The Absolute Volleyball Academy of Texas Wins JVA Club of the Month

The Absolute Volleyball Academy (AVA) of Texas has quickly risen to become one of the top volleyball clubs in the Lone Star region, known for its competitive teams and commitment to player development. AVA has won 6 National Championships, and continues to send players to compete in all levels of collegiate volleyball.  This past club season, AVA had 410 athletes on 35 competitive club teams, a youth developmental program with 200 athletes, and a year-round beach program for our youth and adults. The club offers a range of programs for various skill levels, from beginner to elite, and emphasizes not only athletic skills but also personal growth and teamwork.

In November 2020 AVA moved into a new facility with 8 indoor volleyball courts and last year added 8 sand volleyball courts. The club’s coaching staff includes experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the sport, helping athletes reach their full potential. Through rigorous training, a supportive environment, and a focus on excellence, AVA of Texas continues to be a leading force in the world of club volleyball. Co-Directors, Katy Garza and Jerry Lynch, are both former educators, and found the training they received in Capturing Kids’ Hearts to be incredibly valuable when working with their athletes. For coaches and teams requesting a workshop, they offer Adventure Based Counseling activities that build individual confidence, team trust, and conflict management.

AVA recently promoted Assistant Club Director, Lauren Ellison, incorporated “The AVA Way” this season to help establish consistent training across all teams and to develop the coaches.  Additionally, one of AVA’s former players, who has also been a master coach for AVA and is now a therapist, will be using her experiences in the sport to guide and support the athletes in the coming seasons. This holistic approach ensures that AVA players not only excel on the court but also develop crucial life skills.

In 2019 Matthew Gotsch started as the Parent Liaison for AVA after his oldest daughter started her first club season. He approached Co-Directors Katy Garza and Jerry Linch with the need for someone to gather feedback from parents about what the club was doing well and where it needed to improve, as well as a person to help facilitate meetings with players and parents who have grievances. Parents were often approaching Katy and Jerry directly with concerns while at the club, and they needed a way for those players and parents to be heard, but not have to immediately meet with the club directors. From there, the Parent Liaison position was created. In the first year, Gotsch and the AVA Directors quickly learned just how important giving a voice and lending an ear to players a parents can be. Whether it’s meetings or the Parent Council, allowing an avenue for suggestion and venting is helpful to bring down tensions and allow for a growth mindset to take ahold of both athletes and parents.

The AVAtor program is a cornerstone of AVA of Texas, catering to young athletes across different age groups. The program is divided as follows:

• 5-6th Graders: Around 96 players training on 4 courts.
• 3-4th Graders: Approximately 72 players on 3 courts.
• K-2nd Graders: About 36 players on 1 court, which is set up with 2 badminton nets to allow 9 kids to train on each side.
• Each court in the AVAtor program is a half court, with one team on each side.

The program is structured into three divisions: SOAR, FLIGHT, and Pre-FLIGHT, each led by a leader coach. Additionally, every team on each half court has its own coach, and there is a master coach overseeing each court. This well-organized structure ensures focused training and development for all participants, providing a robust foundation in volleyball skills and teamwork.

AVA started their beach program in 2011 and this past year Beach Director Kirsten Kubicek-Estes started the AVAtors Island beach program for K-6th grade after running the Absolute Beach Volleyball Training Program for the past 6 years. The AVAtors Island program mirrors the AVAtors indoor program and introduces beach volleyball to younger athletes in a fun way. AVA’s Beach Training Program has 150 athletes per year, and the club also runs adult leagues with 200 participants. AVA is committed to growing their beach volleyball program at the grassroots level and is excited about the potential of AVAtors Island.

In addition to their athletic endeavors, AVA of Texas emphasizes the importance of community service. Each year, all AVA teams are asked to choose a community service project. These projects vary widely, from hosting triples tournaments to raising awareness for mental health, to organizing beach clean-up activities. Coaches and players collaboratively plan these projects, which not only benefit the community but also foster personal growth and a sense of responsibility among the players. This commitment to service helps AVA athletes develop as well-rounded individuals, demonstrating the club’s dedication to both athletic excellence and social responsibility.