Spring

How are the teams selected?

With the exception of the 12U age division, all teams are created through the tryout process. No one can be placed on a team without proper evaluation. Athletes are placed based on the recommendation of their current coach, if playing in the winter or based on skill performance at tryout(s) as well as position desired. The top five athletes at any given tryout may all be middle blockers, but they will not all be placed on the same team.  Placement based on carpooling or friends will not be considered. Our goal is to find a team for every girl that wants to work hard, have fun, learn and improve their volleyball skills and knowledge. Due to many factors including numbers, coaches and/or facilities, however, we are not able to accommodate everyone.

The majority of athletes play both winter and spring seasons, although there are some who choose to play one season only. Spring athletes will be added to existing teams as appropriate or may be part of a team newly created for spring.

 

 

When and where are tryouts?

Tryouts will be held in February 2025. A current AAU Membership is required for tryout. See the tryout page for all information and forms in January.

What age should my daughter tryout for?  Should I just use her age?

USA Volleyball and the AAU have recently changed the cut off date to JULY 1. Current Age DOES NOT always coincide with USA age divisions.  The Top Gun Volleyball program and the AAU organization abide by the age definitions created by USA Volleyball.  See the tryout page for age definitions.

Can my daughter tryout for an older age group or ‘play up’?

Any movement of an athlete into a different age group will be done solely at the discretion of the Top Gun VBC staff. Requests will not be considered. Because we gather athletes from many different areas and school districts into one team, we are able to create a challenging environment for each age level. Top Gun believes that most athletes gain the greatest growth and advantages participating with their natural age level. Please have your daughter tryout for the appropriate age level as listed in the age definitions above.

What if my daughter is young, but in a higher grade?

A very small number of athletes fall under the category of being in a higher grade academically, yet qualifying for a younger age group. For example, an athlete attends 9th grade, but falls within the 14U age group. In this situation, the athlete may choose which age group to tryout for. Using our above example, this athlete would be permitted to tryout for the 14U age group, 15U age group, or both. If an athlete in this category wishes to be considered for more than one age group, she must attend the tryout for each age group.  All other athletes must attend the appropriate tryout for their age under the USAV definitions.

When and where are the practices?

Spring AAU teams will practice twice a week in the evenings for two hours each. Specific practice times and locations have not been established yet. Practices will be held in the Howell and Brighton areas. A complete practice schedule will be provided at the time an invitation to join a team is extended.

When will the practices be held?

Specific practice schedules will not be determined until later. Practices could be held any night Monday through Friday in the evenings, but will be determined prior to invitations being sent for spring.

Does my daughter need to attend all practices?

A most resounding ‘YES’! Attendance at all practices and tournaments is necessary and expected. In fairness to all involved, missing practices for any reason, including but not limited to illness, homework, family vacations or other sports/activities, WILL affect playtime opportunities. Please think carefully if your schedule allows for this type of necessary commitment and dedication. Volleyball is a team sport, with teammates needing to work together and learning from each other consistently and often.  Important material is covered during each and every practice and new information is added frequently. We do not recommend those with conflicting schedules play Top Gun because of this extremely important factor.  Dedication to your team and the practice/tournament schedule is expected if you are going to play!

What if my daughter plays another sport?

Top Gun believes that every athlete should have the opportunity to represent their school, and every effort is made to accommodate athletes wishing to participate in other activities for their school. As stated previously, however, volleyball is a team sport and attendance to practices is crucial. A case-by-case study of the situation is usually best to insure fairness to everyone involved. Extra curricular activities outside of school are not as easily accommodated. It is important for an athlete to be committed to her team and the practice/tournament schedule.  Missed practices will affect playtime.

When and where are the tournaments held?

Tournaments are generally located within a 1 to 1½ hour drive or less from the Howell/Brighton area and occur on Saturdays or Sundays. Tournaments are usually full day affairs, with arrival around 8:00am and finishing up sometimes as late as 6:00 or 7:00pm. Athletes are responsible for transportation to and from the tournament. Each athlete will also be responsible for food during the tournament. Tentative tournament weekends will be set soon. There will be no tournaments over Spring Break, Easter Weekend or Memorial Day Weekend.