their coaching style fit your child?

• Player development: Is the club committed to developing athletes, or is the primary focus simply on winning?

• Culture: How are athletes treated when they make mistakes? What does the club value beyond wins and losses?

• Communication: Does the club communicate clearly and consistently with parents and athletes?

• Opportunities: Will your athlete have a realistic opportunity to grow, contribute, and compete?

• Team environment: Will your athlete be surrounded by teammates and coaches who encourage growth and accountability?

• Commitment: Does the practice and tournament schedule realistically work for your family?

• Cost: Do you understand what is included in your fees and what additional expenses may arise?

Don't Underestimate Culture

Talent matters. Coaching matters. Competition matters.

But culture matters too.

Athletes spend hundreds of hours with their club teammates and coaches throughout a season. The environment they're in can influence their confidence, work ethic, attitude, and love for the game.

Parents should pay attention to what they see and hear.

How do coaches speak to athletes?

How does the club respond when things don't go as planned?

Are athletes taught to be good teammates?

Is development valued?

Does the organization live out the values it promotes?

Sometimes the club with the biggest name isn't necessarily the best environment for your athlete.

Your Athlete's Path Doesn't Have to Look Like Everyone Else's

It's easy to believe that an athlete needs to follow a particular coach, trainer, teammate, or group in order to be successful.

They don't.

Every athlete develops differently. What works beautifully for one player may not be the right environment for another.

Friends can still be friends while playing for different clubs. Athletes can respect their high school coaches while making independent decisions about club volleyball. They can work with private trainers without feeling obligated to join a particular organization.

There is no single path to becoming a great volleyball player.

Ask Questions Before You Commit

Visit practices when possible. Attend clinics. Meet coaches. Talk to current families. Ask about the club's philosophy and expectations.

Most importantly, pay attention to your athlete.

Do they feel excited to walk into the gym?

Do they feel challenged?

Do they feel valued?

Do they believe their coaches are invested in helping them improve?

Those answers may tell you more than any outside recommendation ever could.

Make the Choice That's Right for Your Athlete

At the end of the day, choosing a volleyball club is a family decision.

Listen to recommendations. Ask questions. Visit different clubs. Meet the coaches. Look at the level of competition and the opportunities available to your athlete. But don't allow someone else's opinion—or their position of influence—to make the decision for you.

Ask yourself:

Where will my athlete be seen, supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to grow?

At LIV Volleyball Club, that philosophy is at the heart of what we do.

Coach Susie, owner of LIV Volleyball Club, describes volleyball as much more than a game:

“My goal is to help all LIV athletes understand that volleyball isn't just a game, it's a rhythm, a discipline, a family. Every serve, every dig, every win and loss, it's all part of who we are, it's a way of life.”— Coach Susie

Choosing the right club isn't only about finding the strongest team or the biggest name. It's about finding an environment where your athlete can become a better volleyball player while also building confidence, discipline, resilience, and a lasting love for the game.

Your athlete's volleyball journey belongs to them.

Let coaches coach. Let trainers train. Let friends choose what's best for them.

And let your family choose what's best for your athlete.

Because there isn't one right club for every player.

There is a right fit for your player.

And when you find it, that's where they can truly LIV Volleyball.

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