Southeast Missouri — NSSC Volleyball is thrilled to announce that we are now officially a Nike Volleyball Club! This game-changing partnership with Nike brings world-class support to all of our club teams, creating exciting new opportunities for our athletes, families, and the Southeast Missouri volleyball community.
Becoming a Nike-sponsored organization means more than just new gear — it signifies a new era for NSSC. With this prestigious partnership, we are launching a brand-new team layout structure for the upcoming 2025–2026 Club Season for Girls 10s through 18s and Boys 11s through 18s.
Read more about our new Nike contract here.
Table of Contents
🔗 New Team Format Details
Our expanded team layout is designed to better serve the diverse needs of our athletes. Whether you’re aiming for high-level competition or a more flexible season, there’s a place for everyone within NSSC Volleyball Club.
We’ve outlined below the different team levels, their expectations, and the support we provide depending on placement. This is crucial information to help you make informed decisions — especially for those in the 13U and 14U age divisions. (see below for explanation)
🏐 Understanding the NEW NSSC Team Structure for Girls 11s-18s
Here’s what you need to know:
- Nike Teams
- Full season, high-level travel and competition.
- Runs through May.
- Participate in the Gateway Power League (13s-18s)
- Attend 1-2 Qualifier Events, depending on age group
- Black Teams
- Full competition schedule through March with minimal travel beyond St. Louis
- White Teams
- Full competition schedule through March with minimal travel beyond St. Louis
- Gray Teams
- Full competition schedule through March with minimal travel beyond St. Louis
All NSSC Club teams will receive Nike-branded uniforms (shirts provided – Nike shorts are at an additional cost to the athlete) and have twice-weekly practices.
Please note our Girls 10s will not have a Nike team and remain a Black, White, And Gray 10s division like previous years.
⬇️ Special Notes for Girls 13U and 14U Divisions
Here’s what you need to know:
- Nike Teams
- Full season, high-level travel and competition.
- Runs through May.
- Black Teams
- Now split into two categories:
- Black-L (Long Season): Full competition schedule through March.
- Black-S (Short Season): Ends after the first weekend of February.
- Now split into two categories:
- White Teams
- Designed for athletes needing a shorter season structure.
- Also ends after the first weekend of February.
In Southeast Missouri, Junior High Volleyball Season varies depending on your school:
- If your Junior High season is in the SPRING:
- You must choose before October NSSC tryouts whether your athlete will:
- Commit to a Full Club Season, thus forgoing Junior High School Volleyball — eligible for Nike, Black-L, or White Teams.
- Prioritize School Volleyball — eligible only for Black-S or White Teams.
- You must make these choices before October tryouts. This way, we can better accommodate your decision and ensure that it aligns with the athlete’s wishes.
- You must choose before October NSSC tryouts whether your athlete will:
- If your Junior High season is in the FALL:
- No decision needed — athletes are eligible for all team options, including Nike, Black-L, and White.
Boys’ Formats For the Upcoming Season
🗓️ Detailed Tryout Info Coming in July!
We know how important it is to prepare ahead of time. That’s why we’ll be releasing a detailed tryout layout and schedule in early July, giving you ample time to have those important conversations with your athletes and determine their best path forward.
Important Dates to Remember:
- High School Girls Tryouts – July 26th, 2025 (8 a.m.- 11 a.m.) with Registration at 7 a.m., Commitment Night is July 27th from 4-7 p.m.
- Girls 10s-14s Tryouts – October 25th, 2025 (8 a.m.- 12 p.m.) with Registration at 7 a.m., Commitment Night October 26th from 4-7 p.m.
- Boys Tryouts are in September (date to be announced at a later time), Boys Clinics will be coming in July and August
💬 Final Thoughts: A Stronger Future for Our Athletes
We’re beyond excited for this new format and our partnership with Nike. This change reflects our ongoing commitment and investment to the growth and development of each athlete and the sport we love.
Stay tuned, subscribe to updates, and get ready for an incredible 2025–2026 season with the new and improved NSSC Volleyball Club!
“Partnering with Nike/BSN Sports enables us to empower our athletes like never before. This collaboration is a game-changer for our club and the entire volleyball scene in our region,” said Carl Ritter, NSSC Club Director.
📹 Want to Learn More?
We are creating a video playlist to introduce you to this exciting new chapter, our coaching lineup for this next season, and to explain all the changes in detail. Sign up for our mailing list to receive updates about its release. 👉 https://nsscvolleyball.com/subscribe
Know of a Volleyball Coach You’d like to refer to NSSC? Have them fill out this application, as we are still hiring for this upcoming club season!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new team levels for the 2025–2026 girls’ club season?
NSSC will offer four primary team levels: Nike Teams, Black Teams, White Teams, and Gray Teams.
What is a Nike Team?
A Nike Team offers a full club season with high-level travel and competition. These teams run through May and participate in the Gateway Power League (13s-18s), as well as 1–2 qualifier events, depending on age.
Will all teams get Nike gear?
Yes! All NSSC Club Teams (Nike, Black, White) will receive Nike-branded uniforms (shirts provided – Nike shorts are at an additional cost to the athlete). Additional optional gear may be available for purchase, including bags.
What’s the difference between Black-L and Black-S?
For Girls 13s and 14s – Black-L (Long Season): Full competition schedule through March. Black-S (Short Season): Ends after the first weekend of February.
What is the team format for 10U athletes?
Girls 10s will not have a Nike team option and will remain within the Black, White, and Gray 10s division.
Does the Junior High school volleyball season affect my child’s club team eligibility?
Yes — for 13U and 14U athletes only, depending on whether your local school’s season is in fall or spring
When are tryouts for the 2025–2026 season?
High School Girls: July 26 (8–11 a.m.), Registration at 7 a.m., Commitment Night July 27 (4–7 p.m.) – 10s–14s Girls: October 25 (8–12 p.m.), Registration at 7 a.m., Commitment Night October 26 (4–7 p.m.) – Boys: September (Date TBA).
How many practices per week will teams have?
All teams will practice twice weekly throughout the season in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, led by certified, experienced coaches. Practices prioritize skill-building, teamwork, and age-appropriate competition prep.
What are the travel expectations for each team?
Nike Teams: Travel regionally and out-of-state (e.g. St. Louis, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Louisville) for qualifiers and high-level tournaments. – Black Teams: Travel remains regional — mostly in SE Missouri and St. Louis. – White/Gray Teams: Local to regional competition with minimal travel involved.
What is the estimated cost per team level?
We are still calculating final costs per team level. Some of the costs include uniform shirts, court rentals, coaching, and tournament fees. Uniform bottoms, bags, and shoes are not included. (Travel & lodging are also extra.)
Who coaches the NSSC teams?
NSSC Volleyball Club is proud to feature a USA Volleyball-certified coaching staff, many of whom are former college athletes, high school coaches, and returning NSSC mentors. Coaches are assigned based on experience and training to best fit age and skill levels.
How Do I Know What Team My Child Will Be On?
At NSSC Volleyball Club, team placements are determined through an evaluation process during tryouts. All athletes will try out for NSSC (not a particular team). Attending tryouts doesn’t guarantee a spot, but we do our best to place every athlete within a team that fits their development path. Placement is not solely based on ability — we also consider commitment level, positional needs, and team dynamics.
