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WHAT IS CLUB VOLLEYBALL AND THE OREGON VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY (OVA)?
Club volleyball offers a more realistic view of the game as opposed to most Parks and Rec, middle school or elementary school teams and prepares the athlete for what they need to learn as they approach high school. The level of competition is higher and the expectations on the athlete are higher. It is an excellent way for the player to grasp the fundamentals of the game and learn the more sophisticated aspects of the game like base postions, offensive plays, defensive responsibilites, etc.; and it offers athletes an opportunity to play volleyball after these school seasons or their Parks and Rec season have concluded.
The Oregon Volleyball Academy (OVA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit which originally began as a training academy focusing on private lessons and clinics. The 2006 season marked the beginning of club ball for OVA as teams were formed for those players interested in taking their game to a higher level. In the last few years, OVA merged with the smaller clubs in the area and now offers a chance for each player to play with others of the similar ability and to grow as athletes and represent Central Oregon in local, regional and national tournaments. It is our mission bring together the best talent that Central Oregon can offer together on the teams - and at the same time develop the younger players to their highest potential.
We challenge players both mentally and physically, as appropriate for their age, and teach an aggressive style of volleyball that will be successful today and in the future. We understand that volleyball is not the #1 priority in life but, instead, can be an important aspect of a student/athletes’ growth and helps build strong character traits such as leadership, accountability, responsibility and dedication.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TRAVEL AND LOCAL PROGRAMS?
Travel teams are designed for those players who are looking for a higher level of play. These teams are conducted under the United States Volleyball Association (USAV) and our region is the Columbia Empire Volleyball Association. These teams play typically twice a month with one tournament a month in the Portland, Salem or Eugene area. Travel teams will play in the Power League tournaments, Regionals and the Willamette Classic and their season typically ends in May. There is a much broader perspective for these travel teams as they will play against teams from across Oregon, Washington, and beyond. At the 14’s level this past year, there were over 130 teams entered in Power League in that age group alone. The Travel Teams are designed for those who have played a year or two and wish to pursue volleyball at the high school level and possibly beyond.
The local program is designed to be less intense and shorter than the travel season. This season runs from Dec to early March and has two tournaments a month that are all in Central Oregon. The tournaments are generally much less formal than at the Travel level and the level of play is typically not nearly as high. This program is a great introduction to the sport for those who have not played previously, or only played at the Parks and Rec level.
Both Travel and Local teams practice twice per week, generally for two hours, at the at the Cascade Indoor Sports Center in Bend.
HOW ARE TEAMS DECIDED?
Travel teams: Tryouts dates have been posted on the home page for each age group. Teams will be posted at the conclusion of the last session. Depending on numbers, we anticipate forming multiple teams at all age levels (18&U, 16&U, 14&U, 12&U) and players will be placed on a team according to their skill and age level. Younger girls may play up an age level if they are deemed by the coaches to be an impact player (starter) at the next age level. Girls are not allowed to play down an age level.
Local teams: Tryout dates have been posted on the home page for each age group. Again, depending on numbers, we will form as many teams as possible and girls will be placed on teams according to their skill and age level.
Age level determination can be found on our homepage, but generally is as follows:
- 18&U High School juniors/seniors
- 16&U High School frosh/sophs
- 14&U 7th/8th graders
- 12&U 6th grade and under
WHEN ARE PRACTICES HELD?
Practices are twice a week at Cascade Indoor Sports Center and will likely follow this schedule in 2011/2012:
- Monday & Weds 4:30 to 6:30pm
- Monday & Weds 6:30 to 8:30pm
- Tues & Thurs 4:30 to 6:30pm
Teams will be assigned one of these slots once teams have been formed. Every effort will be made to have the younger teams practice in the earlier time slots but its not guaranteed.
CAN I PLAY A SCHOOL SPORT DURING CLUB VOLLEYBALL?
Absolutely, although the time commitment can be difficult. If you and your parents believe you can make both commitments, GREAT! School sports will take priority over OVA practices and tournaments. We ask that OVA be your #2 sports priority and you will be expected to go to all practices or tournaments after your school sport event (game/practice). If you believe you will be playing a school sport, please address that with a coach at tryouts so we can review the schedule with you and make sure it is acceptable by all. Playing both can be very, very time consuming - but OVA believes is multi-sport athletes and is committed to helping you achieve success in both.
WHAT IS THE COST TO PLAY?
Costs to play are posted on each team's page for the few months leading up to tryouts. If you need specific information before this, please contact the Club Director.
For Local Teams, payment in full is required when the teams are formed. Travel Teams will have a large deposit due when the teams are formed (late Nov), and then payments are due each month from Jan-March. Travel team families will be offered a discount for paying in full when the teams are formed.
FEES COVER: all tournament entry fees, individual and team registrations with USAV, practice facility rental, team supplies and equipment, coaching salaries and certifications, club administration, and uniforms. Fees do not cover any travel expenses (mileage, hotel, food) except as noted for 16 Elite travel team (see your coach).
Travel teams will be issued one Nike long-sleeve jersey, one Nike short-sleeve jersey, two Nike spandex, Nike warm-ups, OVA t-shirt (you keep all of these items). Travel team players who do not already possess an OVA Nike travel bag will be required to purchase one at cost (less than $30). Local teams will be issued a Nike Jersey and spandex, as well as a OVA t-shirt (you keep all items).
WHO ARE YOUR COACHES?
The vast majority of our coaching staff has played collegiate volleyball and all have a great passion for the sport. Many currently coach at the high school level and have received numerous league and state awards for their coaching. We will be placing a renewed emphasis on OVA coaching styles, techniques and the director will be talking to each coach throughout their season to ensure that each team has as much success as possible.
Turner Waskom is the current Director of OVA. Turner has been coaching volleyball in Bend since 1995 and previously has been the top 16’s coach for High Desert Volleyball Club, Board Member for High Desert Volleyball Club, Assistant Coach at Mountain View, JV Coach at Mountain View, and currently is the varsity coach at Summit High School.
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