TEAMS & TRYOUTS • 2026–2027 SEASON
PRE-TRYOUT
OPEN GYMS
Where tryout prep actually happens.
Trying out for an NSSC club team this season? Pre-Tryout Open Gyms are exactly where the work happens — small-court training led by the coaches you’ll see on the bench, real reps with the athletes you’ll likely play next to, and the confidence that comes from walking into tryouts already in motion.
3
OPEN GYM NIGHTS
6
COURTS • 2 COACHES PER COURT
$10
PER SESSION • PAY AT SIGN-IN
WHY ATHLETES SHOW UP
These aren’t "come hit a ball around" nights. They’re tryout prep with intention — and last summer 100+ athletes packed our high school sessions.
01
COACHED BY NSSC COACHES
Real reps, real eyes, real feedback from the staff leading our club teams.
02
TRAIN WITH FUTURE TEAMMATES
Play next to athletes prepping for the same tryout. Build chemistry early.
03
SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS
Position work in a high-energy, no-pressure environment.
04
WALK IN READY
Confidence is built before tryouts, not at them.
“Open Gym is hands-down the best way to prep for NSSC tryouts. It’s where the nerves wear off and the skills come back.”
— NSSC PARENT
UPCOMING OPEN GYM DATES
Whether you’re a returning NSSC player or stepping into our gym for the first time — this is the pre-tryout work that pays off.
📍 CAPE SPORTSPLEX • CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
15U–18U GIRLS
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS OPEN GYMS
For girls entering freshman through senior seasons. Three two-hour sessions lead directly into NSSC HS Girls Tryouts on Friday, July 24, 2026. Last summer, 100+ athletes attended.
Tue • July 7 — 6:00–8:00 PM
Tue • July 14 — 6:00–8:00 PM
Mon • July 20 — 6:00–8:00 PM
Tue • July 14 — 6:00–8:00 PM
Mon • July 20 — 6:00–8:00 PM
$10 / SESSION
10U–14U GIRLS
YOUTH GIRLS OPEN GYMS
For girls in our 10U–14U age groups. Three two-hour sessions lead into NSSC Youth Girls Tryouts in October 2026. Perfect for first-time club families and returning athletes alike.
Dates announced soon
2-hour sessions
Cape Sportsplex
2-hour sessions
Cape Sportsplex
$10 / SESSION
10U–18U BOYS
BOYS OPEN GYMS
Our growing boys program runs five two-hour open gyms to prep athletes for NSSC Boys Tryouts. Open to athletes 10U through 18U — every age and skill level welcome.
Five 2-hour sessions
Ages 10U–18U all welcome
Cape Sportsplex
Ages 10U–18U all welcome
Cape Sportsplex
$10 / SESSION
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT AGE GROUPS?
AGE DATE: JULY 1, 2026
Players are assigned to age divisions based on birthdate and, in some cases, grade level. Divisions: 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, 18U.
Find your athlete’s birth month in the first column, then align with their birth year to determine their division for the ’26–’27 season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the team levels for the 2026–2027 season?
NSSC offers three team levels — designed so every athlete who wants to grow has a place to do it:
- Nike (National) — our top competitive tier, with national-level travel
- Black (Regional) — high-level competitive play with regional travel
- White (Local) — competitive local play focused on development
What gear and uniforms come with the season?
Every NSSC athlete receives two (2) Nike-branded uniforms included in season fees. Additional Nike gear (practice gear, NSSC bags) is available for purchase. Nike shorts are at the athlete’s expense.
How long is the season — and what about Junior High athletes?
NSSC season runs roughly November through May. For Junior High specifically:
- Nike (National) JH pause and resume after spring JH school season.
- Black & White JH wrap their NSSC season as JH school volleyball begins.
How many practices per week should we expect?
- Most teams: 2 practices/week (Sunday + one weekday)
- Nike (National): 3 practices/week
Where do practices take place?
Both locations are in Cape Girardeau, MO:
- Cape Sportsplex
- Osage Center
How much travel should we expect?
- Nike (National) — national-level tournaments, more weekend travel
- Black (Regional) — regional travel, mostly within the Midwest
- White (Local) — local play, minimal travel
How much does it cost?
Estimated season costs per team level are similar to the 2025–2026 season. Full cost breakdowns will be shared at tryouts. Costs scale with team level — Black and White teams are more budget-friendly without sacrificing real coaching.
Who are the NSSC coaches?
All NSSC coaches are USAV-certified:
- Former college athletes
- Current/former high school coaches
- Returning NSSC mentors who came up through our system
How are athletes placed on teams?
Most placements happen at tryouts — based on drills, scrimmages, attitude, and coachability. That’s why Pre-Tryout Open Gyms matter so much.
OTHER CLUBS MAKE YOU PROVE IT.
WE COACH EVERY PLAYER WHO SHOWS UP.
See you in the gym.