NorthShore Volleyball Programs and Frequently Asked Questions


Welcome to the 2025 Club Volleyball Season! 

REGISTER HERE FOR THE SEASON!

We are excited to offer another year of instruction to athletes of all ages and ability. 

Questions: basic questions go to jordanbbates@gmail.com; big questions go to Travis@NorthShoreVB.com
 
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PRACTICE PLAYERS
Each travel team carries 3-4 practice players to reach an optimal team of 14-15 athletes. These players are a part of the team, but they don’t travel to tournaments unless a travel player has an injury or can’t come to a tournament for another reason. Practice players participate in all practices and drills and receive almost the same training as travel players. This is good for families that have other time commitments. It is also a valuable training opportunity without incurring the other costs of being a travel player. Practices are most Tuesday and Thursday nights, and non-tournament Sundays.

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DEVELOPMENTAL ATHLETES
A group of 15-20 players is trained in fundamental skills through drills, team building, and game-like competitions. This program is great for newer-to-the-sport athletes, or athletes who need more fundamentals. They don’t participate in tournaments. The Developmental teams usually scrimmage other teams in-house toward the end of each season. Practices will be on Sundays. 

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FUTURE COACHES
Any athlete 15 years or older can join our Future Coaches program. Students are taught the fundamentals of practice planning, game strategy, volleyball rules, and much more. Most students also co-coach a 4th or 5th grade LEAP volleyball team! Class starts in January and meets about 6 times. Cost: 50. 
 

Why NorthShore?

Our mission is to provide the best Club Volleyball experience in Northern Michigan! We have a united and experienced coaching staff. We offer clinics, private lessons, and camps for all skill levels. We have a culture of respect for each other as well as a love for the game of volleyball.

Season / Practices

What are the seasons?
Tryouts: End of November (Dates TBD)
Winter season: December – early March
Spring season: early March – mid June,

When are practices?
We practice Tuesdays, Thursdays, and non-tournament Sundays at the YMCA South or another gym in TC. Weekday practices are 4:00-6:00, 5:30-7:30, or 7:00-9:00. Sunday practice times rotate, but will be between 10:00am-6:00pm. Times may change this season to reduce numbers in the gym at any one time. 

What’s covered by fees?
Fees cover coaching costs, gym space, equipment, uniform tops, tournament registrations, etc. They do not cover other travel fees including gas/food/lodging.

Are payment plans available?
Yes, the standard payment plans are monthly but we can be flexible in finding something that works for your family.

Where are tournaments?
Tournaments are in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit, Fort Wayne, and a few teams will be going to Cleveland  and Kentucky for tournaments. Most teams will also be going to AAU Nationals in Orlando, Florida.

Trying Outs FAQ

When are tryouts?
We have one tryout for Winter AND Spring season at the end of November. We do not have a spring tryout, however, you can contact travis@northshorevb.com for a possible spring placement depending on circumstances.

Do you have tryouts for beach volleyball?
At this point, tryouts are unnecessary, as we have plenty of space for players. 

What are you looking for in a player? Do I  need to be the best player on my middle school / high school team?
We are looking for any player who has a good attitude, a solid work ethic, and a commitment to teammates. We are here to provide the best possible volleyball experience for players of any skill level. We offer multiple programs for all skills levels.

Can we tryout for other clubs and still try out for NorthShore?

Yes. However, other clubs may set a deadline to commit to a team well before our tryouts even begin.

Can we travel/practice for another club and also travel/practice for NorthShore?
Not at this time. We want players to focus completely on the teams they are on.

Can you guarantee a spot for my child if she’s been offered a spot at another club? If your player has been made an offer from another club and you would prefer to play for NorthShore, we suggest you email our director Travis Baker travis@northshorevb.com and discuss the details.

Can we play for another club and get private lessons from NorthShore coaches?
Yes. Please contact us for private volleyball lesson information.

Can I decline an offer?
Yes. Please respond as soon as possible so that position opens up for another player.