By Molly Richards

    JO volleyball and school volleyball are two very diverse programs, from the games and practices to the over all goals, both have benefits for players of all levels.

    JO volleyball or Club volleyball can vary in the different age groups and levels of play. In the younger age groups, the schedule is much less intense than the schedule at the high school level.

    Club teams ages fourteen to eighteen, especially national and American teams, tend to have a much heavier schedule. This means having more practices during the week, and as players get farther into the season, tournaments are scheduled almost every weekend.

    During the high school season, the goal is obviously to win as many games as the team can and hopefully advance into Championships. So most of the practices involve preparing for the teams they are going to play.

    The setup is different for Club volleyball. During practices, coaches tend to focus more on individual progression and team chemistry.

     Along with the schedule, the goals of each season also tend to vary. In high school, the goal for the season is to advance as far as the team can.

    The goals each team makes during Club season can vary on the level at which the team plays. It could be about winning however many tournaments, qualifying for Nationals or even winning them.

     As far my season usually goes during Club, my teams goals in the past have been qualifying and going to Natio and also making it to the gold bracket (the top bracket) in every tournament.    

    Considering the team and chemistry between players, the school season is where I have become closest with other athletes.

    While Club season does create new friendships and close knit bonds with players who are not from an individual’s school, during the school season the team becomes a big family.

    In high school, team members are always together whether it be during practices and games or outside of school.

    The experiences may be different, but the bonds created with other players and improvements players can achieve in both seasons makes each special in their own way.