What to Bring to Volleyball Tryouts: A Parent’s Checklist
The night before tryouts always has the same scramble: where are the knee pads, do we have exact cash for the fee, did we print the form. Here’s the full list, so tryout morning is calm instead of chaotic.
Gear checklist. Indoor court shoes with non-marking soles, not running shoes or outdoor cleats. Knee pads — required at most clubs, and useful even where they’re optional. Athletic clothes she can move in — shorts or spandex, a fitted top, no jewelry. A hair tie or headband to keep long hair pulled back. A water bottle, filled and labeled with her name. A light snack for an hour or two before, not right before she plays.
Paperwork checklist. Tryout registration confirmation, printed or on your phone, if the club requires it. The tryout fee — check whether it’s cash, card, or online-only ahead of time so you’re not scrambling at check-in. TIV’s tryout fee is $25. Any required waiver or medical form, signed in advance. Emergency contact info, if not already collected during registration.
The things parents forget most. A backup hair tie — they break at the worst moment. Arriving 15 minutes early so she doesn’t start rushed and flustered. A plan for after — know whether the club is announcing anything on-site or communicating results later. And her own confidence talk — the gear matters less than how she walks in.
What NOT to bring. Skip the extra jewelry, skip a full meal right before she plays, and skip the outdoor shoes — a gym floor and outdoor tread don’t mix, and coaches will notice the slip before they notice the swing.
The night-before routine that actually helps. Lay out the bag the night before, not the morning of. Confirm the address and start time. Get her to bed on a normal schedule — a tired athlete looks worse than she is, and sleep does more for tryout performance than any extra practice rep squeezed in that week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes should you wear to volleyball tryouts? Indoor court shoes with non-marking soles — not running shoes, not outdoor cleats. Gym floors require indoor-specific footwear for both grip and safety.
Are knee pads required for volleyball tryouts? Most clubs require or strongly recommend knee pads. They protect against floor burns and hip injuries during digs and defensive plays.
How much cash should I bring to volleyball tryouts? It depends on the club’s payment method — some take cash, some card, some online-only. Team Illinois Volleyball’s tryout fee is $25; confirm your club’s preferred payment method ahead of time.
Should my daughter eat before volleyball tryouts? A light snack an hour or two before is better than a full meal right before playing or trying out on an empty stomach.
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 →
Want to walk into every club open house with the right questions? Download the free Club Volleyball Parent’s Checklist →
Team Illinois Volleyball · Where every girl matters — small club, big heart. · Wood Dale, IL · teamillinoisvbc.com
