What to Look for in a Volleyball Club This Tryout Season

As tryout season approaches, families across Northwest Ohio are asking the same question:

WHAT MAKES ONE VOLLEYBALL CLUB DIFFERENT FROM ANOTHER? The answer depends on your athlete’s goals, your family’s priorities, and the kind of experience you want to be part of. At Premier Academy, we’ve helped guide athletes and families through this process for nearly three decades under consistent leadership from our owner and club director, Jodi Schramm - the longest tenured club director in Northwest Ohio and truly one of the games most admirable and talented coaches. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating a volleyball club:

1. Coaching & Training Philosophy

A club’s coaching staff sets the tone. Look for consistent, structured training that focuses on fundamentals, skill development, and long-term growth. Ask about the experience of the coaches who are leading the training, how athletes are developed across age groups, and whether the club uses a master coach or tiered training model to ensure quality at every level, or if the success of the team is based solely on who the coach is for that team. At Premier, we use the master coach and tier trainer model which allows for our full-time staff to plan all practice, all training sessions, and all weight lifting sessions. This allows our coaches to be students of the game and learn from some of the best minds in volleyball. 

At Premier, tier training is at the forefront of every practice, at every level. We use the master coach model which allows for our full-time staff to plan all practice, all training sessions, and all weight lifting sessions.

2. Competitive Success & Player Development

Success isn’t just about trophies. A strong club should have a proven track record of helping athletes reach their goals, whether that’s improving for their high school season, playing in college, or simply building confidence. Premier, for example, has produced over 360 college athletes, 100+ All-Americans, and 18 national championship finishes, while also welcoming players who are just starting their journey.

The south wall of our facility is home to banners for every senior who has come through our program and has played collegiately.

3. Club Culture & Values

Every family should ask: WHAT DOES THIS CLUB STAND FOR? Culture matters just as much as competition. A supportive, disciplined, and positive environment can shape not only better athletes but also stronger leaders. Look for clubs that emphasize teamwork, accountability, sportsmanship, and respect both on and off the court.

Premier Girls Club Class of 2025. L to R, Back Row: Jenna Barhorst (Fort Laramie High School, Xavier University), Lilla Krall (Bellevue High School, University of Portland), Sophie Burkey (Perrysburg High School, University at Albany), Teliya Cole (Springfield High School, Lourdes University), Madison Cowan (Bowling Green High School, Canisius University), Ava Buddelmeyer (Findlay High School, Bowling Green State University). Front Row: Lydia Christenson (Maumee High School, Defiance College), Vivian Suhy (St. Ursula Academy, Merrimack College), Stephani Winzeler (Whitmer High School, Purdue Fort Wayne University), Brooklyn Okoneski (Perrysburg High School, Midwestern State University Texas), Trinity Baldwin (Springfield High School, Millersville University), Olivia Ruehle (Whiteford High School, Edinboro University), Nicole Kynard (Whitmer High School, Indiana Tech).

4. Access & Affordability

Volleyball can be an investment, so transparency is critical. Understand the full cost of playing — dues, uniforms, travel, and additional fees — and compare them to the value of the experience offered. In addition, looking at what you will receive for your investment is crucial:

• How many hours of training will my athlete receive weekly?

• What type of support is provided for recruitable athletes, especially in the landscape of college athletics nowadays with the portal, thousands of recruitable athletes, etc.

  • Is this done in house with local expert knowledge and subject matter expertise, or is it outsourced to a program or individual that does not know the athletes?

• Is there a strength training program as part of my players development? What is the experience of the individual leading this program?

• If there’s a practice scheduled on a weekend day, what happens when there’s a tournament? Does that training get made up? 

• Also ask about scholarship opportunities, fundraising, or community partnerships that expand access for more families.

5. Communication & Organization

A great club makes life easier for parents. Ask about communication methods, practice schedules, tournament planning, and how responsive the club is to questions. Well-run programs help families feel informed and supported from day one and make very few changes throughout the season to make the lives of their constituents easier.

6. Pathways & Opportunities

Finally, think long-term. Does the club provide opportunities for growth year after year? Are there pathways to higher-level teams, college recruiting showcases, or supplemental training like camps, small group lessons, or additional strength training? A club should offer more than just a season — it should provide a pathway forward and be all encompassing.

Premier offers multiple opportunities for our athletes including our College Recruiting Showcase in February which features over 50 schools in our gym or watching online, our College Coaches Camp which brings in 30+ college coaches to our gym to run a camp in the early part of June, multiple camps, fun quad tournaments, additional weight lifting opportunities. Premier is a full service organization and we want to make sure that we are providing every opportunity to our kids and families. It is at the fabric of everything we do to make this the Best Club Volleyball Experience in Toledo.

Why Premier Academy?

At Premier, we believe tryout season is the start of something bigger than a roster spot. It’s about finding the right fit for your athlete’s growth, passion, and goals. Whether your child is brand new to the sport or aiming for a college scholarship, we’ve built a program that develops athletes at every level while fostering character, resilience, and community.

Ready to learn more? Visit our Club Team Tryouts page for details and see how Premier can help your athlete take the next step.