Playing With The Bigger Boys

Since my son has learned to (truly) love volleyball, I have been a much happier camper. He's played CYO basketball since he was in 3rd grade and still does so as an 8th grader. I introduced him to volleyball in 5th grade (start of CYO boys volleyball program), and has begun playing competitively this year since he joined Endline Volleyball Club. I told him that he has a much better chance of playing high school volleyball than basketball, so he needs to hone his skills this early.

He tried out last year, also with Endline. He got accepted. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough players to form a 14 & under team, so they had to dissolve the team. This year, he tried again, hoping that there would be enough players. To our surprise, he was offered to play for the 16 & under team. Of course, he accepted. He is the only 13-year old and 8th grader in the team, composed mainly of high school freshmen and sophomores (and even a junior). Endline did form a 14 & under team for training and development purposes, and not for any competition. I guess the coaches have seen my son's potential and felt he was ready to play with the bigger boys.

During summer, he attended a volleyball camp at James Logan high school, which ran for 2.5 hours a day, 4 days a week, for 7 weeks. This was actually a good preparation for my son when he tried out for Endline. The club volleyball season for boys starts August and ends in December. Beginning February, the CYO boys volleyball season starts until late May. Then, the cycle begins again with the volleyball summer camps from late June to early August.

With my son's acceptance at Endline, I had mixed feelings. I am happy that his skills are recognized and that he will gain more experience playing with older players and be taught by seasoned coaches. On the flip side, I hate the road trips to what I consider distant tournament locations. We were briefed at the start of the season to expect travel to as far north as Sacramento, and as far south as Fresno. So far, we have been to Sacramento twice, with at least one more next weekend. For now, we're also looking at the Regional tournament (a 2-day event) also in Sacramento. Venues have changed in the last minute, so we're hoping it's closer, like San Mateo. For now, the team in planning to drive up Friday night, and spend the weekend up there.

Being in club volleyball means spending all day at a tournament. For the qualifying rounds and regionals, these are 2-day events. Teams play at least 5-6 games, and officiate 2-3 games each tournament day. That's a lot of volleyball. Even I get tired watching (and waiting). This also means the team needs to be fed and be well hydrated. Sandwiches and lots of fruits are what keep the boys going all day. In between, they snack on crackers, cheese, and chips. What makes things a little bit complicated is that there are no lunch breaks. Everything is dependent on when they play and officiate.

On tournament day, each team sets up their own "station", typically, just outside the playing venue. Teams jockey for the closest spot to the court entrance so there is less time getting to and from the station in between games. Just imagine a (very) scaled down version of a tailgate, minus the cooking, grilling, and drinking.

Club volleyball is a commitment. For us, it is a new process different from CYO. It is fun as it is tiring. But, at the end of the day, I think it is all worthwhile.

Author's Note:  For more information about Endline Volleyball Club, visit their website at www.endlinevolleyballclub.com.