I wanted to give interested families an official update on where Team Mindful currently stands, what I am working on, and what you can expect if your athlete joins us.
Current roster: 6 of 12
Our goal is to build a team of 12 committed 7th- and 8th-grade athletes. There will be no tryouts during this first season. Roster spots will be offered to the first 12 players who are ready to commit to the program.
We currently have six players interested and six spots remaining. If you know another athlete who might benefit from this opportunity, please share this page with their family.
When will we start?
Our goal is to begin practicing during the first week of September, assuming the remaining pieces come together as planned. I am currently working to secure consistent gym availability at St. Patrick-St. Vincent High School.
Our target is one practice per week for approximately two hours. If we can secure additional practice opportunities that work for most of the team, I would love to provide more. I am also exploring backup and supplemental options, including outdoor grass practices and local open gyms.
The goal is simple: I am going to do everything I reasonably can to create opportunities for these athletes to play volleyball.
Competition
The first tournament opportunity we are currently considering is September 27. Volleyball can be played with six athletes, so we do not necessarily need to wait until all 12 roster spots are filled before beginning competition.
If we have enough committed athletes and can secure our practice setup, we can make this team happen. Even if gym availability is more limited than we would prefer, I am open to creative practice and training opportunities that allow the athletes to prepare and compete.
What will this cost families?
One of the primary goals of this nonprofit program is to make competitive volleyball significantly more accessible. There will be no club tuition or coaching fee.
The program plans to cover coaching, practice-facility costs, uniforms, and core team expenses. Families will be responsible for an NCVA membership, currently estimated at approximately $75, and transportation to and from tournaments.
We may offer optional apparel or additional gear for families who want it. Donations to support the program will also be welcomed. Neither will be required for participation.
Why are we doing this?
Competitive club volleyball can cost families thousands of dollars per season. Our nonprofit's goal is to remove as much of that financial barrier as possible and give motivated athletes access to competitive volleyball regardless of what their family can afford.
My hope is to make Team Mindful an annual program and continue creating affordable opportunities for athletes to train, compete, and improve. If interest continues to grow, I would eventually love to create additional teams.
What I ask in return: commitment
Removing traditional club tuition does not mean this is intended to be a casual program. There are only 12 roster spots, and I want those opportunities to go to athletes who genuinely want to play.
Players are expected to attend at least 90% of scheduled practices and every tournament to which they commit. I understand that illnesses, family emergencies, school events, and other situations happen. Communication is the important part.
Because enrollment is limited, consistent attendance and communication are required. Repeated unexcused absences or failure to communicate may result in a roster spot being offered to another athlete.
If an athlete cannot make that level of commitment right now, that is completely okay. I simply ask that the spot remain available for another athlete who can.
What happens next?
- Find the final six athletes.
- Finalize the practice location and schedule.
- Begin practicing in early September.
- Prepare for the first tournament opportunity on September 27.
I will continue updating families as these pieces are finalized. If you have already expressed interest, you do not need to contact me or sign up again. You are already on my interest list, and I will continue keeping you updated as we move closer to launching the team.
Help us find the final six
If you know a 7th or 8th grader who loves volleyball and would benefit from this opportunity, please share this update with their family.
We are halfway there: six players interested, six spots remaining. Let's build the team.