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 excellence in our city.

After years as a world class outside hitter competing at the pro level in  Italy, and the United States as well as being a pro beach volleyball player having represented the US in competitions all over the world, I decided to introduce MY concept of elite volleyball coaching based on my personal volleyball experiences to the Las Vegas club scene in 2014 when I founded my own club called the Volleycats Elite Volleyball Club and I've been at the forefront of advanced volleyball training methods in the city ever since.

My approach to coaching combines my experience as 

• the first four-year volleyball player inducted into the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Hall of Fame 

• a three-time All American including a USVBA All American, a Volleyball Magazine All American, AVCA All American

• named to the USA National Team in 1985

• one of a handful of American women to ever play in an Italian Division I Championship Finals competition where my Reggio Emilia team playing with Paula Weishoff finished second place - 1989/90

Major League Volleyball - the very first women's professional league in the United States in 1987

• the first ever First Round Draft pick for the first ever American women's professional volleyball league called Major League Volleyball where I was drafted by Olympian Mary Jo Peppler the team captain/setter for the New York Liberties
• named to the first ever First Team All Pro Team at the end of that season-one of only two non-Olympians (Sandy Aughinbaugh was the other) named to the team

• ranked #87 (top 100) as a pro beach volleyball player on the FIVB player ranking
• ranked #1 in California as a pro beach volleyball player in the CBVA Player ranking 

I'm a former elite world class professional SIX ROTATION player who never came off the court except for one knee injury while on the court during a pro match new York Liberties (my team) vs Dallas.

In addition to the few highlights of accomplishments I named above (there are years more of personal and team accomplishments for indoor and and volleyball), add my time as a USA Volleyball High Performance program coach and evaluator....

....years as an All American summer camp coach and clinician who's been on 30+ D-I campuses as well as conducting my own camps with a 5-time Olympian as a special guest ... 

...and that is what helps fuel my ongoing commitment to elevating the training techniques and player accomplishments in the Las Vegas prep and college volleyball community.

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.

Coach April's Elite Volleyball Training: Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Prep Players

As Las Vegas' premier elite volleyball coach, my journey from a high school star to a professional player and USA Volleyball High Performance coach has given me unique insights into the challenges faced by ambitious high school athletes.

My experiences competing at the highest levels and coaching elite players have shaped my approach to training serious volleyball players in Las Vegas

Having walked the path from high school to college and professional volleyball, I intimately understand the pressures, expectations, and dreams of dedicated high school players.

This firsthand knowledge, combined with my extensive coaching experience, allows me to offer targeted, high-level training that addresses the specific needs of varsity players aiming for collegiate success and beyond.

In this article, I'll share how my elite training methods are tailored to help serious high school athletes overcome common hurdles and achieve their volleyball goals.

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