Is Thunder JO Volleyball right for your family?

Selecting the right volleyball club can be a difficult decision. Because it goes beyond a simple bump, set, kill, here is a list of topics that should be considered when you choose the best volleyball experience for your athlete.

Mission

Thunder JO's mission is to develop well-rounded athletes into the best people they can be by providing competitive, thriving, & excellent volleyball teams.

Season Length

November through April/May depending on age. This includes practices and tournaments.

Practice

• Two times per week, 2-3 hours per session which includes strength & conditioning, skill development, mental training, and optional private lessons.
• Held in ISD191 schools.

Tournaments

• 8-10 tournaments per season.
• Most tournaments we participate in are located around the Twin Cities with 2-4 events located out of town in cities such as Rochester, Duluth, and Mankato. 

Cost

Range is $1,400-$1,800 depending on the age level of the team. Visit our Cost/Fees page for additional details.

Coaching

Our coaching advisor selects coaches/leaders with previous playing or coaching experience. We ensure their focus aligns with the player development and sportsmanship goals consistent with the Thunder JO Volleyball mission. Each team will have 2 coaches to ensure that players are getting the attention they need to improve their skills.

Teams

• We offer various teams from 4th to 11th grade. Click here for the 2023 USA Volleyball age chart.

• Each team consists of 8-11 (typically 10) players lead by 2 coaches.
• As a traveling, competitive club, players will not get equal playing time. However, we do ensure each player will receive some playing time in at least every match, if not every game to further develop their skills in competitive situations.

Tryouts

Tryouts are held to determine each player’s fundamental and advanced volleyball skills. All players are evaluated on the same scale and by all Thunder JO coaches.

Attendance

We strongly support multi-sport and multi-interest athletes. Alternate activities such as other sports, choir, band or academic clubs are a great way to keep both the mind and body sharp. For our coaches to properly prepare, we do ask that players give coaches at least a 24-hour notice if they will miss a practice or match. Unexcused absences (includes finishing schoolwork, parties, or absence without notice) will result in loss of playing time.

Full Season (U12 - U17)

The Full season teams will run from the Fall/Winter months through Spring.  The season’s last tournament is usually in late April or early May. Typically, we will have 2 or 3 out of town/multi-day tournaments.

• Practices will be held 2 times per week on average.
• Teams will participate in 9-10 tournaments.
• Uniform package includes 2 jerseys, 2 pairs of shorts, and 2 practice t-shirts.
• Strength/Conditioning
• Mental Training

Abbreviated Season (U12)

The Abbreviated teams are to provide an introduction to club volleyball. The shortened season allows players to get a taste of what Thunder JO Volleyball provides while having less time and financial commitment. The team will run from the fall/winter months through March. The season's last tournament is usually at the end of March. Typically, there will be at most 1 out of town tournament.

• Cost is $450 for the season
• Practices will be held 1 time per week
• The team will participate in 5-6 one-day tournaments
• Uniform package includes 1 jersey, 1 pair of shorts, and 1 practice t-shirt

Parent Involvement

Teams always need helpers! Each team will require a Team Manager that will work with the coaches to help with team communication and coordination. However, there are also other ways to provide assistance & time even if you are not the team manager. See some examples of this are:

• Food/Lodging coordinator for tournaments.

• Practice helpers (EG: shag balls and help with drills).

• Team statistics/scorekeepers (official).

• Team building coordinator (pizza parties, sleepovers and fun things that bring the team together).

• Picture/video coordinator.