Badger Region HP All-Stars

To register for tryouts, click here.

March 22 tryout details (click here)

Not familiar with the Badger Region High Performance All-Star program? Here’s just a few of the great perks:

Expose athletes to high-level college (NCAA and NAIA) recruiters who attend the international tournament.
Offer a college-like sports experience where athletes learn what it is like to be treated like an elite-level athlete.
Be a part of independent travel experience led by highly certified Badger Region staff and HP Coaches
Gain exposure to elite level coaching provided by the Midwest’s highest level club and college coaches.
Compete and train alongside other all-star caliber athletes from around the Badger Region.
Play against other all-star teams from around the country and the world

2024 Program Offerings

The Badger Region will be having teams in the following divisions at the All-Star Championships in Des Moines, Iowa:

Girls U19 — (Born in 2006 and 2007)
Girls U17 — (Born in 2008 and 2009)
Girls U15 — (Born in 2010 and 2011)
Boys U19 — (Born in 2006 and 2007)
Boys U17 — (Born in 2008 and 2009)
Boys U15 — (Born in 2010 and 2011)

Every two years, the age definitions for what athletes are eligible for are updated by the FIVB – the international governing body of the sport of volleyball. These age definitions govern High Performance All Star programs across all Regions and USA Volleyball because the culminating event that takes place in late July is in fact an international tournament and therefore makes the age definitions consistent throughout the world. Therefore, the Badger Region must abide by these age definitions, which don’t allow for age waivers. Every athlete in the Badger Region is eligible for our High Performance All Star program for at least four (or five) years – so make sure to take advantage of this time when it’s your turn.

For specific information (including coaching rosters) for the Badger Region HP All-Star program click boys here and girls here.

Why are the age divisions set up like this?

The FIVB sets up the birth-year based age definitions. In the US, age definitions are set up mostly by “grade in school.” However, other countries do not have the same school systems as the US, thus making the birth-year based age definitions a more level playing field. In addition, (think Olympics) in many international competitions, a team (or athlete) must qualify for an international championship in the first year of the cycle and then compete for the title in the second year of the cycle. We do not have to qualify for the USA All-Star Championships, but the model is set up in the two-year cycles just like other international events.

If my son or daughter is no longer eligible for any of the Badger Region age divisions, what other options does he or she have?

Some of the highest-level athletes may receive invitation to the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program and participate in such events as NORCECA Championships, FIVB World Championships and other USAV-based programs. Since those programs are only for the most elite of athletes, we suggest looking into elite-level collegiate camps at schools around the country. Competing in beach and grass events will also make the athlete a much better, well-rounded player.

2024 Tryouts

March 1: All girls at the Alliant Center in Madison (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
March 15: All boys at the Baird Center in Milwaukee (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
March 22: All girls at the Baird Center in Milwaukee (6 to 8:30 p.m.)

We have been told by many parents that even attending tryouts was valuable for their child to experience this type of high-intensity tryout and the competition it offers.

If an athlete cannot attend an in-person tryout, video submissions will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. To register for tryouts, click here.

2024 Training Camps/Travel Teams

The Badger Region training dates/overnight camp model has changed for the 2024 season. Both genders will follow this model:

Athletes will be brought to two different one-day training sessions. Boys dates are set for April 21 and May 5. Girls dates are set for May 5 and May 11. The May 5 girls date will be in New Berlin, the May 11 girls date is TBA. The cost for these two events will be determined soon. You must attend at least one training session to be eligible for the travel team.
After the two training dates, 12 athletes from each age group, plus alternates, will be selected to come to the overnight camp at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside July 14-15. Cost for the overnight camp is yet to be determined.

What are the travel arrangements for the athletes who make the team?

Athletes and coaches will depart on coach buses July 17 from Pewaukee, Wis. A stop will be made in Madison, Wis,. to pick up athletes from that area of the state. Parents are responsible for dropping off their kids at the time and location that will be specified by the Badger Region staff, and picking up their kids at the upon return of the inbound travel. Hotel is chosen by Badger Region staff and HP All-Star coaches. Essentially, this trip will be handled like a college program, where the Badger Region staff and team coaches are responsible for the team for the duration of the event. Parents do not need to attend this event.

If an athlete makes the final roster that travels to Des Moines, what additional costs are there?

Final costs are still being worked on as hotel arrangements are still pending. In the past, this cost has been between $600 and $700 per person. This cost includes all ground transportation for the week, hotel (three or four to a room), a warmup shirt (to keep) as well program costs for jerseys, coaches, etc. The only other costs that athletes incur is the cost of food that they purchase at the grocery stores or at restaurants. Only a limited number of team meals are provided by the Badger Region.

Do parents have to come to the tournament?

No. The Badger Region staff and its coaches serve as chaperones for the event. If the parents attend the All-Star Championships, they are allowed to take their son or daughter back home (or to another destination) at the conclusion of the tournament, after giving written permission. Parents are welcome to attend the event, but are asked to understand that the teams will be doing things as a group, so there are minimal, if any, chances to have “family time.” This experience differs greatly from a traditional club tournament where players go with their family when the team isn’t playing. During the All-Star Championship, it isn’t a vacation. It is expected that the team remains together, preparing for matches and taking care of themselves with sleep, hydration and food. There may be opportunities for parents to help coordinate team meals or a few events or outings, but that would be for the entire group at a time determined by the coaches.

Different rule sets

The USA All-Star Championships serves as an opportunity for athletes to play under international rule sets, and allows referees training to become international officials the opportunity to officiate under such rules.

What are some of the key rule differences?

The libero CANNOT serve. The libero is designated for the match
Substitutions are limited (6 unlimited)
3. Players not in the match must be in the warm-up box or seated on the bench.
If the ball hits the ceiling it is out.
Only the head coach can stand.
We play best 3 out of 5 sets. Usually, two matches per day are played.
There is a technical timeout when the first team reaches 13 if a timeout isn’t called prior to that. Teams must wait outside the court until they are brought back into the court by the R2.
Simultaneous contact by two players counts as two hits.

How does this impact athletes like those in the Badger Region High Performance All-Star program?

Because we only travel 12 players, it is vital that some athletes be accomplished utility players. A middle who can hit on the right side. Outsides and right sides who can hit on both pins. Liberos who can be worked in as a back-up setter if needed. Outside hitters need to play all six rotations due to the lack of substitutions allowed in international events. All of these are considerations our coaches must look at when building their final rosters. Also, because of the program goals and the limited substitutions, there will not be equal playing time. Playing time will be earned by attitude, skill and what the coaches believe is best for the team at that moment. No parental feedback on playing time will be accepted.

Looking back

Badger Region had a great showing at the 2023 USA All-Star Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.:

Girls U13 (Bronze Medal)
Girls U15 (Fifth Place)
Girls U17 (Fourth Place)
Boys U19 (Fourth Place)
Boys U17 (Seventh Place)

Badger Region had a great showing at the 2022 All-Star Championships in Tulsa, Okla.:

Boys National Select (Fourth Place)
Girls National Select (Fourth Place)
Boys National Youth (Gold Medal)
Girls National Youth (Gold Medal)

Badger Region had a great showing at the 2021 All-Star Championships in Orlando, Fla.:

Boys National Select (Bronze Medal)
Girls National Select (Bronze Medal)
Boys National Youth (Fifth Place)
Girls International Youth (Fifth Place)

Badger Region had a great showing at the 2019 High Performance Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.:

Boys National Select (Silver Medal)
Girls National Select (Bronze Medal)
Boys National Youth (Fourth Place)
Girls International Youth (Eighth Place)

Other top finishes:

2016: Girls National Select (bronze medal) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
2015: Girls International Youth (bronze medal) in Des Moines, Iowa
2010: Girls National Select (gold medal) in Wisconsin Dells
2010: Boys National Youth (gold medal) in Wisconsin Dells
2010: Girls International Youth (silver medal) in Wisconsin Dells

Previous locations in the recent past:

Madison (2025), Des Moines (2024), Fort Lauderdale (2023), Tulsa (2022), Orlando (2021), Fort Lauderdale (2019), Tulsa (2018), Fort Lauderdale (2017), Fort Lauderdale (2016), Des Moines (2015), Tulsa (2014), Fort Lauderdale (2013), Des Moines (2012), Tucson (2011) and Wisconsin Dells (2010)