Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the teams:
A: Our Open teams attract the top players in the greater Charlotte Region and will compete at the highest possible level at every tournament with a very demanding and intense travel and training schedule. This includes multiple two and three-day tournaments. U15, U16, U17, and U18 National teams will play from January through June. Check out more details on our Program Description Page
Premier/National Teams also have a demanding and intense travel schedule. These teams will compete against the best competition both within the region and along the east coast in the USA/Premier Division at National tournaments and in Open at all other events. Players will be placed in an intensive training environment designed to push each player to reach her full potential and achieve her goals. This includes multiple two and three-day tournaments. U14-U18 National teams will play from January to June
Semi-National teams will play 3-4 tournaments that are single day tournaments within two hours of Charlotte, and 3-4 multi-day tournaments. They will finish at the beginning of April at the Big South National Qualifier or at the JVA World Challenge.
Regional teams have a schedule that consists primarily of single day tournaments within the Western North Carolina Region, or in 2 day tournaments within the greater Charlotte region. They finish at the end of March.
Q: Will you have National, Semi-National, and Regional Level Teams?
A: Yes, level of players permitting. We provide National teams at all ages. Semi-national 15-12s. Regional 14-12s. We also have our Travel Light program for 18-16s. For detailed descriptions visit our TEAM INFO SHEET.
Q: My daughter only wants to play at the Regional level. If she is good enough to be on a National Team, can she play for a regional team instead?
A: Yes. We understand that some parents only want to play at a Regional level for a variety of reasons (multi-sport, expense, time commitment) and are happy to accommodate those needs as best we can.
Q: Are there separate tryouts for the National and Regional teams?
A: No, we hold all of our tryouts together. If your daughter only wants to play on a regional team, we will note that as we fill out our teams. However, there are separate tryouts for Travel Light Teams.
Q: What are the fees for each team?
A: Projected Club and Uniform Fees: Check out the Program Description for ESTIMATED costs - this may change once a teams roster and schedule is finalized.
Uniform Fees $200-$300
*Club fees cover coach’s pay, court fees for three practices per week, tournament entry fees, travel expenses for coaches, and unlimited open gym time (when courts are available). Club fees do not cover USAV or AAU registrations or personal travel expenses. Prices will vary based on tournament schedule.
+Uniform Fees include jerseys (three for National Teams), two pair of spandex, practice shirts, ball, jacket, backpack and ball bag; returning players typically will not have to purchase new uniforms, only practice shirts and spandex if needed.
Q: When do teams practice?
A: Teams will practice 2-3 times per week, Monday through Friday between 5 and 10:00 (Travel light teams start at 4:15). Some teams will practice on Sundays as well.
Q: Why are the Apparel Fees separate from the club fees?
A: We believe that purchasing new uniforms every year is a huge waste of money, because some of the jerseys are only being worn six or seven times and never used again. Individuals are now responsible to purchase their apparel from year to year so that they can take care of them and decide if they want to use the same jerseys, spandex, and jacket in the following years. So, for example, if you are on a national team and you take care of all of your jerseys this year, you will not have to purchase a new set of jerseys the following year (you are free to do so if you want, or you can decide to save money). We have made a deal with Nike so that we will have the same apparel for at least three years, and over time we will cycle in newer jerseys. As a result of this policy, we select the numbers for players so that there is no (or limited) overlap from year to year.
Q: What is your policy on playing time?
A: All decisions about playing time are left to the coach. At younger age levels, we believe it is important for each player to have the opportunity to play in matches and will do our best to make sure this occurs (even at younger ages, however, equal playing time is not promised, and in truth, is not possible). As players get older and start to play at a more competitive level, playing time decisions are geared toward putting the most competitive team on the court at any given time; players having the opportunity in practice to earn more playing time.
Q: Will my daughter only work with her coach and her team, or will there be some crossover?
A: At CUVC, we master-train. This means that practices are centrally run, and players work both on position training with the whole club, as well as work with their team on team-specific training. This gives all of our players an opportunity to work with multiple coaches, including our master coaches, as well as players from other teams. It creates an environment of collaboration, as well as gives us the ability to teach kids from year to year without having to re-learn how CUVC trains simply because you are with a different coach.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Director, John Brannon at john.brannon@carolinauvc.com.