Dear Prospective Timberwolf Volleyball Athlete and Parents:
Welcome to Mission Vista High School and thank you for your interest in the Timberwolves volleyball program. I look forward to working with you and your student-athletes. I am Miriam Gardner, Head Coach, and have been coaching at Mission Vista since 2013. I would be pleased to provide you with some important information about the volleyball program.
At Mission Vista High School, we strive to provide a well-rounded high school experience that prioritizes academics while fostering a highly competitive athletic environment. Volleyball is a wonderful team sport that enables individual skill development while emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Our success hinges on each player's commitment to positive attitudes, supportive teamwork, and mutual dedication. I instill these values in every player and expect them to be upheld.
Prior to your student-athlete's participation in any summer activities or tryouts, please confirm their registration via the Timberwolves Volleyball website under ‘Tryouts’. In addition, prospective student-athletes who plan to try out should complete the clearance process at the Home Campus Site. Detailed information regarding the clearance process is available here.
Further details regarding our Timberwolves Volleyball Program:
Our Athletics Summer Enrichment Camps (all sports) provide current and prospective Mission Vista student-athletes with opportunities to network, refine skills, and enhance conditioning in preparation for the upcoming athletic season. The schedule for the Enrichment Camps will be posted on the athletics school website. Participation in these camps is free of charge. Please note: Participants must wear volleyball shoes or other supportive athletic footwear for camps, tryouts, and open gym sessions. Those with volleyball shoes should also bring tennis shoes for any outdoor workouts.
Open gym sessions will be scheduled as available throughout the year to provide skill development and team-building opportunities for our student-athletes. Announcements will be posted to the team's Google Calendar (accessible via our website) and the Band app (for registered participants).
Student-athletes must arrive at the Mission Vista High School gymnasium 30 minutes before tryouts begin to ensure timely check-in and clearance. Eligibility requires prior Home Campus clearance; unapproved participants will not be permitted to try out, resulting in a delay and missed participation in the volleyball season tryouts. Please ensure timely clearance. Tryout times will be posted on the Google Calendar.
Mission Vista's volleyball tryouts commence in July/August. We understand that families new to the area may have pre-planned vacations during this time. However, absences from tryouts create scheduling challenges for our coaching staff, who require a comprehensive evaluation of all players to ensure fair team placement. Limited roster spots necessitate timely decisions to allow for efficient season planning. While returning players are expected to attend, we recognize that unforeseen circumstances can occur. In such cases, returning players will be accommodated, subject to established policies. New players are exempt from this policy. Please notify the coaching staff of your absence.
Due to limited availability, returning participants are not guaranteed a roster spot. The following policies apply to those who miss tryouts (excluding new participants):
Returning players who miss tryouts will participate upon their return. Each day missed from the start of tryouts will result in an equivalent number of missed competitive events, assuming team placement. .
Should a player return on the second tryout day, they will forfeit participation in one competitive event due to absence on the first day. A return on the third tryout day results in forfeiture of participation in two competitive events, as days one and two would have been missed, and so forth.
To ensure equitable treatment for all athletes participating in the full tryout, this policy will be strictly enforced. While we recognize this policy may seem stringent, it reflects the coaching staff's commitment to a fair and inclusive tryout process. Returning athletes are expected to prioritize full tryout participation; however, we acknowledge unavoidable conflicts may occur. This revised policy prioritizes complete tryout attendance while accommodating athletes with legitimate scheduling limitations. Thank you for your cooperation.
For tryouts, please wear your personal athletic volleyball gear (NO club volleyball shirts) until you receive instructions regarding team-issued equipment following team announcements. However, please remember that first impressions are critical. Jean shorts and flip-flops are unacceptable attire on the court. Bring both running shoes and court shoes daily. Team announcements will be made via the Timberwolves Volleyball website. If you are not selected for the team and wish to discuss this further, please schedule a meeting at a time that does not conflict with practices or competitions.
A mandatory meeting for athletes, parents, and guardians is scheduled to introduce the volleyball coaching staff and program. We will review program rules and expectations. Attendance by the athlete and at least one parent or guardian is required.
We expect you to arrive in peak physical condition. A comprehensive Athletic Performance schedule will be available throughout the summer and academic year to support your fitness goals. Your preparedness is crucial for success. Let's aim to outperform all competing teams. We wish you all the best. Diligent training is essential for achieving optimal results. We have high expectations for each team member and anticipate a highly successful Timberwolves Volleyball season.
The Timberwolves volleyball program comprises three teams at each the girls' and boys' levels: varsity, junior varsity, and freshman/frosh/novice.
Team Membership: Each team will consist of approximately 10 to 14 members, with final numbers subject to the coach's discretion.
Volleyball Season Schedule: Girls' teams will compete from July/August through November, while Boys' teams will compete from February through April.
Tryout Procedure: All participants must have completed and submitted a Home Campus clearance, including a physician-signed physical, and signed parental/guardian consent forms. These documents must be uploaded to Home Campus.
Please see the Google Calendar on the Timberwolves Volleyball website for the try out schedule.
Eligibility Requirements: Our program adheres to all CIF rules and guidelines (http://www.cifsds.org). We maintain a "no pass, no play" policy. A current physical examination must be on file with our athletic director. Full participation in volleyball tryouts is required. Following team selection, participation in an athletic P.E. class is mandatory (incoming freshmen are exempt). Proficiency in fundamental volleyball skills is expected.
Essential Skills for Program Participation: Proficient overhand serve; ability to execute basic sets to both front and back-row attackers; capable of attacking from both front and back-row sets; demonstrated court awareness and defensive positioning; consistent hustle and 100% communication with energetic participation.
Although individual skill sets will vary, we anticipate all volleyball players will demonstrate proficiency in fundamental skills to contribute to team success.
I am delighted at the prospect of your joining the Timberwolves community and, hopefully, the volleyball program.
Following registration, we will add you to our email list to ensure you receive timely updates on dates, times, and other key details concerning the Timberwolves Volleyball Program.