Tryout Information and Requirements

Tryout and Practice Requirements	Please arrive early to process paperwork so that we can begin promptly at 8:00. All athletes must have all paperwork filled out prior to the start of tryouts or you will not be eligible
	Always arrive early: you must be dressed and completely ready to play. Therefore, you should plan to arrive fifteen minutes early.
What to Bring and Wear	Wear comfortable clothes: t-shirt, shorts/spandex, socks and court shoes. Do not wear spaghetti-strap tops or shirts exposing a bare midriff. Do not bring jewelry (including earrings) to the gym.
What Coaches Look for	The coaching staff will be looking for coachable athletes who have a great work ethic and want to learn to be better players and teammates.   Prospective student-athletes will be tested and evaluated for their overall athletic ability and level of volleyball skill. Coaches will apply the following criteria (in this order): 1. ATTITUDE: Players who are positive, competitive and eager to learn 2. ATHLETIC ABILITY: Players with the ability to learn and perform complex skills 3. POSITION: Players whose skills fit a specific need for the team’s overall balance
What to Expect	Expect to work hard. You will be asked to perform all drills at full speed. You should run when shagging balls, when moving from drill to drill and when going to and from water breaks. You will not sit down during tryouts, except during water breaks and when the coach asks you to do so. SKILL INSTRUCTION: Tryouts are for evaluation of current skill level.  Coaches will give minimal instruction, but will not stop to make specific corrections – this will take place once teams are formed. ATTITUDE EVALUATION: Prospective volleyball players should be willing to try hard, make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and keep trying. Coaches will take note of those players who listen, follow directions, and ask questions when necessary. SKILL/COMPETITION EVALUATION: Prospective players will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of basic volleyball skills (passing, serving, hitting, setting, blocking and defense) in competitive situations. As with most team sports, coaches will evaluate players for their ability and potential to fill specific positional needs (setter, outside hitter, middle blocker, opposite hitter, defensive specialist and/or libero).
Alternatives	Tryouts are a difficult time. One of the toughest jobs for any coach is cutting players from the program. The coaching staff strives to make all decisions fairly, without bias, and after extended evaluation of each prospective student-athlete. However, it may be necessary to cut some players. If you are not selected this season, and would like to try out again in the future, there are other options available to you that may help you in the future. 1. Be a team manager. 4.  Attend camps and captains practices and tryout again next year.