Aftershock Volleyball Club
8 Topics / 42 Answers

YOUR QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know, without the jargon.

Club volleyball is a major commitment of both time and money. We believe in being completely upfront about what it takes.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to Craig.

New to Club Volleyball?

Never done this before? Start here.

What is club volleyball?
Club volleyball gives your daughter focused coaching and competitive play beyond what school leagues offer. She’ll train twice a week, compete in weekend tournaments, and play against athletes from across the region. If she’s not yet on a school team, club volleyball is one of the best ways to build the skills and confidence she needs to earn a spot.
What’s the difference between club volleyball and school volleyball?

School volleyball runs in the fall (typically August through October/November) for middle and high school teams. Tryouts are open only to students at that school. The season is short, the schedule is local, and there’s no cost beyond what the athletic department charges.

Club volleyball runs October through May, alongside or after the school season. Tryouts are open to anyone in the region — you don’t have to attend a specific school. Practices are twice a week, tournaments are weekends across Northern California, coaching is more intensive, and you pay a season fee.

Most committed players do both. Club is where the bulk of skill development happens; school is where she represents her campus. The two seasons don’t conflict.

What is the season for club volleyball?
Tryouts are in October. Practices start in November, two evenings a week. Tournaments run from late January through May, mostly on weekends.
Where is Aftershock Volleyball Club located?

Aftershock is based in Santa Rosa, California. Our two practice gyms:

  • NCVA Facility — 5621 Skylane Blvd, Santa Rosa (near Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport). Primary practice site.
  • Piner High School — 1700 Fulton Rd, Santa Rosa. Hosts clinics and tryouts.

We serve girls ages 8–18 across the North Bay, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cloverdale, Cotati, Sonoma, and Ukiah.

Mailing address: PO Box 8023, Santa Rosa, CA 95407

See practice locations on a map

What about background checks?
All Aftershock coaches and staff undergo comprehensive background checks through NCVA/USA Volleyball every year. SafeSport certifications are renewed annually, and we follow USAV safety protocols. If you ever have questions about a coach’s credentials, you can verify directly with the NCVA Office.
Are there other volleyball clubs in the area?
Yes. Several clubs serve the North Bay region, each with its own philosophy and competitive level. We encourage you to explore your options. If you’d like to understand what sets Aftershock apart and how we might fit your daughter’s goals, Craig is happy to chat — get in touch.

Teams & Programs

How we structure teams and what each program involves.

What’s the difference between Power League and Premier League?

Premier League teams play within 90 minutes of home, requiring less travel and financial commitment. Tournaments are organized by location, so competition levels vary and you’ll often play the same teams.

Power League teams travel further, which may mean overnight stays. They have more opportunities to advance between divisions and face increasingly competitive opponents.

Aftershock offers both options. See our Programs page for a detailed comparison of costs and commitments.

How many players are on a team?
Teams typically have 10–12 players. We select around 12 at tryouts, though the final number depends on team composition, ability levels, and how many athletes are balancing other sports.
Do you offer summer volleyball programs or clinics?

Yes. Each year we run an All-Skills Summer Clinic series — multiple weeks of focused training in serving, passing, hitting, defense, and positional play. Open to girls 9–18, beginners welcome.

Summer is the off-season, so it’s the best time to build a new skill or fix a bad habit before fall and spring competition. See the summer clinics page

Tryouts

What happens, what it costs, and what comes next.

What are tryouts like?
Tryouts are held in October over two days, 1.5–2 hours each session. Players ages 8–18 go through drills, exercises, and game play. Our coaching staff evaluates skill, attitude, effort, communication, competitiveness, and desire. Full tryout details
How much do tryouts cost?
$50, which covers both days. Players are encouraged to attend both sessions.
Do I have to attend both tryout sessions?
We strongly recommend it, whether she’s new or returning. Two days gives our coaches a fuller picture of her abilities and gives her a better chance at the right team placement.
Am I guaranteed a spot on a team?
We can’t guarantee a spot. It depends on the number of athletes who try out, skill levels, and available coaching staff. That said, we make every effort to place every girl on a team where she’ll be challenged and have room to grow.
How does team selection work?
Coaches assign players based on tryout evaluations and team composition needs. They consider each position (setter, middle blocker, outside hitter, etc.) and aim to place your daughter where she’ll have the best chance of individual success while contributing to the team. The goal is always the same: put her where she’ll thrive.
When will I know if my daughter made a team?
Within one week after the final tryout. The coaching staff and Club Director compare evaluations, form teams, and each coach contacts their players directly to offer a spot.
What if we missed tryouts?
Contact Craig Hardisty at (707) 479-9645 to discuss options. Late placements are sometimes possible depending on roster availability.
What are Letters of Commitment?

A Letter of Commitment is a one-season contract binding a player to a specific club. Important: these letters are not recognized across associations.

You can try out for Aftershock (NCVA) even if you’ve signed with a WCVA club. Within NCVA, letters do apply between clubs. Before signing any commitment, confirm the club’s association and read the refund/release policies carefully. More on our Tryouts page

Practices & Schedule

When and where your daughter will train each week.

How often do teams practice?
All teams practice twice a week on weekday evenings, typically 1.5–2 hours per session.
Where are practices held?
Teams practice at the NCVA facility in Santa Rosa (near the airport). Piner High School hosts clinics and tryouts. Your team’s coach will confirm the schedule before the season.
Can parents watch practices?
Yes. Parents are welcome to watch from the sidelines. We ask that you stay off the court during practice and leave the coaching to our staff. Many parents use practice time to catch up with other team families.
What if my daughter has to miss a practice?

Let the coach know before practice starts. We understand conflicts come up: school, other sports, family stuff. If she misses, the coach may arrange for her to join another team’s session as a make-up.

That said, consistently missing practices can reduce her playing time at the next tournament. Club volleyball has fewer practices than school ball, so each one matters more. If something longer-term is going on, talk to the coach. We’d rather know.

Tournaments

What tournament days actually look like.

How long are tournaments?

A tournament can last 7–9 hours depending on the format and match duration. One-day league tournaments usually start at 8:00 AM and consist of 4–5 matches.

Larger special events (California Kickoff, President’s Day, Far Western National Qualifier, Golden State Classic) run two waves: an AM wave starting at 8:00 AM and a PM wave starting at 3:00 PM. Your coach will confirm which wave your team is assigned to. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and patience.

Are all tournaments mandatory?
We expect players to make a full commitment. Coaches and teammates are counting on her. That said, life happens. Just communicate with your coach as early as possible about any conflicts.
What should my daughter bring to a tournament?
Her uniform, kneepads, court shoes, a water bottle, snacks or lunch money, and a positive attitude. Tournaments can run 7–9 hours, so pack accordingly. Most families bring camping chairs for the sidelines.
Do I have to stay for the entire tournament?
Players are expected to stay until all team obligations are complete, including matches, officiating duties, and work team assignments. Parents aren’t required to stay the whole time, but your daughter does need a ride at the end.
Will my daughter have to officiate matches?

Yes. At every tournament, teams officiate 1–2 matches between their own games. This is standard in club volleyball: the teams playing run the officiating, so there’s no need for outside refs.

Players rotate through roles: R1 (up referee), R2 (down referee), scorebook, scoreboard, libero tracker, and line judge. Coaches train players on each duty and manage the rotation, so no one’s thrown into something cold. A rostered coach is courtside for every assignment. Refusing officiating duties can forfeit a team’s match, so everyone participates.

Where do tournaments happen, and how do I get in?

NCVA tournaments are held across Northern California: convention centers (San Mateo Event Center, SAFE Credit Union in Sacramento, San Jose Convention Center, Santa Clara Convention Center, @the Grounds in Roseville, Cal Expo), sports complexes (Capital Sports Center in McClellan, SportHouse in Redwood City, Courtside Manteca), and occasionally high school gyms.

For the large convention-center sites, NCVA sells online wristbands in advance for quicker admittance into the venue. Smaller venues and high schools collect entrance fees at the door. Bring cash or check; amounts vary by venue.

Specific venues per tournament are posted on NCVA.com. Confirm before you drive.

For Parents

Sideline etiquette, communication, safety, and how to make the most of the season.

How will the coach communicate with our family?
Each coach handles communication a little differently, but you can expect a combination of email, group text, or a team messaging app. Your coach will set this up at the mandatory team meeting after tryouts. You’ll also get a parent handbook covering everything you need to know for the season.
What’s a team parent?
A team parent is a volunteer who helps coordinate logistics: tournament carpooling, team dinners, event information, and communication between families. Coaches will ask for a volunteer at the team meeting. It’s a great way to stay involved and it takes a lot of pressure off the coaching staff.
What’s expected of parents at tournaments?
Cheer for both teams. Stay positive. No coaching from the sidelines. Your daughter and her teammates will feed off your energy, so keep it encouraging. Beyond that, help with work team duties when assigned and make sure your daughter has enough food, water, and money for the day.
What if I have a concern about my daughter’s playing time or coaching?
Talk to the coach directly. We have an open-door policy, but we do ask that you wait 24 hours after a match before raising concerns about playing time. Emotions run high right after games, and a cooler conversation is almost always more productive. If you’re not comfortable going to the coach, reach out to Craig or Rich.
What happens if she takes a hit to the head?

Any suspected concussion means she comes out of play. No playing through it, no self-evaluation. She needs to be evaluated by a healthcare professional before returning to practice or matches.

Our coaches are trained to recognize the signs: confusion, dizziness, headache, sensitivity to light, balance issues, or moving and answering slowly. If you’re new to this, the CDC’s HEADS UP program is the best plain-language resource for what to watch for and what comes next.

What happens if my daughter is injured?

The coach handles first aid on site. For anything beyond that, you’re called to pick her up and decide next steps. For serious injuries, the coach calls 911 first and you second.

The USAV policy that comes with her NCVA membership is supplemental. Your family health insurance stays primary, and USAV covers what yours doesn’t. Return to play requires clearance from a healthcare professional.

College Recruiting

Honest answers about scholarships and what club volleyball can do for your daughter.

See the full recruiting page
Will Aftershock help my daughter get a college scholarship?
No club can guarantee any player a college scholarship. However, many players who earn volleyball scholarships developed their skills and gained exposure through club programs. Club volleyball gives your daughter the chance to develop her abilities and get seen by college coaches at tournaments. There are many levels of college competition and many opportunities. The bottom line: your daughter’s grades, desire, ability, and skill are what matter most — not any particular club.
How does exposure to college coaches actually work?

College coaches don’t tour random gyms looking for players. They go to large, well-known tournaments to watch athletes they’ve already been in contact with. That means exposure is a two-part job: we put her on the right court (Far Westerns National Qualifier, regional majors, NCVA league play), and she starts the conversation with the coaches she wants to watch her.

If she hasn’t emailed a coach, sent film, and told them which tournaments she’ll be at, they’re almost certainly not there to see her play.

Does her position matter for recruiting?
Yes, more than most families expect. College coaches recruit for specific roles. Coaches don’t want to see a 5'2" setter because she’ll probably play libero at the next level. The most effective thing she can do is play the position she’d realistically play in college, and know how her height and skill set project. Our coaches can help her think about position fit honestly.
How much does her GPA matter?
A lot. Every college coach wants players who keep the team GPA high, because academic eligibility affects their program. A strong GPA opens doors, widens the pool of schools she can target, and often unlocks academic money in addition to any athletic aid. Good grades also signal the work ethic coaches are looking for.

Costs & Commitment

What it costs, what you get, and no hidden fees.

How much does it cost to play club volleyball?

Fees vary by program for the current season:

  • Power League — $3,500
  • Premier League — $2,500
  • 12U Premier — $2,200

Covers coaching, gym rentals, equipment, uniforms, tournament fees, and admin. Travel expenses (meals, hotels for multi-day tournaments) are separate. Payment plans are available for all programs. Full breakdown on Programs

What’s included in the fees?

Included: gym rental, coaching salaries, tournament entry fees, uniforms, equipment, and administrative costs.

Not included: NCVA/USAV membership ($80, paid directly to NCVA), travel, meals, and hotel for overnight tournaments.

Are there additional costs beyond the season fee?

The season fee covers coaching, gym time, tournament entries, uniforms, equipment, and insurance. You’ll also need to budget for travel to tournaments (gas, meals, and occasional hotel stays for Power League).

NCVA/USAV membership ($80) is a separate fee paid directly to NCVA. This is required for all players and is not included in the Aftershock club fee.

What is SportsEngine and how do I register with NCVA?

SportsEngine is the platform NCVA uses to manage memberships. Once your daughter accepts a spot on a team, you’ll create a SportsEngine account (if you don’t already have one) and purchase her NCVA/USAV membership through it.

The club will send you the exact signup link after tryouts. Don’t buy the membership early. It’s non-refundable, so wait until she’s offered a spot. For registration help, reach NCVA at ncva.com/contact.

Who do I contact for more detailed cost information?
Contact Club Director Craig Hardisty at (707) 479-9645 or craig@aftershockvolleyball.com. Fee schedules for the upcoming season are also provided at tryouts.