Juniors Volleyball has often been referred to as club volleyball, Junior Olympic, or JO volleyball. Our program is not affiliated or sponsored by the school district. It is organized volleyball that begins after the school season is over and provides players an opportunity to continue play after the school season. And because most school districts do not offer volleyball until 7th grade, it provides younger girls the opportunity to play.
Girls in grades 5-11 who live in Shakopee and/or the Shakopee School District and/or attend school in Shakopee. For specific ages per teams, see the Juniors page. If you're looking for opportunities for younger players, please check out the SVA Prep and Fall Programs.
Practices will start mid November and go through the April. Generally, teams will practice 2 times per week for approximately 1.5 hours, based on gym availability. Typically, practices are at a Shakopee School Gym between 6 and 9PM.
A player's playing time will be at the discretion of the coach. All players will receive equal practice time; however playing time will not be equal. Skill level, practice intensity, missed practices, attitude and the position played will all be determining factors in playing time.
Each team participates in 9 to 10 playing events throughout the season. Playing events are located in the Metro Area, surrounding areas and select out of state tournaments. The SVA hosts three tournaments throughout the season and Shakopee teams will participate in their appropriate age level. All other playing events will be decided by the coaches. The SVA does not cover the cost of hotel or food expenses, it is the responsibility of the parents to cover these extra fees for their players.
It is not unusual for players to be involved in other sports or extra-curricular activities. Please take into consideration the commitment to the team and team participation. For example, if two girls are missing for a play date the coach only has two players on the bench to substitute. It is important to contact the coach sufficiently ahead of time when a practice or play date will be missed. Communication with the coach is key to a successful season.
In Juniors volleyball, teams are assigned to officiate matches during playdates and tournaments. All players ARE REQUIRED to receive officiating training. The SVA will host an in-person clinic for players and coaches to attend. Parents are encouraged to go through the process as well because often times a coach may ask a parent to supervise the players at the scorekeeping table (at the 12s level).
For 2023/2024, the SVA runs a Fall program that runs September until the end of October for girls in grades 3-8th (in house and league play), the Juniors program for girls in grades 5-11th that runs mid November to early to mid April (approximately) and the Juniors Prep program for girls in grades 4th-8th that runs mid February to late April.
Summer 2024, the SVA will run a Sand Volleyball League for experienced players grades 7th-12th.
Summer 2024 camps and clinic offerings are offered through the high school program, however registration is hosted on the SVA website.