Chapter 4: What do you mean by 'travel'?
What does "Travel" mean? How often? Where? Why?
This question comes up a lot when determining what's the best fit for my player. Let's first address the why.
Why?
The goal of every team is to expand the players' skills by competing against teams that are equal or stronger. Within the state of North Carolina, there are nearly 100 teams in each age division. Lake Norman's travel teams are typically competing in the top bracket, reserved for the strongest 15 teams in the state. Each regional tournament on the calendar will involved these same teams.
The state of North Carolina, however, is relatively underdeveloped compared to other 'traditional' powerhouse states (Kentucky, Florida, Texas, Ohio, California) in regards to volleyball. This is evidenced year after year at Nationals when other states command the top finishes. The elite teams in the state have therefore noticed the need to compete against and prepare for these teams ahead of that final tournament.
Lastly, for the older ages, the goal is to get the teams in front of college scouts and allow the girls to see how they compare to their recruiting competition. As in other sports like basketball and football, recruiting starts as early as your sophomore year.
Where? How often?
The best way to demonstrate that is to give a sample from previous years.
| 14 Black - 2008 schedule | ||
| January 5 | NC Regional | Greensboro College, NC |
| January 19-21 | Monument City Classic | Richmond, VA |
| February 2 | NC Regional | Havelock, NC |
| March 1 | NC Regional | Greensboro, NC |
| March 15-16 | Shamrock Festival | Roanoke, VA |
| March 21-23 | Big South Qualifier | Atlanta, GA |
| April 12 | Regional Championships | Greensboro, NC |
| April 19 | National Bid Tourney | Morrisville, NC |
| 14 Red - 2008 schedule | ||
| January 5 | NC Regional | Greensboro, NC |
| January 19 | NC Regional | Laurinburg, NC |
| February 2 | NC Regional | Greensboro College, NC |
| March 1 | NC Regional | Greensboro, NC |
| March 15-16 | Shamrock Festival | Roanoke, VA |
| April 12 | Regional Championships | Greensboro, NC |
Typically, the older travel teams pick up an additional tournament in place of a regional. For example, the 16 Black last year went to Orlando, Florida for a tournament.
What does "Regional" mean?
Typically, the regional teams are striving to win their division within region with the hopes of moving up to a higher division. For example, the 14 Red played in the Silver division. If they win a tournament in the regular season, they are moved to the Gold division. The pinnacle of the Regional schedule is the Championships. LNVB has won the Regional Championships in several age groups in recent years:
2008 17 Gold Champions
2008 14 Silver Champions
2006 17 Gold Champions
2006 16 Gold Champions
2006 15 Silver Champions
2005 18 Silver Champions
2005 14 Bronze Champions
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