2027 Tryouts | Absolute Volleyball Academy

What are Tryouts?

We use tryouts to select players for our club volleyball teams. During the tryout session we have coaches running drills that allow evaluators to observe athletes in their positions in both practice and competition scenarios. Evaluators use this performance, as well as the player's prior experience and level of play, competitiveness, coachability, teamwork and communication skills to place athletes on specific teams. Each team's roster is built based on the positions needed and the skill required to compete on that level of team.

Where are Tryouts held?

Which age group should my child try out for?

If your daughter has a DOB that allows her to play in two age groups, we generally recommend staying with the age group she will graduate in. You can send verification or case-by-case questions to lauren.ellison@avatexas.com.

10U - Born on or between July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017 and/or Class of 2035
11U - Born on or between July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016 and/or Class of 2034
12U - Born on or between July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015 and/or Class of 2033
13U - Born on or between July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014 and/or Class of 2032
14U - Born on or between July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013 and/or Class of 2031
15U - Born on or between July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012 and/or Class of 2030
16U - Born on or between July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011 and/or Class of 2029
17U - Born on or between July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010 and/or Class of 2028
18U - Born on or between July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009 and/or Class of 2027

Can athletes play up or down in age groups?

We have to strictly follow the dates set forth by USA Volleyball. Even if your child is a student in a younger grade, their date of birth might require them to play with athletes that are in the older grade.

There are some cases that an athlete's date of birth could allow them to play in a lower age group. Each situation will be evaluated by Directors on a case-by-case basis, however, we generally encourage athletes to stay with the age group that they will graduate high school with.

What is a private tryout?

We can’t make the regular tryout dates. Can we just come to makeup tryouts?

Absolutely! Please know that makeup tryouts are to fill any remaining open positions after early and regular tryouts have concluded. There is no guarantee that a position will be open on your desired team by the time you participate in a makeup tryout. If you want to guarantee an opportunity to be evaluated for a club team before final selections are made, we highly recommend signing up for a private tryout.

My athlete wants to be evaluated at multiple positions. How do we do this?

Do all athletes get offered a spot on a team?

Unfortunately we do not have the ability and resources to accept every athlete that tries out, therefore, some athletes do not make a team. We will waitlist any athletes who are interested in being selected in the event of a spot becoming available. We do offer alternative options if the player is not ready to make a team: 6th graders and below can participate in our youth development program, AVAtors, and 7th-10th graders can be offered a spot in our Club Prep Academy.

When will we know what team my child is selected for?

Team selection timelines vary by age group:

15 Travel and all 16s–18s: Players selected for teams will receive an offer immediately at the end of their tryout session.
11s–14s and 15 Local: Players are not placed on final teams at tryouts. Instead, they will be offered a spot in either a Travel or Local training group for continued evaluation. Final team placement will take place in the fall (November) after additional training and assessment.

When and how are team finalized for 11s-14s and 15 Local players?

For our 11s–14s and 15 Local age groups, AVA uses a slightly different team placement process than our older Travel teams to better support athlete development.

Instead of being placed on a final team immediately after summer tryouts, players are first grouped into either a travel or local training group. From there, athletes have the opportunity to train together throughout the fall with our coaches while also participating in their school volleyball seasons.

Fall training sessions are not included in club dues and are optional. While we strongly encourage athletes to attend as many sessions as possible to support their development and evaluation, participation is not required.

In November, players return for placement tryouts where final teams are formed. These decisions are based on each athlete’s current skill level, position needs, and overall team balance at that time.

Because athletes can grow and improve significantly between June and November, this two-step process allows us to make more accurate, fair, and development-focused placements, ensuring each player is in the best environment to succeed.

How long do we have to decide if we want to accept the offer?

We will offer athletes who are selected for teams at the conclusion of the tryout session. We expect an answer before you leave our facility. If you accept you will need to complete all paperwork and submit your nonrefundable deposit. If you choose to decline the offer we will immediately offer that spot to the next person. If you leave the facility without notifying us of your decision, we will offer that spot to the next person. We will not hold a spot.

My athlete did a Private Tryout. When will we know if she made a team?

My athlete wants to accept the offer. What are the next steps?

First, celebrate! We are super excited to have you in the AVA Family!

Second, you will receive an email with a registration link to whichever email you used to register your athlete for the tryout. You will need to fill out all requested information and submit your nonrefundable deposit of $700 (11s and 12s deposit is $600.) This deposit is nonrefundable under any circumstances and is your first overall payment towards your club dues. We take your commitment to a team seriously; you are securing a spot specifically needed for that team and our organization will rely on your commitment, physically and financially, for the duration of the season.

Do you offer payment plans or discounts?

What all is included in my club fees?

Will we have to pay anything extra?

Yes—some additional costs are not included in club dues.

Uniforms: Uniform packages are not included in club dues. We will host a uniform sizing and ordering day in August, where athletes will order directly through our vendor. Packages typically range from $300–$700, depending on the team.
USAV & Region Memberships: All athletes must have a current membership with USA Volleyball (USAV) and the Lone Star Region. These memberships are released annually in early September and are paid directly to USAV & LSR. The cost is typically around $50.
Travel Costs (Travel Teams Only): Athletes selected for travel teams will have additional expenses for tournaments, including airfare, hotels, and transportation. Costs will vary depending on the event and whether it follows a Stay-to-Play policy.
AIS Sports Performance Training (13s–18s): Athletes selected for an Adidas team will be required to participate in sports performance training through AIS, which is an additional cost.
Officiating Certifications: Each team must have certified scorekeepers and/or referees. Certifications are approximately $25 each and are valid for two seasons. This is not required for all athletes so your coach will communicate what is needed as it pertains to your team.