Frequently Asked Questions

CLUB VOLLEYBALL

What is club volleyball?

Club volleyball is an opportunity for girls ages 11-18 of varying abilities to develop their skills through training and competition. It is a select sport where you must attend a scheduled tryout and be chosen for a team based upon skill, athletic level, and potential. Club volleyball is more competitive than league volleyball where anyone can sign up and play with others recreationally and socially depending on age requirements.

Woodlands United Volleyball is an elite junior volleyball club sanctioned through USA Volleyball and through the Lone Star Region.


Who will coach my player?

Woodlands United Coaches are all paid professional coaches that have playing and coaching experience. Our coaches are held to a high standard and are certified by through USAV, IMPACT, and Safe Sport. All our coaches must pass a background check as well.


What are the fees for club volleyball?

Club fees cover gym rental, equipment, uniform packages, USAV registration, tournament entry fees, coach salaries, administrative support, and access to recruiting resources. All KU players also receive support from a full-time college recruiting coordinator, and a Hudl account.

Fees do not include airfare, hotels, food, ground transportation to practices or out-of-town tournaments, or personal expenses.

(Most travel tournaments are Stay-to-Play, meaning players must book through specific hotels contracted by the tournament. These hotels are typically close to the venue and offered at discounted rates.)

non-refundable $700 commitment fee is due immediately after tryouts for players selected for a 12's–18's team. The remaining balance is paid in monthly installments from August through March, with all fees paid by March 31. When a team offer is accepted, the commitment is for the entire club season and fees regardless of a player’s status with the team.

Next season's team fees are announced just prior to tryouts. For questions or more details, contact Tiffany at tiffanyd@katyunited.com.


Do you offer sibling discounts?

We will honor sibling discount to player/sibling (living in the same household) on the team with lesser or equal club fees. Discounted amount will be 5% off the balance due after commitment fee is paid. 

For more information about sibling discount, please contact tiffanyd@katyunited.com.

Please note: Sibling discounts do not apply for our Starlights and The U programs.


What is United Sports Academy 501(c)(3)?

In 2024, United Sports Academy became an ecompassing organization for both Katy United Volleyball and Woodlands United Volleyball.

United Sports Academy is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible in compliance with IRS regulations, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

For a tax deductible receipt, or a EIN number, please contact tiffanyd@katyunited.com.



TRYOUTS

How much is it to tryout?

The tryout fee is $70 during regular registration. If you register on the day of tryouts or at the door, the fee is $90.

Early Tryouts are $100.

There are no refunds once registered. If you do not show up or if you try out for another club and choose to stay with them, you forfeit your registration fee.


What age group should I tryout for?

Woodlands United requires that everyone tryout in their predetermined age groups. See Age Classification Chart. Some players do play up, but at the request of Woodlands United Volleyball only. If you are still unsure, contact JojitC@twunited.com


Where are tryouts?

The Woodlands Indoor

28408 Sweetgum Rd, Magnolia, TX 77354


What if I cannot attend the designated tryout date?

It is ALWAYS in your player’s best interest to attend regular tryouts. If you are unable to attend the tryout days, you can still be considered for a team, however, this limits the opportunity to be seen with other players in the same age division at the same time.

We will offer Early Tryout dates and Make Up Tryouts. If you are considering the Make Up Tryout date (after all other tryout dates have passed), please understand, most teams will be filled at this time and we may only need a few specific positions.

If your player absolutely cannot attend any of the tryout dates offered, you can email Tiffany to request a private tryout. tiffanyD@katyunited.com Private tryouts are $175.

Please see our club volleyball page to view early tryout dates and make up tryout dates.


When will I know if I made a team and which one that is?

Early tryouts and regular tryout players will be contacted the day of regular tryouts. Make up tryout players will know the day of make ups.


How many players are placed on a team?

We typically place 10-12 players on a team. There are numerous factors that make this determination such as the level of talent and the needs of that particular team.


Do I have to wait until I am at least 12 to tryout?

We recommend players be at least 9 to tryout for club. Woodlands United does offer our Starlights program for players 8-11 years of age. This program is an excellent start for club players.


How do I prep for tryout day?

  1. Parent or legal guardian must accompany player to the tryout sessions. There will be a parent meeting once tryouts get started. Parents should not leave until meeting has finished.
  2. Check your online account to make sure the account is updated and documents have been submitted. 1) Upload a volleyball pic or picture of player with her hair pulled back on her account profile 2) Upload her birth certificate or passport to her account and 3) Submit the risk waiver online.
  3. Bring a water bottle
  4. Wear appropriate volleyball attire

Parents are only allowed to stay in the upstairs viewing mezzanine only. Please bring your own chair. Do not try to get the player’s attention for any reason during the tryout; this only hinders the players from having their full focus on what we are asking them to accomplish. In some circumstances, a WU staff member may want to discuss options for your player. Please make yourself available so that these types of conversations will not lengthen the tryout time. We understand that this is a stressful time for players and families; we will always try our best to help make this experience enjoyable and educational.



Time Commitments – Missing School/Practices

Will I miss any school?

All teams attending any National Qualifiers, will miss one day of school to participate. Depending on what time you fly out, you may miss another day for travel but excuse letters only show tournament dates and not personal travel dates. UIL school excuse letters can be requested by emailing tiffanyD@katyunited.com. Keep in mind, not all school districts excuse absences for club tournaments.

All of our travel teams attend the Lone Star National qualifier in April.


What if my player cannot make a practice?

Every athlete is expected to be at all practices and tournaments. All players (especially National 15s-18s) will make a commitment to Woodlands United volleyball as a high priority, however, we understand things may come up that can not be avoided. Problems also arise when players and parents do not look ahead and pre-plan their schedule based upon other siblings, school assignments, and tests. Missing practices not only affects your child but also everyone else on your team.

If you will be missing a practice, player's should notify the coach as soon as possible so they can adjust their practice plan.


What if my child plays multiple sports?

At Woodlands United Volleyball, we encourage multiple sport athletes, especially through Junior High. We believe that helps you become a better all around athlete. However; athelete playing time will be at coaches disgretion. It is your responsibility to communicate any conflicts with your coach. We suggest a two-week notice for all missed practices and a minimum of a month notice for any missed tournament.



Issues & Concerns

Process on How to Handle a Conflict

Conflicts may arise during the season. To address any concerns, please first email your coach to schedule a meeting before practice.

Step 1: Encourage your child to speak directly with the coach. If your child feels uncomfortable, you may accompany them, but please remain silent and let them lead the conversation.

Step 2: If the issue isn’t resolved, arrange a meeting with the coach, player, and parent.

Step 3: If needed, a final meeting can be set up with the club director, coach, player, and parent. The player must be present for all meetings.

All discussions regarding playing time will occur between the player and the coach at an appropriate time. Please do not approach a coach during practice or during a tournament weekend.

Tournaments: If an issue arises during a tournament, please wait 48 hours before addressing the coach. If it's an immediate concern, please contact the directors at McCrary@katyunited.com or TiffanyD@katyunited.com.

If you believe your player is in danger at any point, contact the directors immediately.

McCrary@katyunited.com and TiffanyD@katyunited.com




Uniforms and Equipment

Uniforms/Equipment

Uniform orders will be placed by the parent/guardian of the player. Uniform packages will be mailed to your home. If you have mis-ordered pieces, the player's family will be responsible for replacements.

If you’re missing or have damaged uniforms/equipment, you will contact our Adidas Rep.

If any uniform items go missing, families will be responsible for purchasing replacements.


Do I have to wear the gear Woodlands United Volleyball provided?

Yes. Woodlands United Volleyball has a Head-To-Toe contract with Adidas. Our reps with Adidas go to great efforts to outfit and provide quality equipment to our club. We take this very seriously so no competitor logos during any team activities (practices and tournaments).



Memberships and Certifications

How do I sign up for a USAV membership?

After September 1st, a link will be sent to register your player for their USAV / Lone Star membership from Woodlands United. Please WAIT for this email invite link. At that time you will register your player for her USAV and Lone Star memberships. Both must be paid for by the player's family.

Do not register your player prior to September 1st, or it will become void.



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