Why Play Club Volleyball? Taking Your Game to the Next Level

For young athletes in Central Ohio who are serious about volleyball, the school season is just the beginning. Playing club volleyball is the single most important step you can take to elevate your game, gain exposure, and grow as both a player and a person.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• 📈 Skill Acceleration: Club volleyball provides high-level, position-specific coaching and training almost year-round. The sheer volume of practice, competition, and focused instruction is something school teams can't match.

• 🎓 College Recruiting: This is the big one. College coaches overwhelmingly recruit at major club tournaments. Playing for a club team puts you in front of hundreds of scouts and gives you access to recruiting coordinators and platforms (like Hudl) dedicated to helping you play at the next level.

• 💪 High-Level Competition: You will consistently play with and against the best players in your region and, depending on your team's level, the entire country. This intense competition forges resilience and pushes your skills to new heights.

• 🤝 Personal Growth: Juggling school, practice, and travel tournaments teaches invaluable life skills like time management, discipline, and accountability. You'll also build deep, lasting friendships with teammates who share your passion and drive.

Spotlight on Central Ohio Clubs

Central Ohio is a hotspot for volleyball, with many outstanding clubs. Each has a unique philosophy and focus. Here are a few of the area's top programs:

Mintonette Sports

A dominant force in the region and on the national stage, Mintonette is known for its elite training and consistent success.

• Philosophy: Focuses on developing the "whole athlete," emphasizing leadership, work ethic, and respect alongside high-level volleyball skills.

• Known For: A large, highly competitive program based at the FieldhouseUSA. Mintonette fields teams at National, American, and Regional levels, and its top teams regularly compete for national championships at AAU and USAV events. It is a well-established pipeline for college-bound athletes

• Contact Information

Address: 1400 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240 (Located at FieldhouseUSA)

Phone: (614) 560-7090

General Email: katie@mintonettesports.com (Katie Butz, Director of Operations)

Website: mintonettesports.com

Elite Volleyball Training Center

Located in Plain City, Elite lives up to its name with a strong focus on precise, technical training and building "mental confidence."

• Philosophy: A "repetition-based" training environment that focuses on the small details to build a complete player.

• Known For: Offering specialized position training (setters, liberos, etc.), private lessons, and group sessions with a high coach-to-player ratio. They also have a unique partnership with Orthopedic ONE for sports performance and injury prevention, making it a great choice for athletes dedicated to mastering the technical side of the game.

• Contact Information

Address: 8163 Business Way, Plain City, OH 43064

Phone: (614) 504-5363

General Email: info@elitevbtc.com

Website: elitevbtc.com

HOVA (High Outside Volleyball Academy)

Based in Thornville, HOVA is another key club within the Ohio Valley Region (OVR) that provides a competitive environment for athletes.

• Philosophy: Provides a strong, team-focused club experience for athletes to develop their skills and compete throughout the club season.

• Known For: Being a competitive regional club that serves athletes in the greater Columbus and surrounding areas. HOVA fields teams from 14U to 17U, giving players a solid platform to compete and be seen within the OVR.

• Contact Information 

Phone: (740) 975-9362 (Todd Parkison, Director)

General Information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057623972120

GPA (Game Plan Athletics)

GPA is a newer club that has quickly made a name for itself by focusing on truly "holistic" athlete development.

• Philosophy: "More than just a volleyball program." GPA is dedicated to developing the person, not just the player, with a strong emphasis on academics, leadership, and long-term success.

• Known For: Its founder, "Coach Brey" Colley, brings D1 and pro-level coaching (Columbus Fury) experience. GPA provides unique access to academic tutoring, financial literacy classes, mentorships, and advanced sports science (like VALD equipment) to enhance performance and reduce injury.

• Contact Information

Primary Training Address: 880 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212 (The Armory)

Phone: (614) 477-4629 (Breyona Colley, Director)

General Email: gameplan_athletics@outlook.com

Website: gameplanathletics.org

Buckeye Volleyball Club

As one of the most established and respected clubs in the Ohio Valley Region (OVR), Buckeye VBC has been developing top-tier athletes since 1997.

• Philosophy: To promote fairness, good sportsmanship, and a high-level learning environment. They are committed to providing quality training and competition to help athletes advance to the highest levels of high school and college play.

• Known For: Being one of only 50 Nike-sponsored clubs in the nation. Buckeye VBC is a large-scale club offering a wide array of programs for both boys and girls. They operate out of two large facilities (Columbus and Newark) and field teams at all levels, including National, Elite, American, and Regional. They also offer a "Buckaneers" program for 4th and 5th graders as a lower-cost, introductory club experience.

• Contact Information

Address: 6810 Oak Creek Dr, Columbus, OH 43229

Phone: (614) 397-0056

General Email: lauren@BuckeyeVolleyballClub.com (Lauren Kundla, Club Director)

Website: buckeyevolleyballclub.com