VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS IN CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO
MARK YOUR CALENDAR.
JULY 24, 2026
Girls HS Tryouts
Ages 15U–18U · 5–9 PM · The Sportsplex
JULY 26, 2026
HS Commitment Night
4–7 PM · Uniform sizing & team placement
OCT 24, 2026
Girls Youth Tryouts
Ages 10U–14U · 8:30 AM–3 PM · The Sportsplex
WHO CAN TRY OUT
EVERY KID IN CAPE GIRARDEAU AGES 8–18.
NSSC volleyball tryouts in Cape Girardeau are open to all boys and girls ages 8–18 — whether your athlete is brand new to club volleyball or returning for another season. We field teams from 10U through 18U with up to three competitive tiers per age group, which is why NSSC stays committed to the same promise we’ve held since 2001: no kid who wants to play gets turned away.
You don’t need to be on a school team. You don’t need to have played club before. You don’t need to be at any particular skill level. You just need to show up ready to work, and we’ll place your athlete on the right team for where they are right now.
All tryouts are held at The Sportsplex in Cape Girardeau, MO — centrally located, 12 courts, easy parent viewing. Most of our families drive in from Cape, Jackson, Sikeston, Scott City, Perryville, and the surrounding SEMO area.
WHAT TO EXPECT
FIRST TRYOUT? HERE’S HOW IT WORKS.
01
CHECK IN
Arrive 30-60 minutes before your tryout time. Sign in at the front desk, get your tryout number, and warm up. We’ll have coaches on the floor to help you get oriented.
02
TRYOUT DRILLS
Coaches evaluate fundamentals (passing, setting, hitting, serving) plus athleticism, attitude, and how your athlete handles instruction. There’s no ‘trick’ — we’re looking for effort and coachability.
03
TEAM PLACEMENT
Most placements are made the day of tryouts or shortly after. You’ll be invited to Commitment Night (July 26 for HS) for uniform sizing and to meet your coach.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE
WHAT TO BRING TO TRYOUTS.
ATHLETIC WEAR
Spandex or athletic shorts, a t-shirt or tank, and clean indoor court shoes (no outdoor shoes — gym floor only). Knee pads if your athlete uses them.
WATER BOTTLE
A full water bottle with your athlete’s name on it. Tryouts run 1–4 hours depending on age group — hydration matters.
HAIR PULLED BACK
Long hair tied back. No jewelry (other than small studs). Nails trimmed if possible — finger injuries from long nails are real.
RIGHT MINDSET
Show up ready to work, listen, and try things. Coaches evaluate attitude as much as skill. Nervous is normal — we’ll handle it from there.
AFTER TRYOUTS · TEAM PLACEMENT
THREE TIERS. A PATH FOR EVERY ATHLETE.
NATIONAL
NIKE NATIONAL
Three qualifiers, STL Metro tournaments, and local play. For athletes pursuing the college pathway. Approx. $2,300/season.
REGIONAL
BLACK REGIONAL
One qualifier plus STL Metro and local tournaments. Strong development with manageable travel. Approx. $1,500/season.
LOCAL
WHITE LOCAL
All-local schedule. Perfect for first-year club athletes or families who want growth without heavy travel. Approx. $1,300/season.
Most placements are made the day of tryouts. Athletes who try out for a higher tier may be placed on a lower tier if that’s the better fit — the goal is growth at the right level, not pressure at the wrong one.
2025–2026 SEASON SURVEY
WHAT FIRST-YEAR FAMILIES TOLD US.
“This was our first season. Very fun and exciting for my child! Thank you all!”
— NSSC PARENT · 14U
“We thought our coach did an amazing job. I watched my athlete make great progress with her hitting and confidence!”
— NSSC PARENT · 15U
“I was very pleased with the coaching staff. My child improved so much from her last season of volleyball.”
— NSSC PARENT · 14U
FAQ
TRYOUT QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.
When are NSSC volleyball tryouts in Cape Girardeau?
Does my athlete need experience to try out?
How much do NSSC tryouts cost?
Tryouts themselves have a small $25 registration fee. If your athlete is placed and accepts a roster spot, season fees are approximately $1,300 (White Local), $1,500 (Black Regional), or $2,300 (Nike National). Two Nike-branded uniforms are included.
What if my athlete doesn't make the team they want?
Where is The Sportsplex in Cape Girardeau?
What if I can't make the official tryout date?
Reach out through the contact page as soon as possible. Makeup tryouts can sometimes be arranged for families with scheduling conflicts (school events, illness, travel).
Can my athlete try out for the boys' team?
Yes — NSSC has a growing boys’ program (currently 17U and 18U). Reach out through the contact page for current boys’ tryout details and to be added to the notification list.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
REGISTER FOR 2026–27 TRYOUTS.
Pre-registration helps us keep tryout check-in moving quickly. Submit your athlete’s info before the tryout date and walk straight onto the court when you arrive.