College Volleyball Prep Coach Las Vegas Based Coach April's Clinics

Upgrade your volleyball skills with expert college volleyball prep coach Las Vegas based April Chapple creator of the Breakfast Club for College Players. 

In the competitive world of prep volleyball, the jump from high school to college can feel like you're leaping across the Grand Canyon over an ever widening gap between to ledges and you have to jump from one ledge over this gap to the other ledge hoping all the while that you can land safely and on your feet. 

As the leading college volleyball prep coach in Las Vegas, I've spent over 15 years bridging that gap for ambitious goal-oriented players who want to go from high school to college to play at the next level.

I'm Coach April, and my unique approach to college volleyball preparation has helped countless athletes not just make it to the collegiate level, but thrive there.

As a pro volleyball player I would come to Vegas during my time off to visit my parents who moved here from Los Angeles after my father retired. 

I'd become familiar with the local high school volleyball scene and visit some campuses to watch games before flying back out to Italy or Europe where I was competing. 

Over time I noticed several trends prevalent among local Vegas volleyball high school teams 

• For as many times Las Vegas hosted big national name tournaments like the Durango Classic, the Las Vegs Classic and others, Vegas teams were never in the top 20, 30 or even 40 top finishers. 
• Many collegiate coaches had a preconceived notion about the quality of skills and training Las Vegas high school volleyball players lacked and did not recruit them
• The few standout Vegas prospects that were recruited often returned home early because they got injured early in the season or in their playing career or they quit because they weren't emotionally and psychologically prepared for the rigors, pace and intensity required to play collegiate volleyball. 

I decided that if I were to become a trainer I'd specifically be a college volleyball prep coach in Vegas with higher standards that high school players would have to meet in order to train with me.

I was the first coach to implement a regular strength and conditioning component to all my Boot Camp class practices which included stations where basic skills were taught at two stations and strength and conditioning exercises were taught at a third and players would rotate through all three stations in a 90 minute period. 

Fun Fact:

Before there was CSAM Training there was Coach Dermot Thomas who I hired to work with me at my sold out Coach April $5 Volleyball Voice Boot Camp classes held first at the City of Las Vegas Recreation Center three to four times a week and then hosted at other City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation locations in Vegas.  

With the success of the Volleyball Voice Boot Camp classes I decided to kick up the pace, intensity and focus required to complete a 90 minute varsity level and invitation only high intensity volleyball training class. 

Ten years ago, I launched what would become a Vegas volleyball institution which I called "The Breakfast Club."

This intensive year-round training program was designed to give high school players a taste of college-level volleyball training.

One of my biggest inspirations for starting the Breakfast club was that many of my 8th grade regular Boot Camp and private clients made their varsity high school teams as freshmen which started a trend that just kept continuing with my Boot Camp or Breakfast and later Volleycats Elite VBC players. 

That was my goal.

At the time the NIAA had a rule which stated that freshmen couldn't make a varsity team.

That made absolutely no sense to me since freshmen players were making varsity teams all over the country and Gatorade was sponsoring a Freshmen Player of the year category for outstanding freshmen who made an impact on their varsity teams. 

The question I kept asking myself was "Why was Vegas always last to jump on board to position players to compete among some of the best national talent in the country?"

So with that mindset I continued to train my young players predicting that at tryouts they would be so good that the varsity coaches could not say "No" to them.

They had to put them on their team. 

And they did. 

At the same time my other motivation was that I was attracting insanely talented young players to train privately ...like 12 year old Kami Miner, currently the three year starting junior setter for Stanford (who started as a freshman) and USA Girls Youth USA National Team member Gold medalist. 

What started as my novel idea has evolved into a proving ground for serious athletes aiming for NCAA success.

I didnt design The Breakfast Club to be an average summer clinic experience because I wanted to create something that didn't and still doesn't exist in Las Vegas.

As a college volleyball prep coach in Las Vegas, who has coached summer camps and clinics on over 31+ D-I college campuses, I structured The Breakfast Club to mirror the intensity, pace, intensity level and expectations of a D-1 collegiate program.

Players who join us for these sessions quickly learn that college volleyball demands a new level of commitment, skill, and mental toughness.

Not everyone can join because of its pace and intensity and focus and physical requirements. 

Las Vegas Elite Volleyball Coach: Coach April's Advanced Training Methods

Discover Las Vegas elite volleyball coach, Coach April's advanced techniques, college-prep methods, one-on-one, small group and Breakfast Club college training for serious goal-oriented athletes. 

As an elite volleyball coach in Las Vegas, I've dedicated my career to elevating the standard of volleyball training in our city.

Since introducing the concept of elite volleyball coaching to Las Vegas in 2014 with Volleycats Elite VBC, I've been at the forefront of advanced volleyball training methods.

My approach combines my experience as a professional player, my time as a USA Volleyball High Performance coach and evaluator, and my ongoing commitment to establish Las Vegs volleyball as evolving training techniques.

So, what makes training with a Las Vegas elite volleyball college coach different?

I created this type of training with a focus on elevating every aspect of your game:

The Breakfast Club, my signature training program, exemplifies what elite volleyball coaching truly means.

This isn't your average training session – it's a rigorous, college-level program designed to prepare serious athletes for their upcoming college season.

1. Intensity and Pace:

I create and structure drills so that we train at a college pace with quick transitions, minimal downtime, rhythmic tempos and maximum repetitions are the norm.

This isn't about going through the motions; it's about pushing boundaries and developing both physical and mental toughness.

2. Advanced Skill Development:

I have players focus on perfecting complex techniques that are staples in college play but often overlooked in high school training.

I love to focus on ball control drills especially in out of system situations and at elevated speeds with advanced offensive plays and defensive strategies that you won't find in typical Vegas high school practices.

I find ways to include complex rotational systems, advanced blocking techniques and nuanced attacking strategies that are staples of high-level college play.

3. Mental Toughness:

College volleyball is as much a mental game as it is physical contest so I incorporate stress training and (quick) decision-making drills to sharpen your mental edge.

Despite the group setting, each athlete receives individualized feedback based on their particular situation with the offensive systems or particular techniques or strategies that their college team utilizes.

The transition from high school to college volleyball can be intimidating.

As a college volleyball prep coach in Las Vegas, I've identified common challenges that incoming freshmen usually face:

Design by April Chapple

1. Speed of Play:

The college game moves much faster than club or high school volleyball. We train to quicken your reactions and decision-making abilities .

Design by April Chapple

2. Physical Demands:

College athletes are stronger and more athletic so our multiple reps in a short amount of time training prepares your body for this step up.

Carousel Post-I didnt design The Breakfast Club to be an average summer clinic experience because I wanted to create something that didn't and still doesn't exist in Las Vegas. by April Chapple

3. Technical Precision:

Mistakes that might slide in high school are exploited at the college level so we drill with game like consequences if skill goals aren't met. 

Design by April Chapple

"Coach April's training was like a time machine. I stepped into college feeling like I'd already been playing at that level for years."

What sets me apart as a college volleyball prep coach in Las Vegas?

My approach to elite volleyball coaching in Las Vegas is unique.

It's not just about running drills – it's about developing complete athletes who understand the game at a deep level. That's why I put so much focus and attention to the technique of each particular  basic skill. 

As a former professional player, I bring firsthand experience of what it takes to compete at the highest levels. This isn't theoretical knowledge – it's practical, battle-tested understanding of the game's nuances.

In my professional career I was an elite level, world-class six-rotation outside hitter, who was named to the USA National team and who as a professional athlete, never came off the court in the backrow. I always played the entire matches I was in as a

• Hall of Fame member and three-time All American outside hitter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• when I was the very first First Round draft pick, the first year of the first ever American women's pro volleyball league in 1987 as an outside hitter for the New York Liberties
• named to the very first First Team All Pro Team at the end of the inaugural Major League Volleyball season
• or as a professional outside hitter in the Italian Professional league where I became a part of a very small select group of elite America women volleyball players to ever play in a Division I Italian championship finals 

In Italy I played with and against Olympians, world champions and gold medalists from volleyball strong countries all over the world including Germany, Brazil, Czechoslavakia, Yugoslavia, Peru, Argentina, Japan and Russia as well as with teammates USA Olympic middle blocker bronze medalist Elaina Oden in one season and three-time Olympic middle blocker and two-time Olympic assistant coach, silver medalist middle blocker Paula Weishoff who after 14 years will retire this year as the Concordia Irvine head coach.

Together while playing with Paula I became one of a handful of American women who has EVER played in the championship finals of the D-I Italian championships, the championship finals of the European championships (CEV) and the championship finals of the Italian Cup.

I belong to a very small group of elite level players to accomplish that achievement and that uniquely positions me to be one of the best choices here in Vegas to talk about the ELITE level playing experience and of what it takes to compete at the highest levels.

I can guarantee you, this isn't theoretical knowledge – it's my firsthand, battle-tested understanding of the game's nuances and ebbs and flows spoken by an expert who can reliably forecast what will happen during a game before it happens. 

Additionally, my experience as a USA Volleyball High Performance coach and evaluator has given me additional insight into the latest training methodologies used to develop top-tier talent. I bring these cutting-edge techniques directly to my volleyball athletes in Las Vegas.

But what also sets my elite coaching apart is focusing on the mental aspect of the game with my clients.

As a player I was not always the tallest, and I taught myself how to use speed to my advantage. But one thing I really worked to be was the smartest and the most emotionally stable not letting mistakes get to me. 

Those are additional types of volleyball lessons I am qualified to pass on to my clients.

Volleyball at high levels is as much a mental game as it is physical. I focus intensively on

• developing mental toughness
• strategic thinking and forecasting
• the ability to perform under pressure

– skills that are crucial for success in college volleyball and beyond.

Every summer, current college players return to train with me, trusting that I'll have them ready for their upcoming season.

It's my hands-on experience with college-level players and continuous exposure to collegiate volleyball that keeps my training cutting-edge and relevant.

My approach is tailored to each player's needs.

Whether you're a powerful outside hitter looking to diversify your shots or add power to your attacks or a setter aiming to quicken your release, I'll create a plan to elevate your game to college standards.

In my elite volleyball coaching sessions, we go beyond the basics.

Here are some of the advanced techniques and strategies we focus on drills that simulate college play:

1. Rapid Fire Setting:

Setters must deliver accurate sets from anywhere on the court, often off imperfect out of system passes. These up tempo drills hone that skill under pressure.

2. Multi-Directional Defense:

Liberos and defensive specialists train to cover more court with less time to react, mirroring the expanded responsibilities in college play.

Carousel Post-I didnt design The Breakfast Club to be an average summer clinic experience because I wanted to create something that didn't and still doesn't exist in Las Vegas. by April Chapple

3. High-Tempo Offense:

Hitters learn to approach and hit off various sets at the accelerated pace typical in college matches.

4. Advanced Serve Receive Patterns:

We work on advanced serve receive formations that allow for more aggressive offensive options, similar to what you'd see in top college programs.

5. Sophisticated Blocking Systems:

I teach a range of blocking techniques, from swing blocking to advanced read blocking, preparing players for the speed and complexity of college-level attacks.

6. Dynamic Offensive Systems:

We practice fast-paced offensive plays that incorporate multiple attack options, training players to make split-second decisions under pressure.

7. Position-Specific Technical Refinement:

Whether you're a setter working on misleading the blockers or a middle blocker perfecting your slide attack, we dive deep into the technical aspects of your specific position.

These drills aren't just theory – they're proven effective.

Many of my players report feeling over-prepared when they hit their first college practices, a testament to the intensity and thoroughness of preparing my players during my Breakfast Club for College Players training. 

Being a successful college volleyball prep coach in Las Vegas means preparing players for more than just on-court success.

We focus on:

1. Physical Conditioning:

College volleyball demands peak fitness which is why the collegiate volleyball athletes who are home for the summer already participate in their own strength training regimen that their college coach requires them to follow.

My summer training program follows in that vein by establishing drills that require increased footwork speed, improved spike jump technique, consistent ball flat hand to the ball serving technique, and strong shoulders that repeatedly press over the net when blocking all of these aspects and others like them are integrated into each of the basic six skills players need to perform in a way that  builds the stamina and strength needed for collegiate play. 

2. Mental Resilience:

We practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to help you perform under pressure.

3. Time Management:

One of the biggest aspects of entering collegiate sports that incoming freshmen have to adapt to is managing their time because their schedule and student athlete requirements instantly change the minute they step onto campus.

When most collegiate student athlete schedules look something like the schedule below being able to manage your time so you fit everything in is a priority. 

Strength/Conditioning             5am -6:30 am or                                                            6am-8am

Class One                                  8:30 - 9:45

Class Two                                   10:15 - 11:30

Lunch

Serve/Pass or Video                1:30 - 2:30

Class Three                                TBD         

Practice - 3 hours                     4-:6:30 or 5-7:30

Dinner

Study Hall/Tutor

This is type of schedule is usually a far cry from what a high school student athlete is used to, so adapting quickly to being able to manage your time and stick to the schedule everyone else on your collegiate team has to stick to is super important. 

(Note in the scenario above I didn't even mention time to study and complete class assignments or meet with tutors which should be a priority as well.)

Being able to balance volleyball and academics is crucial in college, especially for those who have earned academic and/or athletic scholarships. I often discuss strategies with my college players home for the summer who request mentorship on this subject on how to excel in both arenas.

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Success Stories

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Success Stories: Hear from the Players

The true measure of a college volleyball prep coach is in the success of their players.

Here's what some of my athletes have accomplished:

- Kami Miner, starting setter at Stanford and USA National Team member
- Sydney Berenyi, Nevada's Gatorade Player of the Year
- Numerous players competing in top NCAA programs across all divisions

These success stories aren't just about athletic achievement.

Many of my players report feeling more confident, resilient, and prepared for all aspects of college life thanks to our training.

As a college volleyball prep coach in Las Vegas, I work with players who are:

1. Serious about playing college volleyball

2. Willing to put in the work to elevate their game

3. Open to constructive feedback and continuous improvement

My training isn't for casual players or those looking for a social volleyball experience.

We're here to work, to push limits, and to prepare for the challenges of college volleyball.

What to expect in your first session?

Intensity, attention to detail, and a clear roadmap for your volleyball future. Come ready to sweat, learn, and begin your transformation into a college-ready athlete.

For players aspiring to play college volleyball, working with an elite coach can be a game-changer. My training program is specifically designed to prepare athletes for the demands of college volleyball.

Firstly, the level of play in our sessions mirrors what players will experience in college. This means that when my athletes step onto a college court, they're not overwhelmed by the speed or intensity of the game.

Secondly, I have a deep understanding of what college coaches are looking for. Through my connections in the volleyball world, I stay updated on the evolving preferences of college recruiters. This insight allows me to help my athletes develop the skills and attributes that will make them stand out to college coaches.

The journey from high school to college volleyball is challenging, but with the right guidance, it's a challenge you can meet head-on.

As Las Vegas' premier college volleyball prep coach, I'm committed to helping you make that leap successfully.

As the premier elite volleyball coach in Las Vegas, I offer more than just training – I offer a pathway to volleyball excellence.

Whether you're

• a high school player dreaming of college volleyball
• a college athlete looking to elevate your game during the off-season or 
• a dedicated player aiming to reach your full potential

my elite coaching program is designed to take you there.

Ready to train like a college athlete?

The next Breakfast Club session is forming now, and spots are limited.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your game and set yourself apart in the competitive world of college volleyball recruitment.

Remember, in volleyball, as in life, excellence isn't accidental. It's the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution. That's what elite coaching is all about, and that's what I bring to every athlete I work with.

Are you ready to experience what true elite volleyball coaching can do for your game?

Don't settle for ordinary training when extraordinary results are within reach.

Contact Coach April today, and let's start your journey to volleyball excellence.

Email: info@improveyourvolley.com