Considering Club Volleyball? Here's why you should. 14U-11U "Last Chance" ST7 Try-out

Over the past few weeks, I have had quite a few parents of young girls asking me about my experiences and opinions with club volleyball. They have asked what age is best to get started? Are the benefits worth the time and financial commitments necessary to play at the club level? In answering these questions, I have began to look back on my own family's experience with the sport of volleyball. Volleyball has become an interval part of my family's life over the past six years. Both of my daughters have played at both the school and club level. In fact, as I sit writing this blog today, I am feeling more than a little nostalgic; for my 17 year-old senior is preparing to play her last competitive games. Although I am sad to see this time pass with Emily, I am more than pleased with the life lessons that she has learned that will serve her beyone the court through playing club volleyball with ST7. And I am excited to watch as my youngest daughter continues to grow through her seasons with ST7.

Club volleyball has taught my daughters:

• How to win with humility and accept defeat with grace.

• It has helped them to focus and communicate better, as on the court they must always be focused on both what their team mates are doing and on the opposing team's plays in order to anticipate and execute their next move.

• They have learned responsibility and time management as they work to get their homework done, attend practices, be prepared for tournaments, etc.

• They have learned humility and patience, as they have not always been starters. They have developed friendships with young ladies outside of their school, who share a passion for the sport and are equally goal driven.

• Their self confidence and self esteem have been based upon the skills they have worked hard to attain rather than superficial things.

• They have continued to have a positive body image based upon athleticism and health rather than the oversexualized media.

• They have learned to set goals and place team before themselves.

Although I am sad that I will not continue to see Emily play this club season, I do not regret the past six years of club volleyball. For both Emily and Hannah have learned these lessons and skills that can never be taught in the classroom, they must be experienced. While club obviously plays a vital role in improving an athletes volleyball skills and helping them get recruited for college volleyball it is these lessons and the memories that I will cherish the longest.

If you are considering club volleyball for your daughter, please check out our website at st7volleyball.com. We have a 2017-18 "Last Chance" Try-out for ages 14U - 11U this Saturday at Faith Lutheran Church & School in Eustis. Registration is 9:00am - 9:30am and try-out will be from 9:30am-11:00am. You can register online now!