MVP's Mission Statement

MVP will develop and maximize individual volleyball skills, to help prepare athletes for the next chapter in their volleyball careers.


MVP is Siouxland's Premier Club Volleyball Program

MVP has built a tradition of volleyball in the Siouxland area. MVP is a unique and diverse youth sports organization that currently has approx. 200 athletes on teams and an additional 200+ athletes involved in development training in monthly lessons throughout the year.  MVP Volleyball Club is recognized as the premier volleyball organization in the tri-state area (Northwest Iowa, Northeast Nebraska & Southeast South Dakota).  MVP is known for developing quality teams for Regional competition as well as highly competitive teams who find success at the National level.  

Our club volleyball program promotes competitiveness, teaches individuals to excel, and develops leadership skills that transcend athletics into every aspect of a member's life.

MVP offers professionally run programs taught by qualified individuals in the sport of volleyball. Our goals are to provide the opportunity for highly skilled athletes to pursue college scholarship opportunities as well as giving the less experienced player the chance to improve their skills for their school teams.


Our Purpose & Objectives

MVP is dedicated to providing players with the opportunity to improve physically, mentally and emotionally through the sport of volleyball.

Our Objectives:

* Introduce the fundamentals of volleyball to the younger age groups

* Improve techniques and knowledge of the sport

* Develop a positive attitude toward the club, teammates, authorities, winning, and losing

* Teach the athlete respect for themselves, teammates, and opponents

* Develop the physical and mental strengths of all groups through the sport of volleyball

* Provide opportunities to continue playing volleyball at the collegiate or adult level

 


Did you know?....

MVP is committed to giving the club volleyball opportunity to any volleyball player from Sioux City and the surrounding area - no matter what school they attend.

MVP's club director, Rick Pruett has 26 years of USA Club coaching experience. He has had several teams qualify for the National Tournament over the years. Coach Pruett has over 550 wins at the Club Level and led 2 teams to an AAU National Championship (2015 & 2022)!  He coached at the college level for 19 years and the High School Level for 4 years and has accumulated over 450 wins.  He has coached 21 All-Americans and shares his love and knowledge of the game in an enthusiastic manner.

MVP is the first and only local club who has won 4 NATIONAL TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIPS! In 2015, our MVP 18 RICK team won the 18 Classic National Tournament. In 2016, MVP 16 AFTERSHOCK won the 16 Club National Championship, MVP 15 RED won the 15 Club Division in 2022 & our most recent National Championship was our MVP 16 RED team who won the USA Volleyball National Championship 16 USA Division. The AAU National Championship matches were held at the amazing ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL and the USA National Championship took place in Chicago, IL!

MVP has accumulated 3 prestigious Junior National Qualifier Tournament Championships! 2013 - "Show Me" in Kansas City, MO / 2014 - "Colorado Crossroads" in Denver, CO / 2014 - "Show Me" in Kansas City, MO - "Show Me" in Kansas City, MO / 2023.

MVP has accumulated 5 impressive Asic's President's Day Tournament Championships! (2013) MVP 15 BLUE, (2019) MVP 18 BLUE, (2020) MVP 18 RED, (2021) MVP 14 RED & (2021) MVP 18 RED.

MVP provides flexibility for the multi-sport athlete. We remain committed to having our athletes maintain well rounded lives.

MVP will provide recruiting information for parents and athletes to assist in preparing them for the next level. 

MVP will provide two 1 hour 30 minute practices for our 11U-12U teams and two 1 hour 45 minute practices/week for our 13U-14U teams at United Sports Academy (300 Centennial Drive, North Sioux City, SD).  We are the only club in Siouxland to have top-notch training equipment (Aircat, Accuspike Trainer & Block Blaster) to maximize training time with our athletes. 


Are you new to Club Volleyball?

Do you love volleyball and want to take it to the next level? If so, MVP is the place for you!

Many people ask, what is club volleyball? Club volleyball is volleyball for the future. It is an opportunity for girls ages 10-18 of varying abilities to develop their skills through practice and competition. At MVP, you not only train to be a great volleyball player but you train to compete with character.

Where do MVP teams practice? All MVP teams practice at the CNOS Fieldhouse (300 Centennial Drive in North Sioux City, SD).

When do teams practice and play? The season begins with tryouts in October/November and will wrap up our seasons in late April to early May. Our teams that qualify for or choose to attend a National tournament wrap up their season late June to early July. All of our teams practice 2 times a week with 6-7 regional tournaments (Omaha/Bellevue/Lincoln/Sioux Falls) scheduled each season. 

Who coaches for MVP? MVP is directed by Rick Pruett and Melissa Smith.  MVP's coaching staff is made up of approximately 40 coaches who are qualified individuals consisting of current and former college athletes as well as high school and college coaches. All MVP coaches are IMPACT certified and have completed a Positive Coaching Alliance certification.  MVP works with our coaches throughout the season to develop coaching techniques, drills and how to positively interact with players, co-coaches and parents. Coaches are expected to communicate with players and parents in a constructive, positive, and professional manner. MVP strives to provide a high level of coaching experience for the player. Check out our website for the upcoming season's coaches listings!

Can a multi-sport athlete play for MVP? Absolutely! MVP provides flexibility for the multi-sport athlete. A large number of athletes that have played for MVP participate in more than one sport, especially in the younger age divisions. We will never require that an athlete miss a high school sport activity. However, we do expect that our athletes are committed to training and competing with us around their high school sport's schedule(s), even if they are only able to observe.


TRYOUTS

Players will be evaluated on skill level, attitude and effort. Basic skills include: passing, setting, hitting, blocking, digging, serving and communication. 

Teams are formed based on player evaluation, player position, and team chemistry. Teamwork is highly encouraged and used as a rating element. Understanding these events can be very stressful on young athletes, we strive to make this time positive and fun for all participants. Coaches will evaluate each player and select final team rosters.


TEAM STRUCTURE

Each team consists of 9 to 11 athletes and 2 coaches. It's important that our coaches teach and believe in our philosophy for a consistent approach to the game from year to year. If we feel it is in the best interest of both the player and the team, we will ask a player to play up one age group.


COACHING STAFF

MVP United is directed by Rick Pruett and Melissa Smith.  A staff of approximately 40 coaches made up of qualified individuals consisting of current and former college athletes as well as high school and college coaches. All MVP coaches are IMPACT certified and have completed a Positive Coaching Alliance certification.  MVP works with our coaches throughout the season to develop coaching techniques, drills and how to positively interact with players, co-coaches and parents. Coaches are expected to communicate with players and parents in a constructive, positive, and professional manner. MVP strives to provide a high level of coaching experience for the player. Check out our website for the upcoming season's coaches listings!


PRACTICES

MVP trains in The CNOS Fieldhouse. We plan to have two practices each week for all teams. We also hold special training sessions throughout the season for those athletes who want to expand their individual skills.

We dedicate practice time to the development of all athletes. Specialized skill sessions are incorporated with drills designated to improve overall and team oriented skills. All practices are supervised. 


Position Specific Training Sessions

Position Specific Training Sessions are held throughout the season in addition to the regular practice sessions. These sessions are designed for players who have chosen a position or want to increase their level of experience and expertise. The sessions are for athletes who want to take their ability of play to the next level.


Tournaments

Tournament play begins in mid to late January. Most of these tournaments are one-day tournaments, primarily held on Sundays and occasionally Saturdays. Tournaments are typically set up to be pools of 3, 4 or 5 teams each. Each team will play teams in their pool once or cross-pool. Then depending on the final records and scores, teams will be placed in a Gold, Silver, Bronze, etc. single elimination playoff. Teams are guaranteed a minimum of four matches in each tournament. 

* If a team is to qualify for the USA National tournament or chooses to attend the AAU National Tournament, they will continue to practice and play in June.


USA National Qualifier Tournaments

National Qualifiers are 3-day tournaments. Play will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday or Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Teams will be placed in a morning or afternoon wave for two days of pool play with all teams advancing to single-elimination playoffs on the third day.


Traveling

Travel events are planned based on each team's interest. We want to offer the opportunity for our athletes to be exposed to top competition. We encourage those teams to enter USA National Qualifier Tournaments, AAU  Grand Prix Competitions or the AAU National Tournament as preferred venues and a great experience. These tournaments are budgeted separately from the regular season dues. We recommend a minimum of 8 players to commit for these events to be scheduled.


Why Train With MVP?

The answer is clear, MVP is the premier volleyball club in the Siouxland area.  We have had 21 teams compete competitively at USA & AAU Junior National Tournaments in the past nine years!  MVP 16 RED brought home a USAV National Championship in the 15 USA Division in 2023!  The same team brought home a National Championship in the 15 CLUB Division the previous year! In addition, MVP 18 RICK team brought home a National Championship by winning the AAU 18 Classic Division in 2015 and in 2016, MVP 16 AFTERSHOCK won the 16 CLUB Division at the AAU National Championship Tournament in Orlando, FL!  Seven of our MVP teams have finished in the Top 10 at AAU National Tournaments as well! 

MVP is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of the game.  Our athletes will have fun while building strong relationships and good work ethic.  Most importantly, we will develop players to go on to the next level and be successful both on and off the court.

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra!  MVP will give our athletes the “extra” training, reps and quality coaching to help them reach their goals! 

Attendance

Any absence from a practice or a tournament must be communicated with your coaches prior to the activity. Attendance at practice and tournaments is mandatory unless there is a conflict with family or school activities. 

Practices: You are expected to be in the gym, ready to practice 15 minutes prior to scheduled practice time. 
Tournaments: You are expected to be in the gym, ready to play 45 minutes prior to scheduled tournament time.


Image Presentation

As a player, parent, and coach you are representing yourself, your family,  and MVP at every event. Events include practices, tournaments, special sessions, team functions, etc. We are a club that has a reputation locally and nationally for good sportsmanship and integrity. Arguing with officials, players, coaches, or parents is never appropriate and will not be tolerated.


MAINTAINING THE GYM

Players must help in keeping the facilities we use clean. All equipment must be returned back to where it was taken from (i.e. storage rooms, ball bags, etc) Please clean up the gym of all trash before leaving. When finished at practice or leaving a tournament site, clean up around your area (even if it is another team's trash). This is a reflection on you as an individual, your team and MVP.


Communication

This website has been set up and is used as the primary source for communication. This is an important feature to communicate with club members. Practices, Tournaments, Updates, etc. will be posted here. It is your responsibility to check the website regularly, as it is updated with new information frequently. We suggest you check it prior to departure for practices and tournaments, especially during inclement weather. This is our main source for communication.

E-mail is another important tool we will utilize when communicating with players, parents, and coaches.


Parent's Role

MVP will focus on teaching our athletes to have a positive attitude toward the club, teammates, authorities, winning, and losing. Unfortunately, it is difficult for these positive traits to take hold on the athletes if the adults surrounding them fail to set proper example.

We ask the parents keep the following in mind:

* Be positive and encourage your daughter and her teammates 

* Do not express your dissatisfaction or negative emotions to the team, coaches, referees, scorekeepers, line judges, and other team's players and coaches. These comments should be kept to yourself or addressed with the club director.

* Attend team/club organizational meetings.

* Represent your daughter, her team and her club.

* Help with the transportation of players to out of town tournaments.

* Know the fundamentals of volleyball

* Know the commitment of your directors and coaches

* Have a positive involvement in the program

* Know how to deal with grievances (see below)

Grievances

* If there is an issue dealing specifically with your daughter or her team, contact the Club Director and set up a meeting time to discuss your concerns. Do NOT approach coaches before, during or after tournaments or practice sessions to discuss these concerns. 

* If it is a safety issue, contact the coach or tournament representative immediately.

Parent support is important and highly encouraged; however, parents must refrain from questioning officials calls, yelling at the scorekeepers (point!!), and especially, yelling at the players. Please treat the players, officials and the coaches with respect.


PAYMENT INFORMATION

We accept check or online credit card payments.  If you pay in full at the beginning of the season, you will save $50.  If you pay by check, we will collect 1 check for the total player fee amount from you at our Parent Meeting at the beginning of the season.  If you choose the 4 payment option,  we will process the first installment as a downpayment right when teams are chosen. The second payment will be processed in January, the third in February and the fourth in March.  If you fundraise to offset your fees, MVP will write you a check at the end of the year for reimbursement.  If fees are not paid, players will not be permitted to participate in practices and tournaments. If you have a special need regarding payments please contact the Club Director to discuss. 


FUNDRAISING

Fundraising to offset cost is something our club supports but does not mandate. Proceeds from fundraising efforts will be dedicated to the individual participating in those efforts. We have several fundraising options and it should be noted that some of our past players have completely "fundraised" their player fees!  Fundraiser details will be posted closer to tryout dates.


ATHLETE/FAMILY RECRUITING INFORMATION AND TIPS

MVP has established numerous relationships with colleges all over the country over the years and will assist with creating connections between schools and families to further our athletes' futures in both academics and volleyball. We will send out recruiting tips and answer any questions that you may have about the recruiting process.