House Volleyball Program

We are committed to providing opportunities for our local youth to learn, play and excel at a level of volleyball that is both fun and challenging. With this goal in mind, we have created different levels of opportunities based on the individual players' skills, desires, and goals- there is a program for every player.

Recreational House League Volleyball makes up the majority of our program- it is our most popular program. Our Spring house league provides opportunities for girls from grades 3 through 8 to learn and enjoy the sport of volleyball. There is no previous playing experience required to enjoy the house league. Our coaches will provide the training necessary for your player to understand the game and learn the basics of volleyball. This is also an excellent opportunity for parents to get involved as coaches or assistant coaches.

The league is broken down into three age groups:

• 3^rd grade/4^th grade
• 5^th grade/6^th grade
• 7^th grade/8^th grade

The DYS Spring Volleyball House League runs from early March to late May. Typically, house teams are selected based on an assessment completed toward the end of February (3^rd grade/4^th grade does not participate in try-outs). Assessments provide information to the coaches regarding the skills and needs of the players and allow the coaching staff to select teams that provide the greatest opportunity for competitive play. House teams have one practice a week (90 mins.) and games on Saturdays (typically two games lasting one hour each). Our spring season concludes with a playoff tournament in which all teams participate.

Practices can start at 6 pm or 7:30 pm, depending on the age group and the coach's schedule. Practices are held at either J. Michael Lunsford MS or Brambleton MS. Below is an example schedule

Monday- off
Tuesday- off
Wednesday- House team practice (unless a travel player)
Thursday- off
Friday- off
Saturday- House team games
Sunday- off

A registration fee per player is due at the time of registration for the DYS Spring Volleyball House League. Each player receives a DYS volleyball t-shirt in their house team color. 

Travel (HEAT) Volleyball was introduced to bridge the gap between house league play and our competitive club program. Players are selected based on the Spring assessment try-outs for the house league. HEAT players practice and play on regular house teams but assemble and practice together once a week and play against representative teams from other local area volleyball leagues. 

HEAT players practice twice a week (once for House, once for HEAT) and normally play twice weekly (one weeknight HEAT match and Saturday house games). Travel is local (usually Chantilly, Centerville, Vienna, etc.). This is a competitive program, and it is intended for those players who are looking for an additional challenge. Our HEAT team from last year competed with our Club Volleyball teams and played against the same local teams in hosted play.

Each team member had 1 weekday practice for House and a  Heat team practice. Below is a sample schedule. The House team practice can be on any weekday except Wednesday. 

Monday- House team practice
Tuesday- HEAT practice
Wednesday- HEAT league match (local)
Thursday- off
Friday- off
Saturday- House team games
Sunday- off

Besides the regular registration fee per player due at registration for the DYS Spring Volleyball House League, an additional $75 is assessed for selected players who accept an offer to join the HEAT program. The extra cost covers travel league registration fees and the HEAT team uniforms.

Coaching Clinics for Volleyball are offered periodically throughout the year, particularly leading up to house league assessments. As a local, volunteer, community-based organization, we are always looking for new coaches who want to connect with their kids through coaching, reconnect with the sport they played, or just give back to the community. You provide the passion; we'll provide the training.

Although it may feel intimidating initially, coaching is a fun and rewarding experience. As coaches, we provide an environment in which players: 

• can experience constant incremental improvement in technical volleyball skills

• can learn to be a good sport and teammate

• can gain confidence in a safe and nurturing environment

• can experience the principles of a growth mindset

• can develop a lasting love for the sport of volleyball

The success of our coaches is not based on a winning or losing record. Instead, we measure success in the improvement of the players and the team and the enjoyment of the experience. We believe that winning is a byproduct that will follow these core values.