Eat/Sleep/Breath vball, didnt make school team, what about club?

Question
Hi,
    I have been playing volleyball since 3rd grade, and I'm currently in 8th grade.  I absolutely LOVE volleyball.  I watch it on TV, read about it in the newspaper, and play it constantly(okay you are probably wondering where this is going, but keep reading).  I didn't make my 8th grade team, because there were 80 girls trying out, and I am really nervous about tryouts. How many people try out for your team in the 14s division, and what skills do they have that convince you to pick them.

Thanks,
Erin

PS. sorry this e-mail is kind of all over the place and confusing

Answer
Hey Erin!

Welcome to www.allexperts.com.  It's great to hear from you!!

80 girls at tryouts, huh?  Did the coaches even know you?  Did they know you by name?  before tryouts?  If you ever expect a tryout to be this large again, for the rest of your life, make sure the coaches know you BEFORE the tryout.  In this way, they are more likely to keep you b/c you're "known".  Does it guarantee anything?  Nope.  Just gives you a better shot.

However, I can't give you a definite answer to your question about club tryouts. On some 14's teams here in Virginia, the girls are still serving underhand, they serve receive in a W formation and they running a basic 4-2 offense.  But others (like Roanoke Juniors' top teams) are running 6-2, hitting quicks in the middle, covering, hitting back row sets, jump serving, etc.  Here in Virginia, our top 14's team was from Richmond and they finished SEVENTH at the National tournament in Miami.  One of my stepd's college teammates has a little sister on that team.  They were AMAZING!!!

What do you need to make a 14's team?  
--> It just depends on what team you try out for.  Do they regular go to Nationals?  Or do they even know what Nationals are?  
--> It depends on who else is trying out.  Are they really skilled?  good athletes?  

I encourage you to make sure that you're as sharp as possible before tryouts occur.  
a) You want to play as much as possible;
b) You want to be in good shape.  Both lifting %26 running.
c) You may want to get some private lessons to make you even sharper!  
My point is:  Don't go to tryouts unless you've done everything you can to be ready for it!  

I hope this has helped some!  Now, I need a favor from you!  I need you to visit me at www.coachhouser.com.  There you will see my private lessons website, and you'll see the websites for all NINE of the camps we directed last summer!  I think you'll really like the smiling faces.