We have been training some of Indiana’s most elite athletes since Team Indiana was founded in 2004, and can’t wait for another great year. We want YOU to be a part of it!
Below you will find a wide range of common questions that are asked regarding Team Indiana, our policies, tryouts and philosophy. Although we have made an effort to help identify some of the questions and concerns you may have, we understand that we have not covered all of them. If you need any additional information or have any further questions, we invite you to contact us at 317.354.0570 or webmaster@teamindianavolleyball.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
What is Team Indiana Volleyball?
Team Indiana is a volleyball club that is dedicated to the skill development of young female athletes ranging in ages from 8u-18u. We host our club season from December through the end of March or the end of June (depending on team placement). We also offer summer camps and fall clinics along with private lessons year round.
What is our mission?
Team Indiana is dedicated to the cultivation of developmental skills in young players and providing opportunities for girls and boys to grow as individuals as well as elite volleyball players.
Does Team Indiana help with the college recruiting process?
ABSOLUTELY! And no one does it like our dedicated Recruiting Coordinator, Michelle Coleman, does! She has been working hard and assisted over 200 Team Indiana athletes pursue their dreams of playing at the collegiate level since 2007! Team Indiana takes pride in providing one source for our athletes, our families and college coaches throughout the entire recruiting process. To date, every athlete that has wanted to play in college has been provided the opportunity to do so – a 100% success rate! Our college recruiting assistance is incomparable.
Who are the coaches at Team Indiana?
Team Indiana has one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the state of Indiana. We recruit, hire, train and retain the most dedicated coaches available. We offer training to all of our coaches year-round. The most important aspect of our staff is that all of our Team Indiana coaches make a commitment to serve the mission of our organization. There may be some changes with the coaching staff based on the IHSAA rules.
How much are Team Indiana Club dues for the upcoming club season?
We understand that playing club volleyball is a significant financial commitment and want to provide our families multiple options to select what is ideal for their situation. We provide opportunities for our families and athletes over 15 to work off club dues in a variety of ways throughout the season and will work with families to create a financial plan that works for all parties. We offer family & military discounts – contact us to see if you are eligible.
Review the complete listing of pricing by age group and payment plans.
What do these club dues cover?
Club dues cover practices, insurance coverage, on-court coaching & college recruiting assistance (high school aged athletes). It does NOT cover playing time at tournaments. Of course, everyone wants to play as much as possible in competitive matches, but in terms of player development, time spent in practice is more valuable than match time.
What is not included in club dues?
In addition to club dues, tournament fees (divided by all players on the team) & coaches travel (divided by all players on the team) will be added to your monthly installment. Outside of your monthly installments, you will incur cost for your travel, AAU and/or USAV membership, and any custom team spirit wear you choose to purchase. Even if you choose to pay club dues up front you will still receive monthly installments to cover expenses listed above.
How do we pay our dues?
Invoices are emailed on a monthly basis. You can pay your bill online with a credit card, via check, or cash. The club dues can be paid up front with a 5% discount, but tournament fees and travel expenses will still be billed on each installment.
What are tryouts like?
Tryouts will consist of physical testing, skill testing and game situations. Each age division tryout will be different based on needs and number of athletes trying out. Team Indiana’s tryout process is different than several area clubs in the fact that we do not give out offers or bids. We assume that every player going through tryouts wants to participate at Team Indiana. At the conclusion of tryouts every athlete will receive an email regarding team placement. If we cannot place an athlete on an elite team, they will have the opportunity to tryout in the regional program (at no additional cost).
Do you have anything prior to July Tryouts that players can attend?
We will be offering two Preview Days / open gyms prior to our July Tryouts.
If you are interested in an 30-minute on court evaluation please contact us. You are also welcome to request a lesson with one of our coaches, lesson availability is based on coaches schedules.
Are parents allowed to watch the tryout process?
Parents are not allowed to watch our tryouts to minimize the traffic in our building.
Can a player who did not play at Team Indiana in the previous club season have a fair shot at making a top team?
Yes! Athletes have an opportunity to make an Elite team by attending our Fall Tryouts or July Tryouts in July. While we like to keep core groups together, we are always looking to improve the overall talent. Bottom line…if your daughter deserves to make a top team, she will.
What is the age breakdown for the upcoming club season?
How old will your athlete be on July 1 of the upcoming season? That is the age group she will play in. If needed reference the Tryout Age Division Table to determine the proper age group.
Does my daughter have to play in the age division that she falls under?
No. With the combined tryout process, we will allow the opportunity for athletes in odd numbered age groups (13/15/17s) to play “up”. We are doing this to create an environment where athletes of like mind and skill can work together to increase their abilities faster and have a better experience. To help ensure a great experience for all, we still have a full offering of teams in the odd age groups. We are not allowed to let players play “down” their required age group. If needed reference the Tryout Age Division Table to determine the proper age group.
Will my daughter make a team if she participates in the tryouts?
We will do everything that we can to place every athlete on a team within our two programs, but we can not guarantee placement. Total number of teams per age group will be based upon the interest and skill level of the athletes at the both tryouts.
How much is it to tryout at Team Indiana?
$50 is due at the time of tryouts. This payment is non-refundable.
Does Team Indiana offer anything for players under the age of 10?
Team Indiana offers monthly sessions of training for athletes 10 and under.
Does Team Indiana offer private lessons?
Yes…Team Indiana does offer private and semi-private lessons throughout the year. If you are interested, please fill out the lesson request form. Please note that your current club coach is not allowed to give anyone lessons on his/her team during the season.
Due to IHSAA rules, a rostered high school athlete may NOT participate in an open gym, practice or scrimmage until their high school season is officially over. This includes but is not limited to lessons with any rostered athletes from a different school.
How much travel is involved with Team Indiana Volleyball club?
The Team Indiana Elite teams will travel to a few tournaments that are out of state (Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, etc). It is our goal for all of our Elite teams to finish at a National competition, Junior Olympics or AAUs. All Regional program teams will play locally.
How many players will be on each team?
The amount of players for each team will be set during the tryout process and will be determined based on the makeup of each individual team. For example, if a team were to run a 5-1, a 10 player roster would be suitable for the makeup of that team. If a team is going to run a 6-2, the roster may have either 11 or 12 players. On average we like to keep the number close to 10, so we can reduce playing time issues.
How often are practices?
Practice times and frequency will vary based off of age group and training level during the season.
Regional level teams practice 4 hours a week. Team Indiana Elite level teams practice 6-8 hours a week (depending on age group). The weekday practice schedule for the Elite teams will be posted by the last weekend of November to aid in planning. The regional team practice schedule will be posted by the last week of December. Please note, weekend practices may be on Saturdays or Sundays.
Where are practices held?
All Team Indiana practices will be held at the Team Indiana facility.
How often do teams play in tournaments?
It is our belief that there are positive benefits to our athletes’ participation in tournaments. Dependent upon the age and competitive level of each team, the number of tournaments in which we participate will vary from team to team. Each Elite team will play in 8 or more tournaments throughout the season. Each coach will discuss each team’s goals with respect to the season and participation in tournaments further at a team meeting held by the head coach. Regional teams will participate in local tournaments.
How long is the club season?
Elite team practices will begin after Thanksgiving. The Team Indiana Elite teams will finish at a national competition at the end of June. The Regional Program practices will begin in early January and run through March.
Is playing time guaranteed?
Playing time is not guaranteed for anyone. Playing time is earned during practices and is left to the discretion of the coach. Club dues only cover practice times and not playing time. Of course, everyone wants to play as much as possible in competitive matches, but in terms of player development, time spent in practice is more valuable than match time.
Can the multi-sport athlete play for Team Indiana?
Yes, many of our student-athletes participate in more than one sport, especially in our younger age groups. Naturally, as the teams advance to a higher level of competition, we see less of the multi-sport athlete. The most important thing that a multi-sport athlete has to do is communicate with her coach regarding her other sport. Our coaches are willing to work around the athletes schedule if they are up front about conflicts.
Can I work off or fund raise my fees?
We allow families to work in the pro shop or concession stand to help pay for their club dues. Those dates that are available for athletes and parents to work will be sent out to all who sign up at the beginning of the year.
Are there any IHSAA rules that will affect us for Team Indiana?
- No staff members from a particular high school may coach roster players from that high school while school is in session. High school staff may coach players from other schools at any time, and their own players after the school year has ended.
- No more than three players from one high school may play for a single team.
- The above rule (number 2) does not apply to seniors, to grade school students or to students who are not on the school’s team.
- Athletes may play an outside sport at the same time as they play another sport for their high school. (You may play Team Indiana Volleyball and school basketball at the same time.)
- You may not play Team Indiana Volleyball and high school volleyball at the same time.
Will you have any information nights?
Starting in the September, Free Clinics and Open Gyms will also have coaches available to answer questions during the sessions in the mezzanine.