The first day of tryouts for both Varsity and JV is Monday, Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon in the WAHS Main Gym.

Tryouts will continue through Friday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. - noon.

Tryout criteria: The staff is looking for strong athletes who have a great work ethic and positive team attitude. At the Varsity level, we are also looking for individuals with superior volleyball skills who can fill specific positions or perform specific roles.

What to bring: Comfortable shorts and shirt, court shoes (kneepads are desirable but not required), water bottle, and a great attitude. Arrive 10-15 minutes early. At WAHS, we operate on "Lombardi" time; if the coach says “be there at 9:00" it means you arrive several minutes early and are on the court and ready to go at 9:00.

Sports Physicals: In order to participate in tryouts, you must have had a physical exam after May 1, 2010 and must also complete the required insurance and waiver form. Some local physicians' offices are offering bargain rates on sports physicals. Click here for more information.

These forms are available at the Western athletic office; or you may download them from the VHSL Web Site

Fill out the forms carefully and deliver them to the Western Athletic Office before Aug. 2, 2010 or bring them with you to tryouts.

You may not participate in tryouts until all the paperwork is completed.

How Many? The ideal number of players is between 10-12 per team; although squads have in the past have successfully carried as many as 13 on the roster. Do not assume you will make either the JV or Varsity just because you were selected last year, because you played club volleyball, or because you are on friendly terms with a member of the coaching staff. Everybody must compete for a spot. We anticipate that tryouts this year will be extremely competitive for both squads.

Once You Make the Team: Varsity practices will continue in the mornings from 9 a.m. -12 until school starts. J.V. practices will switch to 4-6:30pm, starting Mon., Aug. 9th.

Late Arrivals: If you cannot attend tryouts email me here.

Once school starts, both teams practice every day after school from 4-6:30. Matches are usually scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday nights. But there are some exceptions and Saturday tournaments. The volleyball season for JV will end before Halloween. The Varsity season will go at least through the first week in November and, hopefully, longer.

Summer Conditioning: We expect athletes to report to tryouts in good physical condition. So we highly recommend that you follow a regular exercise regimen this summer. An out-of-shape volleyball player will not impress the coaching staff. Here is an article on weight training for volleyball players

Camps: The University of Virginia is offering several camp options this summer; so are other area colleges. Although attending these camps will certainly help polish your volleyball skills, it is not a prerequisite to trying out. Some WAHS athletes will be attending camps this summer at a date and time yet to be determined. If you would be interested in joining this group, please email mail me here.

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