Our goal at ITVC is to provide our players with elite level coaching and training to enable them to reach and exceed their potential in both volleyball and life. Research has shown that coaches are the 2nd biggest influence in a young person’s life, second only to their parents. We do not take that responsibility lightly. We only select coaches who have a high level of volleyball and coaching knowledge and who we feel are extremely positive people and worthy role models. It is very important to us that ITVC players not only learn volleyball fundamentals and tactics, but the valuable lessons that accompany being a part of a competitive team including discipline, responsibility, work ethic, and teamwork. Our coaches are also responsible for creating an environment in which players can develop confidence and pride while raising their self-esteem through improvement and success on the court.

It is our priority for EVERY player who plays for ITVC to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Ultimately, volleyball is supposed to be FUN! We feel that the best way to be highly competitive is to have teams who play with passion and excitement and who truly enjoy playing as a team and for their coaches.

In addition, we want ITVC players to be well-balanced individuals and encourage and are understanding of players who are participating in other school sports or activities. We know that if a player is playing a school sport during the club season, they may have to miss an occasional practice session. We feel that competing in other sports can be a positive influence on our athletes and can help them on the volleyball court. In addition, our “Blue” level teams will not have a demanding travel schedule and will only travel to tournaments within driving distance and will do so 2-3 times a season. They will have the option of attending the Volleyball Festival in Phoenix or the Summer Soiree in Anaheim at the end of June. All of our teams will compete in the Puget Sound Region Power League and all of our teams will attend the Willamette Volleyball Classic in Corvallis, Oregon in May.

Our “ASICS” teams will work to be nationally competitive and will attend the Junior Olympic Championships if they qualify or they will attend the Volleyball Festival in Phoenix, Summer Soiree in Anaheim, or AAU Championships in Orlando at the end June. Throughout the season they will attend at least 3 qualifier tournaments: our local Regional qualifier, the Pacific Northwest qualifier in Spokane, and the Far Western qualifier in Reno with the possibility of attending a 4th if the schedule allows it. Our 17’s and 18’s will attend the Las Vegas Invitational in February over Presidents Day as well.

Coaching Philosophy

At ITVC, we believe that coaches are leaders. They are the leaders of their teams and leaders in the volleyball community as well. As a result, we don’t believe that our coaches should simply follow one coaching methodology or system. It is critical that leaders and coaches think creatively and innovatively. A successful coach is someone who draws on their years of knowledge and experience and the skills and strategies that they’ve learned in a variety of settings and combines them all to fit the needs and strengths of their team. For a team to reach its full potential, it is critical that coaches gear their style and approach to the individual athletes they work with. As a result, our coaches are encouraged to incorporate various systems and schools of coaching in order to get the best out of their teams and athletes. To do this, our coaches are trained in numerous coaching methods and continue to learn from top coaches and programs across the country. In addition, all ITVC head coaches are CAP certified or in the process of becoming certified. CAP is the coaching accreditation program offered by USA Volleyball. It involves an extensive training program taught by top coaches involved with USA Volleyball.  This last season the majority of the ITVC coaching staff attended a fantastic CAP Clinic with phenomenal instructors such as Womens’ National Team Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon, Former UW and National Team Coach Bill Neville, Penn State Head Coach Russ Rose, and Western Washington Head Coach Diane Flick.

As a club, we strongly emphasize technical skills training and development. For an athlete to reach their highest potential, it is critical that they are technically sound in their fundamental skills. For example, we feel it is critical to break down skills like the hitting arm swing and teach our players the correct biomechanics and movements of every aspect of the game. All of our coaches are well versed in volleyball-specific motor learning principles. We emphasize this level of technical training within our individual teams as well as club wide at our skills clinics that we host throughout the season. At the clinics, our players have the opportunity to work with other ITVC coaches along with specialists we bring in who are experts on specific skills. During practices, our coaches will work with players to ensure that each member of the team improves their individual skills and has opportunities to contribute to the team’s success.

All players will have equal opportunities to train and play during practice sessions.  During tournaments, equal playing time is not guaranteed and coaches will make playing time decisions based on what they think will bring the most success to the team.  While coaches will do their best to create opportunities for all of their players to contribute during matches, playing time will vary based on multiple factors.  Factors that can affect playing time are: attendance at practice, attitude and work ethic, leadership skills, team chemistry, statistical analysis, and performance during practices and matches.

We want ITVC players to have fun and enjoy learning and playing the sport of volleyball. While we demand a strong work ethic and dedication from our players, we also want our teams to love playing every time they step on the court and to develop a passion for the sport of volleyball that extends far beyond their years with ITVC. Our coaches will constantly work to make each player’s experience a positive one.