My Six Storylines From This Club Season

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Culture Still Wins</h3>   <p>Every year there are talented teams, but the ones that truly commit to a common goal usually separate themselves by July. I highlighted this team early in the season and followed them throughout the year. No team, in my opinion, illustrated that better than [program_tooltip program_id='430200' first='KC' last='Power'] 15-1.</p>   <p>From day one, they embraced their roles, trusted one another, and believed in the process. That culture, fostered by Dave Johnson, made all the difference. Now, I'll admit I'm a little biased. Dave is one of my favorite coaches in volleyball because of his infectious energy in practice and on the sideline. He's demanding but fun, and that combination creates an environment players want to be part of.</p>   <p>That culture translated into one of the best finishes by a regional team this season, ending with a fifth-place finish in the Open Division at nationals. Talent opened the door, but complete team buy-in allowed them to walk through it. [player_tooltip player_id='938175' first='Brylie' last='Milo'] made a splash and, in my opinion, emerged as the top player in Kansas' Class of 2029. "Izzy" Isabel Galmarini may be soft-spoken off the court, but she speaks loudly through her play at libero. And [player_tooltip player_id='780519' first='Alaina' last='McGuire'] continues to establish herself as one of the region's top setter prospects.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Don't Sleep on the "Second" Teams</h3>   <p>The number attached to a team name doesn't always tell the whole story.</p>   <p>Throughout the season, several second teams proved they could compete with, and beat, more highly regarded opponents. Because they don't always receive the same preseason attention, these teams often put together impressive seasons before anyone notices.</p>   <p>I've said before that some players actually prefer being on the second team because it provides more opportunities for touches and development. This season served as another reminder that there's plenty of high-level volleyball beyond the No. 1 team in every club.</p>   <p>[program_tooltip program_id='428889' first='Dynasty' last=''] 16-2 received strong seasons from players like [player_tooltip player_id='518358' first='Brooklyn' last='Andrews'] and [player_tooltip player_id='774923' first='Kaylee' last='Ballard']. [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 16 Navy featured standout play from right-side hitter Nora Sher and libero Morgan Plyles. And, as highlighted recently, [program_tooltip program_id='430200' first='KC' last='Power'] 17-2 capped its season with a fifth-place finish in the USA Division at nationals.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Small Markets, Big Results</h3>   <p>You don't have to come from a volleyball hotbed or a nationally recognized club to make noise.</p>   <p>Programs from smaller communities and smaller clubs continued to prove they belong on the biggest stages. Whether earning national bids, upsetting nationally ranked opponents, or making deep championship runs, these clubs showed that strong coaching, player development, and culture can overcome geography.</p>   <p>[program_tooltip program_id='430559' first='Central' last='Missouri Volleyball Club'] recently finished tied for fifth in 17 American. I'll admit I wasn't very familiar with No Coast Volleyball until researching for nationals, but the Gateway Region club out of the St. Louis area certainly got my attention. Their 15s finished third in National, while their 17s placed 11th in Liberty.</p>   <p>Topeka Saints continued a tradition of success with a fifth-place finish in 16 USA. Manhattan Mayhem also finished tied for fifth in 17 American, proving once again that success isn't reserved for the biggest clubs in the biggest cities.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Every Match Matters</h3>   <p>One of the biggest lessons this season was that perseverance pays off.</p>   <p>Several teams kept battling despite falling short at earlier qualifiers, and that persistence eventually paid dividends when bids rolled back into the region. Teams that stayed prepared, continued improving, and refused to let disappointment define their season found themselves with opportunities they might not have expected just weeks earlier.</p>   <p>It would have been easy to enter regional championships and bid tournaments thinking, "What are we even playing for?" Instead, teams stayed ready.</p>   <p>573 15 Premier C is a perfect example, capitalizing on a Liberty bid that returned to the region after a strong performance. Their season is proof that every match matters because you never know when another opportunity will present itself.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Playing Up Can Pay Off</h3>   <p>One of the more noticeable trends this season was the impact of athletes competing above their age group.</p>   <p>Playing up doesn't guarantee immediate success, but it often accelerates development by exposing players to a faster pace, more physical competition, and tougher decision-making. Many of the athletes who stood out this season had already spent time competing against older competition, and it showed in their confidence and composure when the stakes were highest. I've mentioned before that in high school, you as a freshman or sophomore can play against seniors, so it's not that big of a leap to do it in club. </p>   <p>I saw firsthand the impact [player_tooltip player_id='788587' first='Kayleigh' last='Byrd'] made while playing up two age divisions. In Wichita, 6-foot-1 setter [player_tooltip player_id='747422' first='Collyns' last='Livermore'] showcased her versatility by running the offense while also attacking from the right side for Shockwave. [player_tooltip player_id='666872' first='Payton' last='Osegueda'], a [program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'] and Park Hill product, benefited from playing up as well, improving her back-row game before committing to Iowa State.</p>   <p>And let's not forget the littles. [player_tooltip player_id='782250' first='Maggie' last='Nash'] never let the older competition intimidate her, making big plays in the back row for [program_tooltip program_id='515493' first='Club' last='North'].</p>   <p>I've said this often: it's all about finding the right fit. But this season provided plenty of examples that, when done thoughtfully, playing up can be a valuable investment in a player's long-term development.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Parents: Let the Kids Play</h3>   <p>Club volleyball continues to provide incredible opportunities for athletes, but one storyline never seems to go away: sideline behavior.</p>   <p>Coaches coach. Officials officiate. Players compete.</p>   <p>Parents play an incredibly important role, but sometimes the best thing you can do is simply support, encourage, and enjoy watching your child play.</p>   <p>As a writer, I see it. As an official, I hear it. When my daughter played, the running joke was that I didn't like people because I always stood by myself. There may have been a little truth to that, but mostly I just wanted to watch the girls play.</p>   <p>The athletes already face enough pressure without adding more from the sidelines AND/OR the car ride home. Passion is great. Perspective is even better.</p>   <p>Just be Mom and Dad.</p>