TRYOUT FAQs
TRYOUT FAQs
Q: What if we cannot make the tryout date?
A: Email brittany@coastvba.com to ask what options are offered when missing a tryout.
Most tryouts will make offers for the teams within 24-48 hours of the tryout. Early tryouts will not be offered, and players who miss tryouts may arrange for a make up tryout pending open positions within the club.
Q: How soon after evaluations will you make teams?
A: It will depend on the number of girls that tried out, ages, and how many we'd like to move forward. We'd like to contact parents within 48 hours with our intentions for that player, and whether or not she's made a team or offered a spot on our waiting list.
Q: What will be required if my daughter makes a team?
A: We will give a deadline for a contract to be submitted within your offer letter. Typically 3-5 days will be given to decide if you would like to accept or decline the offer. When accepting the offer, there will be paperwork to complete and a deposit is required. All of the details will be listed in your offer letter, handbook, and team contract.
We encourage families to come to tryouts having already done their research and with a clear understanding of whether Coast VA is the right fit for them. Our goal is to leave the gym with teams made up of athletes who are committed to excellence, excited to represent Coast VA, and ready to grow within a positive, competitive environment.
We are equally committed to building a community of families who value high-level coaching, elite training, and the culture we continue to build at Coast VA.
Q: What are the details for the teams you're offering?
A: You can learn more about our team offerings and program details on our website, as well as in the team information flyers that will be released soon. While these materials provide a strong overview of each team, details are subject to change as we finalize plans for the season.
Information regarding team dues, uniforms, practice schedules, and program expectations will also be included.
We also encourage families to explore our 2026 team pages to get a sense of what our teams looked like this past season, and to join us at one of our Open Houses on Monday, June 1st or Sunday, September 13th.
Q: Do you honor teammate requests?
A: Teammate requests may be considered for our local and non-travel teams, depending on the level of interest and whether we are able to form those teams.
When building rosters, we focus on placing players where they will develop and succeed best. Team assignments are based on ability, position needs, and long-term potential—not school affiliation.
Q: Who will my coach be?
A: Coast VA hires coaches for each team based on the specific needs and goals of that roster. While we do accept parent coaches, our preference is to avoid having coaches work directly with their own child whenever possible.
Coaching assignments are typically finalized after teams have been formed, allowing us to place the coach who is the best overall fit for each team’s development and competitive needs.
Q: What are the practice times?
A: Practice times at the Henrico Sports Center will generally fall between 5:00–9:00 PM. Teams will primarily practice Monday through Thursday, with schedules varying slightly depending on the week.
Specific practice schedules will be finalized once tryouts are complete and teams have been formed.
Q: How many girls do you take for each team?
A: We will place 9-12 players per team depending on age, team type, division playing, and player availability.
For example: If a team has multi-sport athletes that could hinder attendance at practice and tournaments, we will carry more players to ensure enough are available.
A team of 11 typically consists of 2 setters, 2 middles, 2 liberos, 4 pin hitters, and 1 flex player.
A "flex" players is someone that can play multiple positions (i.e. Pin & Middle), or is an additional setter, middle, libero, or pin.
Q: What is your training and playing time philosophies?
A: We train as a tier. Teams work together in practice, and tier trainers run the drills for the club. We believe that the whole club should get the same standard of training, and that iron sharpens iron. Training with a club first mentality allows young coaches to learn and grow during practice, while the team is still being trained by our best staff. All teams are attended to by our top coaches regardless of team type or division playing. Teams form bonds with each other creating a family culture.
Tournament playing time is dependent on the team type:
National - Playing time is earned, and coaches are playing to win. Qualifying for USAV nationals is the #1 priority behind player development.
Regional - Playing time is more fair and based on position, but still earned while coaches are playing competitively.
Local - Playing time is closer to equal and based on position, intended to give all girls good game experience.
ALL players should receive equal playing time in practice. With our fast paced, constant feedback, challenging drills, & maximum learning model, players should improve at least 1% each day. We focus on daily growth: mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Q: What makes your club different than others?
A: At Coast VA, we believe player development is bigger than any one coach. While it is common in youth sports for families to choose a club based solely on who is coaching a team, our philosophy is built around an “all hands on deck” approach to training and mentorship.
Our goal is to create an environment where every athlete benefits from the collective knowledge, energy, and experience of our entire coaching staff. By exposing players to multiple coaching perspectives and teaching styles, we help them become more adaptable, confident, and well-rounded athletes — while also building a stronger, more connected club culture.
We know it takes a village to raise great kids, and we apply that same mindset to developing great athletes and teammates. This philosophy is reflected daily in both our practice structure and tournament environment:
Coaches support and assist teams other than their own during tournaments
Coaches provide feedback and instruction to all players within their tier during practices
Teams participate in “Coach Swap” training days, where different coaches lead sessions and offer new perspectives
Positional breakout sessions are organized with athletes from multiple teams to maximize specialized training and collaboration
At Coast VA, every player is supported by an entire coaching community — not just one team coach.
Q: Do you offer strength and conditioning?
A: Unfortunately, not this year. We plan to in the future, and advocate for girls to find someone in the time being. We are working on a location that would offer that as a part of practice.
Q: Do you offer video sessions?
A: Yes, we will be using video as a teaching tool. We use HUDL video to help with player feedback, as well as offer the Coast Classroom where we teach volleyball fundamentals, offensive and defensive systems, and nutritional education.
Q: Can I play multiple sports?
A: Yes! We support multi-sport athletes, and will work together so that athletes can do both. It is difficult to juggle some sports; however, good communication is most important to set the athletes up for success.
Q: Can I go on Spring Break?
A: For National teams, attendance at practices leading up to qualifiers—and at the qualifier events themselves—is expected and essential. Vacations during this period are considered unexcused absences. Our shared goal is to qualify for Nationals, and with limited opportunities to achieve that, consistency and commitment during qualifying season are critical. We also recognize that qualifiers often fall during spring break and, at times, over Easter weekend.
For Regional and Local teams, we simply ask families to communicate planned spring break travel as early as possible, especially when it overlaps with tournament play, so we can ensure we have sufficient player availability to compete effectively.
Q: Are there "stay to play" tournaments?
A: Yes, some tournaments require teams to use their designated hotel booking agency as a condition of participation. If this applies, the club will communicate those requirements to families well in advance.
Many tournaments are “stay-to-play” events, meaning teams are expected to book through approved hotels. These policies are often tied to city and event requirements to track the economic impact of the tournament. In most cases, tournaments are able to secure competitive group rates through their housing partners, although we understand that this may not always result in the best available option for every family.
Our club’s preference is to use the tournament-provided housing and stay together as a team whenever possible, regardless of specific event policies.
Parents should always wait for instructions from the club before booking hotels or making travel arrangements.
Tip: For youth sports travel, we strongly recommend avoiding non-refundable travel arrangements whenever possible.
Q: Are there extra costs?
A: Yes. In addition to team dues, families are responsible for travel-related expenses, including transportation to and from events and hotel accommodations.
Occasionally, additional costs may arise, such as team bonding activities or meals. However, the club does not collect any additional funds beyond dues unless an additional tournament is added to the schedule.