Illinois Volleyball on the Move
As Covid-19 continues to disrupt and change our lives, So does the landscape change in Illinois club and high school volleyball scene. Here’s a list of changes within the Illinois volleyball scene for the fall of 2020. Ch..Ch..Ch..Changes. Illinois Volleyball:…
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Continue ReadingAs Covid-19 continues to disrupt and change our lives, So does the landscape change in Illinois club and high school volleyball scene. Here’s a list of changes within the Illinois volleyball scene for the fall of 2020.
Ch..Ch..Ch..Changes. Illinois Volleyball: Who’s Up First?
As the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) was set to comment on non-high school sports for the fall and winter sports, it was eerily silent on August 24 during their online board meeting. There was a no-decision made on the stance of club participation during the high school season. They are collecting more data before making a ruling.
It looks like club seasons will go on with early season tryouts scheduled for most clubs on August 30 with some club opting to host tryouts later in the year. Prepare for high school girls volleyball season to start in the IHSA spring season: Feb. 15 – May 1 and boys will play in the summer, designated as May 3 – June 26.
Pack the car with snacks, August 30th is a travel day
Whether clubs play in September or October and who they play is yet to be determined, one thing is for sure: August 30th is a travel day! Tryouts begin for most of the Great Lake Region clubs as children of all ages try to put their best foot forward as it’s the season for club tryouts! Many clubs will offer bids after the tryouts and offer makeup dates for those that can’t participate in the originally scheduled tryout. Either way, look for loads of players carrying water bottles in one hand and a gym bag over their shoulder as they race from their parent’s parked car to the gym just to make tryouts on time!
The power of Two: Division One and Wildcat Juniors combine forces
One of the biggest surprises (or not) is that the North Shore-based programs Division One and Wildcat Juniors join forces to become one organization. Division One, a boys volleyball program founded by the Davis family coupled with a strong north shore-based Wildcat Juniors girl’s program gives the area volleyball community a wider breadth of coaching and a deeper pool of players to create a strong viable club for all genders.
6-3-0 Grows
In a sport that’s growing among boys, volleyball clubs grow also. The 630 volleyball club seems to earn the spot among the western suburbs taking over as a popular boys program as the 1st Alliance/3rd Coast Elite /Lions Boys club will not offer a high school boys program this season. Many of the boys are flocking to 630 for tryouts. As of August, First Alliance still advertises their 6,7,8th grade boys programs and they also still run a highly successful volleyball program for younger kids as well as one of the nation’s best girl’s programs.
Learn the terms “In House” and “Regional”
As the landscape of the game changes, we are still in a pandemic. Travel teams are still here but with States around us being at higher risk of Covid-19 in some cases, look for travel to be more regionalized, and in many cases competitions will be more within the program and “In-House” Leagues will be the norm.
Something New Happens Daily
Before we get comfortable with playing in masks and watching from home, remember that we may not be playing at all. Between political unrest and the rapidly changing pandemic, volleyball is a luxury, not a necessity to live. We should embrace the opportunity to play and perform. but be cautious and aware as we do. I’m looking forward to talking about how many players are going to play in college, and not when will they play. See you on the courts!