Fun Facts
The Academy name originates from the club’s tireless dedication to teaching the physical and mental skills needed to play volleyball at the highest possible level. The club motto is Train Your Game, encouraging players and coaches to focus on being technically sound and give full effort in their pursuit of development, not just winning.
12 of The Academy’s 91 coaches are current Academy players who have a strong desire to give back. In addition to their own practices, matches, and homework, they assist youth teams and help create the club’s strong family atmosphere.
Every season, Academy players and coaches come together for Volleyfest, the club’s fun-filled lock-in. Throughout the night, players participate in volleyball games, a costume contest, a scavenger hunt, dance competitions, and even get to watch two teams of coaches play for the Coaches Cup! After all activities, players lie down to watch a movie, while coaches prepare a delicious pancake breakfast to serve to the players!
History
The Academy was founded in the fall of 2014 by a group of coaches and parents passionate about sharing the game of volleyball with others. A family atmosphere and a proper training facility were the foundations of their vision, and so The Academy transformed an empty warehouse into the 70,000 square foot, 11-court facility it is today. It houses meeting rooms, a concession stand, and a ProShop offering equipment, apparel, and accessories (www.theacademyproshop.com).
The Academy’s first club season included 36 girls teams, 5 boys teams, more than a thousand clinic participants, and over 700 teams competing in their 21 club tournaments. The club also hosted a Gold Medal Squared Clinic, featuring Hugh McCutcheon, Carl McGown, and Jim McLaughlin, among others. The second year brought 51 girls teams, 6 boys teams, and increased participation in clinics, camps, and tournaments.
Programs
Development of the whole athlete is a priority at The Academy, where the primary goal is for players of all ages to build confidence, leadership skills, and great relationships while learning lasting volleyball knowledge and skills.
The Academy is also dedicated to the development of all athletes and offers programs for all ages and ability levels. In addition to girls and boys travel teams, The Academy offers non-travel teams for athletes involved in multiple activities; sand training during the summer; a Fall Youth League for 1st-8th graders; Little Spikers for kids as young as 4 years old; and a College Clinic Series that brings in local Division I coaches and players to lead and instruct clinic participants.
Girls and boys club players wanting to continue their careers at the collegiate level are fully supported and mentored throughout their high school years. Academy players have access to comprehensive recruiting services, which include a listing on its recruiting page, a skills video on its YouTube channel, and help from The Academy’s full-time recruiting coordinator.
The Academy has 91 amazing coaches who continue to play, watch, discuss, and develop the sport they all love. To aid in that development, the club regularly produces its own training videos for its coaches’ continuing education.
The Academy is excited about its future role in growing volleyball in Indiana and across the nation. Every player that walks through its doors becomes part of the growing Academy family that lives for volleyball and for the positive ways it connects us to other people.
The Academy Volleyball Club is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, an organization committed to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for club directors, coaches, players and fans. For more information about joining the JVA click here.
