Tryout Information for 2026/27

1. One Life 7421 Ball Rd, Knoxville
2. Athletic Republic - 8425 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 38919

1. Morristown Landing 4355 Durham Landing, Morristown TN

New for This Season: 12U–14U Premier & National

For the 12U, 13U, and 14U age divisions, Premier and National teams will fall within the same financial category.

• National teams will be designated as the “1” team.

• Premier teams will be designated as the “2” and “3” teams.

National teams will be given the option to add on tournaments and play in the Summer National AAU Orlando tournament.

TRYOUT REGISTRATION

What age division should my athlete play during the 2026–2027 season?

Please review the USA Volleyball Age Chart PDF linked above.

Volleyball age divisions are determined by an athlete’s date of birth and may not always match their current school grade.

If you are still unsure, email us your athlete’s:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Current grade
• Tryout location

How do I register for tryouts?

Complete the online tryout registration form.

Athletes should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled tryout time to:

• Check in
• Receive a tryout number
• Have their photo taken
• Submit payment if it was not paid online

Can I pay the tryout fee at the door?

Yes. We accept cash and credit card payments at the door.

Completing the online registration before arriving will help make the check-in process faster.

Is the tryout fee charged for every tryout session?

No. The tryout fee is a one-time fee. Athletes do not pay separately for each tryout date they attend.

ATTENDING TRYOUTS

Does my athlete need to attend every tryout date?

We encourage athletes to attend as many evaluation dates as possible. Multiple sessions give our coaches and directors the best opportunity to evaluate each athlete.

However, athletes are not required to attend every date if school sports, illness, family responsibilities, or other commitments prevent participation.

For example, if your athlete has a middle school volleyball match on the same day as a tryout, we expect them to honor their school-team commitment.

Please notify us at info@clubunitevolleyball.com if your athlete will miss a scheduled evaluation. Include the athlete’s full name, age division, and tryout location.

Will missing one tryout date hurt my athlete’s chances?

Missing one evaluation does hurt your athlete's chances.

However, attending multiple dates gives our staff more opportunities to evaluate the athlete’s overall skills, coachability, effort, attitude, and team interactions.

What if my athlete cannot attend any of the scheduled tryout dates?

Contact us as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee that an alternate evaluation will be available, but we will let you know whether another opportunity can be arranged.

Roster positions may be limited after the scheduled tryouts have been completed.

What should my athlete bring to tryouts?

Athletes should bring:

• Comfortable athletic clothing
• Court shoes
• Kneepads
• A clearly labeled water bottle
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn

Please do not bring a volleyball.

Are parents allowed to watch tryouts?

To create the best evaluation environment, we kindly ask parents to remain outside the tryout gym.

Club Unite practices are generally open to parents, but tryouts are closed so athletes can focus and our staff can complete the evaluation process without distractions. Club Unite is alllowing parents to watch the Sept 12th 12U Tryout 12:30pm-1:15pm in Knoxville.

EXPERIENCE & READINESS

Can beginners attend tryouts?

Yes. Tryouts are not only for highly experienced players.

Our staff evaluates each athlete’s current skills, athletic ability, effort, coachability, attitude, and potential for growth. For younger or newer athletes, the evaluation helps us determine whether a club team or one of our developmental programs would provide the best experience.

How do I know if my athlete is ready for club volleyball?

Your athlete does does not need to be a finished volleyball player before attending tryouts.

Our coaches and directors evaluate:

• Fundamental volleyball skills
• Movement and athletic ability
• Effort and competitiveness
• Coachability and willingness to learn
• Communication and teamwork
• Composure and response to challenges
• Readiness for the commitment required at each level

Our goal is to provide an honest evaluation and place athletes in an environment where they can develop, contribute, and enjoy the season.

Do you offer opportunities for 10U and 11U athletes?

Yes. Club Unite offers programming for 10U and 11U athletes.

During evaluations, our staff will determine whether an athlete is ready for the commitment of a full club season or would benefit more from one of our developmental programs.

Our Diggin’ Daisies/Dirt Diggers program is designed especially for younger athletes who are newer to volleyball and need a strong introduction to the game without the commitment of a full travel season.

CHOOSING A TEAM LEVEL

Which level should my athlete select: Local, Premier, or National?

Families should consider more than volleyball ability when selecting a preferred level.

Important factors include:

• Financial commitment
• Practice expectations
• Number of tournaments
• Travel and hotel requirements
• Attendance expectations
• Length of season
• The athlete’s experience and ability
• The family’s availability and commitment

Families should select the level they can realistically support for the entire season—not simply the highest level available.

Selecting a preferred level does not guarantee placement at that level. Final placement is based on the athlete’s evaluation, team needs, positional needs, commitment preference, and available roster space.

What is the difference between Local, Premier, and National?

Local teams provide a competitive club experience with less travel and a shorter season. These teams generally compete closer to home and normally do not require overnight hotel stays.

Premier teams require a greater time, travel, and financial commitment. These teams compete in a balanced schedule of nearby tournaments and select events that may require hotel stays.

National teams represent Club Unite’s highest level of competition and commitment. These teams have the most demanding attendance, practice, tournament, and travel expectations. (13U and 14U National will streamline with Premier - NEW FOR 2026/27)

What should our family consider before selecting National?

National volleyball is a significant commitment for both the athlete and the family.

For our 13s and 14s Premier and National will align however for 15 & Up please read the following:

Before selecting National, families should consider whether they can support:

• Consistent attendance at practices and tournaments
• Additional travel and hotel expenses
• Longer tournament weekends
• A more demanding tournament schedule
• Strong communication with coaches and directors
• The athlete’s commitment to their teammates
• Balancing volleyball with school, family, and other activities

National athletes are expected to prioritize their team commitments and communicate responsibly when unavoidable conflicts occur.

If my athlete selects National, will they still be considered for another level?

Yes—if you indicate that choice during registration.

Selecting National tells our staff that your athlete would like to be evaluated for that level. If a National position is not offered, the athlete may still be considered for a Premier or Local team when an appropriate roster position is available.

Please make sure your registration form accurately identifies all levels your family is willing to accept.

TEAM PLACEMENT

Does every athlete who attends tryouts make a team?

For the most part yes Club Unite is able to place players where they fit.

Our goal is to place as many athletes as possible, but team placement depends on:

• Evaluation results
• Number of registered athletes
• Available teams and roster positions
• Positional needs
• Coaching availability
• The commitment level selected by the family

We take placement seriously because the right team environment can make a meaningful difference in an athlete’s confidence, development, and overall experience.

How are athletes evaluated and placed?

Athletes are evaluated by Club Unite coaches and directors.

We consider:

• Volleyball skills
• Athletic ability and potential
• Coachability
• Effort and competitiveness
• Attitude and teamwork
• Communication
• Playing position
• Team and roster needs
• Preferred commitment level

Team placement is not based on one drill, one mistake, or one moment. We evaluate the athlete’s overall performance throughout the tryout process.

Can my athlete request a particular coach, team, or teammate?

Families may share relevant information or preferences, but Club Unite cannot guarantee placement with a particular coach, team, or teammate. For our younger Local Divisions we have been able to help accommodate friend requests from time to time.

Placement decisions are based on the athlete’s evaluation and what our directors believe will create the best developmental opportunity and overall roster.

What if my athlete is not offered their preferred team or level?

An athlete may be offered a different team or level if our directors believe it is a better developmental fit or if positions are unavailable on the preferred team.

Families may decide whether to accept the offered position. An offer for a different team should not be viewed as a failure. It provides the athlete with an opportunity to develop, compete, and continue working toward future goals.

PLAYING UP AN AGE DIVISION

My athlete is 14U but wants to try out for a 15U team. What should we do?

Whenever possible, we recommend attending both the 14U and 15U evaluations. This gives our directors the best opportunity to evaluate the athlete and determine the most appropriate placement.

If your athlete is certain they only want to be considered for a 15U team, they may attend only the 15U tryout. This is especially common for true 14U athletes entering ninth grade who prefer to compete at the 15U level.

A 14U athlete interested specifically in 15U Local may also choose to attend only the 15U evaluation.

Attending a 15U tryout does not guarantee placement on a 15U team. Final placement is based on the athlete’s evaluation, team and positional needs, and available roster space.

TEAM OFFERS

When will team offers be made?

Team offers may be made during or following the evaluation period.

Timing can vary by age group and team level because our directors carefully review evaluations, team needs, positional needs, and available roster space.

Please make sure the email address and phone number provided during registration are accurate and checked regularly.

How will we receive a team offer?

Official team offers will be sent through Crossbar using the contact information provided during registration.

Please check your email regularly, including your spam or junk folder, during the roster-release period.

How long will we have to accept an offer?

The acceptance deadline will be included with the official team offer.

Because roster decisions affect many athletes and families, the offer must be accepted and the required commitment payment completed by the stated deadline.

If you need clarification about an offer, contact us before the deadline.

Does accepting a team offer require a financial commitment?

Yes. Accepting an offer reserves a roster position and requires the designated commitment payment.

Families should carefully review the team level, financial information, payment schedule, season expectations, travel requirements, and club policies before accepting.

SEASON INFORMATION

When will we know the practice schedule, season costs, and tournament schedule?

We understand that these details are important when families are considering a club commitment.

Information about practice schedules, estimated costs, season dates, and tournament planning is available on our Club Season FAQ page.

Complete team-specific information will be communicated as it becomes available and before families are required to accept a roster position.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please email info@clubunitevolleyball.com and include:

• Athlete’s full name
• Age division
• Tryout location
• The specific question or concern

Providing these details will help us respond as quickly and accurately as possible.