Club vs. High School Volleyball: How the Seasons Work Together in Illinois
If you’re new to volleyball, the club-versus-high-school question is confusing on purpose — they’re not competitors, they’re two different seasons on the same calendar. Here’s how it actually fits together in Illinois.
Two seasons, two purposes. High school volleyball runs in the fall, through IHSA, and is about representing her school — team pride, school community, and the highest-stakes matches of the year. Club volleyball runs after — in Illinois, generally December through mid-March — and is about individual development: more reps, more coaching attention, cross-training in different positions, and exposure to a different level of competition and coaching style than a school program alone can offer. Most serious players do both. They’re not in conflict — IHSA regional tournaments wrap up in early November, right before most Illinois club tryouts begin.
Why club season matters even with a strong school program. A school season is short and team-focused by nature — one coach, one roster, limited practice time split across many responsibilities. Club season gives a player more individual coaching attention, often in a smaller-group setting. Off-season skill development so she isn’t standing still for eight months between high school seasons. Exposure to different coaching styles and systems, which builds a more complete player. And a season built around growth, not just wins — less pressure, more room to try a new position or fix a weakness.
How the timing works at Team Illinois Volleyball. Our tryouts are timed deliberately for right after IHSA regionals wrap up in late October or early November, so there’s no conflict with her high school season. Our regional season then runs December through mid-March, practices Tuesdays and Thursdays, competing in the Chicago Volleyball League.
What if she’s never played club before? That’s normal, and it’s not too late. A strong high school season is a great foundation — club volleyball builds on it with more individual reps and cross-training, not less.
The bottom line. High school volleyball builds team pride and school pride. Club volleyball builds the individual player — more touches, more coaching, and a season that runs on a different clock so it never has to compete with her school team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play both high school and club volleyball? Yes — in Illinois, the two seasons don’t overlap. High school volleyball runs in the fall through IHSA; club volleyball runs December through mid-March, after high school regionals wrap up.
Is club volleyball better than high school volleyball? They serve different purposes. High school builds team and school pride; club volleyball offers more individual coaching attention, cross-training, and off-season development. Most serious players do both.
When do club volleyball tryouts happen in Illinois? Most Illinois club tryouts, including Team Illinois Volleyball’s, are held in late October or early November, timed right after IHSA regional tournaments conclude.
Do I need club volleyball experience to try out? No. A solid high school season is a great foundation — club volleyball is designed to build on those fundamentals with more individual attention.
Tryouts for our 2026/27 season open this fall. Get on the list and you’ll be the first to know the date — before it’s announced anywhere else. Get Tryout Updates →
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Team Illinois Volleyball · Where every girl matters — small club, big heart. · Wood Dale, IL · teamillinoisvbc.com
