Club vs School (293)

Most volleyball players play both high school and club volleyball. There are some similarities and also some differences. The biggest difference is probably the time frame. School volleyball is only 3 months- August, September, and October. Club volleyball lasts about 6 months- December to late June or early July. Part of the reason that the club season lasts so long is because of nationals. The last big tournament is usually in April or May and nationals is in late June, so there is a gap where you just practice and prepare for nationals. 

Another difference is that in club you are only playing with your age group, while in high school you are playing with a mix of up to four different age groups. Also, in club you travel out of state and in school you don't leave Iowa. 

There are some ways that they are similar though. Even though the end of the season tournament is different(nationals vs state) you are both working hard to qualify for the post season. If you are on varsity, then they are also similar because they are both highly competitive teams. 

Some players prefer one over the other for various reasons. Personally, I like club better. I love to travel and play in huge qualifiers, and the players and coaches are more dedicated. The players that aren't as serious about volleyball might either only play school volleyball or just like school volleyball better since some levels aren't as competitive(JV, sophomore, freshman) and you don't have to pay for school volleyball, unlike club volleyball where there is a club fee. 

Club and school both have their ups and downs, but overall they are both great programs to be involved in if you live playing volleyball!