WVBA Training Philosophy

At WVBA, we organize our club into two training groups to better support each athlete's development and goals:

High School Prep (HSP) Unit: U12–U14 [with some U15] Teams
Our HSP unit is designed to prepare athletes to excel on their high school teams and develop the foundational skills needed to advance into our College Prep unit and into their freshman and sophomore years. These athletes train in a fast-paced, high-rep environment focused on core skill development, decision-making, and team systems.

College Prep (CP) Unit: U15–U18 Teams

The CP unit is designed for athletes competing at the highest level- both regionally and on national stages- while also preparing them to play at the collegiate level and beyond. Training is intentionally structured to maximize each athlete’s potential and includes both high-level volleyball instruction and strength training components.

Our Approach

Each training unit is led by a master coach to ensure consistency in technique and system instruction across all teams. Teams practice in a collaborative setting, with coaches working from a unified practice plan and supporting all athletes within the unit, not just their assigned team.

We keep talking to a minimum during practices. Instead, players are immersed in game-like drills designed to create high-quality ball contacts. We believe learning comes through experience- trial, feedback, adjustment, and repetition. This method helps players build true competence across all six skills of the game. Every athlete is trained in all aspects of volleyball to ensure they can preform in any given situation. 

Team Selection Process

While initial tryouts provide a baseline evaluation, teams are not finalized on at our tryouts. WVBA coaches observe athletes closely during the first 2–3 weeks of practice to ensure each player is placed on a team where they will be challenged, supported, and given the best opportunity to grow. This extended evaluation allows us to form well-balanced, competitive teams through intentional placement and consistent observation of each player’s average performance over time.

College Recruiting Support

WVBA is proud to offer a comprehensive recruiting support program for athletes looking to play at the next level. Led by Recruiting Coordinator Kari Chavez, our program includes:

• Advising for players and families

• Guidance on college selection and communication

• Assistance with highlight video creation and outreach

• Ongoing mentorship through the recruiting process

WVBA has a long history of developing next-level athletes, with over 200 alumni continuing on to compete at the collegiate level. We’re proud to provide the tools, guidance, and support our players need throughout every step of the recruiting journey.

Club Season Overview

• Season Length:

  • National Teams: Nov [HSP], Dec [CP]– Mid/Late June

  • Regional Teams: November–Late May (Memorial Day Weekend)

• Training Frequency:

  • 3 practices per week [includes 1 optional Positional Practice on Wednesdays]

  • Additional strength training offered on:

    • Mondays – open to all WVBA players

    • Wednesdays – available to College Prep players

• Competition Schedule:

  • National Teams: Compete approximately 1–2x per month with 10–12 total tournaments, including local and national-level events. Our U16-U18 1 teams can expect to travel to a recruiting tournament once a month.

  • Regional Teams: Compete locally 2x per month from January–May, some overnight travel is included- in places like Spokane, Centralia, and Vancouver/ Portland. 

• Player Development Hours:

  • 250+ hours of team training

  • 100+ hours of competition

  • 350+ hours of structured volleyball each season

  • Estimated 35,000–60,000 ball contacts per player, depending on age and unit