Q: What age group is my daughter?

A: Her age as of September 1st after the club season.  For example, for the 2008-09 season, a player's age as of 09/01/2009 determines her USAV age."  The link is the following
http://www.greatlakesvolleyball.org/Documents/2009AgeDefinition.pdf

Q: Who is going to be my coach?

A: Due to IHSAA rules we have to see which girls make which teams and then decide where to place coaches. We have some coaches that are high school coaches and there are rules governing their level of involvement with their respective players. All of our coaches are quality coaches and Ryan works with them all year to further improve. We have already had over 20 coaches sign on for this year.

Q: My daughter and her friend want to be on the same team

A: We try to consider the convenience of our club when making decisions; however, teams construction involves a myriad of factors. Our primarily concerns when constructing teams is doing what’s best for the individuals, the team, and the club.

Q: What happens if we do not get picked for the travel team?

A: You should know by the end of tryouts, but trying out for a travel team does not stop you from making a regional team.

Q: When will we know what team we’re on?

A: By the end of tryout, most girls should know where they stand. Sometimes it is necessary to finish formulating the exact teams once practice starts. This will all be explained at tryouts.

Q: Can I try out for an older age division?

A: As a general rule, we are going to make competitive teams at whatever age group they are at; however, we will bump players up if that is what is best for them and the players around them.

Q: What is the experience level of your coaches? Who are they? Do you have bio's?

A: We pride ourselves on having an extremely strong coaching staff. In addition to recruiting strong coaches, we continuously work with them to improve. Please check out our staff to view some of the coaches bios.

Q: What is a break out session?

A: In addition to thier normal practiecs, players will have breakout sessions, which will address individual needs based on their position. We run some practices based on position rather than team.

Q: When do practices begin?

A: Practices begin at the end of November, unless you are in a builder group.

Q: What is a Builder Group?

A: Diamond Elite offers two-month camps for young girls & boys ages 8 through 12.

Q: Where will we be practicing?

A: For the most part, our Youth teams (14 and under) will be at Wilbur Wright Middle School. Our older teams will be at Bloom Trail. We may also have a site for older girls in Porter County. 

Q: Where are tournaments held?

A: Most local tournaments will be within a 30 to 90 minute radius, generally in the Chicagoland region. For 15 and over, we have one overnight tournament in Muskegan, Michigan. Our travel teams will play five multi-day tourneys: two in Chicago, one in Indianapolis, and one in Michigan or Peoria. They will then end with either Asics in Chicago or Nationals if they qualify.

Q: How long is the season, when does it end?

A: Half season is about mid feb. to mid may if it is available. Full season is dec to mid may (5 ½ months). Travel teams will go longer into the summer. 

Q: How many tournaments do we play. 

A: It depends on the age group. 14U generally target 8 tournaments. 14U half season targets 4 tournaments. A 15+ Regional team targets 2 mutli-day and 7 one-day. A 15+ Travel is 4-5 multi-day and 4-5 single day. This may change if we participate in a power league. 

Q: Are you playing in the power league?

A: It varies from team to team and from year to year. In this upcoming season, our 16 and 15 travel teams will participate in the GL power league.

Q: Do you offer any athletic development programs like speed/lifting training?

A: We will include jump training and speedwork as part of the program with all of our travel teams. For the regional teams, it will be an additional option.

Q: Do you have boys' teams?

A: We may have boys' teams for the youth age groups. Even if we do not, boys can play on the same teams as girls at younger age groups. They will practice with the girls and play on the same teams. 

Q: What about older boys teams?

A: If we get enough boys to make a team, then we will; however, this is unlikely.

Q: What is a travel team?

A: A travel team will play a little more competitive schedule including some qualifiers and will cost more.

Q: Will you have Travel teams for younger age groups (like 14’s)? 

A: Our top youth team at each age level will play a more competitive schedule and will have the option to qualify at the Chicago Regional qualifier.

Q: Is this a fun club or a competitive club?

A: BOTH! We believe enjoyment is extremely important to improvement; however, we’ve had several all conference and all area teams. Most of the conference champions in the area will all have Diamond Elite girls on them. We will also have some of the top players in the area involved in our club.

Q: My daughter is thinking about playing high school basketball (or some other conflict)? 

A: Our practice times are later usually 7-900, we have no problem with her playing on a high school team and we even understand if sometimes she may miss club events, though we still expect her to be serious about club. If she plays on a travel team, we expect volleyball to be a top priority. Regional team coaches will be more willing to work with athletes who have other conflicts.

Q: When are the club fees due? 

A: A $150 non-refundable deposit is made when you decide to join the club. The remaining balance is due later in the year, depending on your payment option. There are three options: A pay up front, a credit card online, and a payment plan. For all three, the first payment is due by Dec. 15th.

Q: Are there discounts for multiple siblings in the club?

A: You may take the payment option without paying the additional finance charges.

Q: What is included in fees?

A: Everything except for uniform ($100) and travel costs.

Q: What’s the fundraiser?

A: Diamond Elite will complete multiple fundraisers. The purpose of each fundraiser will be to decrease the cost of the players. We expect a motivated player to be able to cut his/her costs by a third or more with fundraising. See our fundraising page.