15 club volleyball tryout tips from a Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee and elite club coach who's helped hundreds of athletes navigate tryouts successfully.15 club volleyball tryout tips from a Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee and elite club coach who's helped hundreds of athletes navigate tryouts successfully.

Elite Volleyball Coach April Chapple Joins SQUAD VBC as
18s Head Coach

UTK Hall of Fame Inductee, ex-USA Team member, elite volleyball coach April Chapple brings pedigree to Squad VBC directed by ex-Mizuno Long Beach, Coach Rod Gil


Have you heard? The 18s Girls Squad VBC 25-26 coaching staff is head coach April Chapple, head coach Rod Gil and asst. coach Nevada state champion Abby Paulson. Can you find a stronger staff in Las Vegas?Have you heard? The 18s Girls Squad VBC 25-26 coaching staff is head coach April Chapple, head coach Rod Gil and asst. coach Nevada state champion Abby Paulson. Can you find a stronger staff in Las Vegas?


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Las Vegas, Nevada – SQUAD Volleyball Club (SQUAD VBC) is proud to announce the appointment of April Chapple as co-Head Coach for both the Girls 18s and Boys 18s teams for the 2025-2026 season.

Coach April will join Head Coach and SQUAD VBC Club Director, Rod Gil and asst coach. former Nevada 5A state champion Abby Paulson as a part of the complete staff for both teams this season. 

Chapple, a Tennessee Hall of Fame inductee,     3-time All American and former USA National Team member, joins SQUAD VBC following a historic season as head coach at Vegas Volley, where she led both programs to unprecedented achievements.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach April to the SQUAD VBC family," said Rodrigo Gil, SQUAD VBC Club Director and former Brazilian National Team member.

"Her proven track record of developing elite athletes, combined with her international playing experience, makes her the perfect fit for our program's vision of excellence."




What's the elite volleyball coach experience? Coach Rod Gil and Coach April Chapple on a walk and talk while discussing plans and strategy during the first Nike Boys Summer Volleyball Camp at the Las Vegas Basketball facility. 


Elite Volleyball Coach Record-Breaking 2024-2025 Season at Vegas Volley


Chapple's most recent coaching success speaks volumes about her ability to elevate programs to new heights. 



As head coach of Vegas Volley's Girls 18s team, she guided the squad to their best finish in club history at the Las Vegas Classic (9th place) before achieving the program's greatest milestone – a gold medal victory at the In It To Win It Tournament, marking the best Vegas Volley club finish ever for an 18s team.

Her coaching excellence extended beyond team achievements to individual player development.


Elite volleyball coach April Chapple is proud of helping develop senior libero Athena Zhen into a college-ready recruit. Athena has committed to play volleyball in New York at Molloy University.Elite volleyball coach April Chapple is proud of helping develop senior libero Athena Zhen into a college-ready recruit. Athena has committed to play volleyball in New York at Molloy University.
Elite volleyball coach April Chapple is proud of helping develop senior libero Athena Zhen into a college-ready recruit. Athena has committed to play volleyball in New York at Molloy University.
Elite volleyball coach April Chapple is proud of helping develop senior libero Athena Zhen into a college-ready recruit. Athena has committed to play volleyball in New York at Molloy University.

Elite volleyball coach April Chapple is proud of helping develop senior libero Athena Zhen into a college-ready recruit. Athena has committed to play volleyball in New York at Molloy University. 


The Boys 18s program flourished equally under Chapple's leadership, with

  • seven (7) Vegas Volley players competing on
  • three (3) different high school teams that reached the 2025 NIAA state championship finals in 
  • two (2) different divisions, 5A and 3A  

Individual honors for her athletes include  sophomore setter, Sergio Merino receiving

  • Southern Nevada 3A Mountain Division First Team All-Conference recognition, 
  • Nevada 3A All-State Second Team selection, and 
  • an Offensive Player of the Year award from Coral Academy High School's varsity team.

Elite volleyball coach April Chapple has trained Sophomore setter, Sergio Merino receiving Southern Nevada 3A Mountain Division First Team All-Conference recognition, Nevada 3A All-State Second Team selection, and an Offensive Player of the Year award from Coral Academy High School's varsity team.Elite volleyball coach April Chapple has trained Sophomore setter, Sergio Merino receiving Southern Nevada 3A Mountain Division First Team All-Conference recognition, Nevada 3A All-State Second Team selection, and an Offensive Player of the Year award from Coral Academy High School's varsity team.




Elite Playing Career and Coaching Philosophy


Chapple brings an unparalleled playing resume to SQUAD VBC.

As a 3-time All-American at the University of Tennessee, she helped establish a dynasty that included three SEC Championship tournaments in four years (1981, 1982, 1984) – a record that stands unbroken 40 years later.

Her collegiate achievements include four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and three NCAA Regional Semifinal appearances.



Her professional career was equally distinguished.

Chapple became America's first-ever First Round Draft Pick for Major League Volleyball, the first American professional indoor league, where she earned First Team All-Pro honors. 


Elite Volleyball Coach April Chapple being honored at an Athletes Unlimited match as the first ever First Round draft pick and first Team All Pro in the very first American pro league in 1987. 


The Los Angeles, California native was inducted into the University of Tennessee Hall of Fame in 2003 as the first four-year volleyball player to receive this All American honor.

Most recently, she was celebrated during the university's Champions Weekend in November 2024, where she was honored on the field at Neyland Stadium alongside her 1984 SEC Championship teammates.

Honored forever on the University of Tennessee Champions Walk Square in the Doug Dickey Plaza along with all of Tennessee's All Americans, Olympians and World Champions at UTK.Honored forever on the University of Tennessee Champions Walk Square in the Doug Dickey Plaza along with all of Tennessee's All Americans, Olympians and World Champions at UTK.
plazawalloffameaprilchapplevid.
utkchampionsweekendchampionswalksquarejustingatlin

Check out this gorgeous photo album of the Lettermen's Wall of Fame and the engraved paver squares located in the Doug Dickey Plaza that memorialize my name as well as other top UT athletes outside of the Neyland Thompson Sports Center. Very cool to be able to point out exactly where my square is and know that will be there forever is amazing. 


Lady Vol volleyball legend and record holder Coach April Chapple a University of Tennessee, Knoxville Hall of Fame Inductee, 3-time All American, 3-time SEC Champion, SEC Tournament MVP, 2-time All SEC Team is celebrated with her 1984 SEC champion teammates at Neyland Stadium during Champions Weekend on November 1-2, 2024.Lady Vol volleyball legend and record holder Coach April Chapple a University of Tennessee, Knoxville Hall of Fame Inductee, 3-time All American, 3-time SEC Champion, SEC Tournament MVP, 2-time All SEC Team is celebrated with her 1984 SEC champion teammates at Neyland Stadium during Champions Weekend on November 1-2, 2024.

She competed internationally as a member of the USA National Team and was one of the few American players to compete in the Italian League Division I Championship finals, playing for the Braglia Cucine Reggio Emilia.

Chapple a former elite world class outside hitter is one of the few American women to play in the

  • Italian A-1 FIPAV championship finals (2nd place)
  • Cup of Cups (Coppa della Coppe) 2nd place
  • Italian Cup (Coppa del'Italia) 2nd place
  • Chapple played with teammate 4-time Olympic middle blocker Paula Weishoff (silver and bronze medalist) and Elaina Oden Olympic bronze medalist among many other Olympians from the USA and other countries. 
American outside hitter April Chapple #3 Pro Player playing for A-1 Braglia Cucine Reggio Emilia with 4-time Olympian and silver medalist middle blocker #7 Paula Weishoff passing with Italian National team player Paula Cristina Boselli during the "finale dello scudetto" (A-1 championship finals) against the infamous Ravenna led by setter ManuelaAmerican outside hitter April Chapple #3 Pro Player playing for A-1 Braglia Cucine Reggio Emilia with 4-time Olympian and silver medalist middle blocker #7 Paula Weishoff passing with Italian National team player Paula Cristina Boselli during the "finale dello scudetto" (A-1 championship finals) against the infamous Ravenna led by setter Manuela

American outside hitter April Chapple #3 Pro Player playing for A-1 Braglia Cucine Reggio Emilia with 4-time Olympian and silver medalist middle blocker #7 Paula Weishoff passing with Italian National team player Paula Cristina Boselli during the "finale dello scudetto" (A-1 championship finals) against the infamous RavennaAmerican outside hitter April Chapple #3 Pro Player playing for A-1 Braglia Cucine Reggio Emilia with 4-time Olympian and silver medalist middle blocker #7 Paula Weishoff passing with Italian National team player Paula Cristina Boselli during the "finale dello scudetto" (A-1 championship finals) against the infamous Ravenna

Partnership with International Excellence


Chapple's appointment to SQUAD VBC reunites her with former Mizuno Long Beach/Rockstar elite volleyball coach and founder and SQUAD VBC club director Rodrigo Gil, with whom she previously coached at Tstreet Las Vegas 18s during the 2023-2024 season. Chapple is reunited also with her former Tstreet Vegas captain, 5A Nevada state champion former outside hitter Coronado's Abby Paulson, SQUAD VBC 18s asst Coach. 


Elite Volleyball Coach Trainers: Coach April and Coach Rod -8th place finish at Red Rock Rave with Tstreet Vegas 18s


Gil, a Brazilian native who played professional volleyball for 17 years, brings his own elite credentials to the partnership.

A three-time Junior World Champion who was named to the World All-Star Team at age 18, Gil competed for nine consecutive seasons in Italy's top A1 League, where he was one of only two Brazilians competing at that level.

"April and I share a vision of developing complete athletes," said Gil. "Our combined international experience as elite outside hitters gives us unique insight into what it takes to compete at the highest levels. We're excited to bring this expertise to Las Vegas volleyball."



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Commitment to Athlete Development


Chapple's coaching philosophy centers on return on investment – both for athletes and their families.

"Every hour of practice, every rep at home, every moment of mental preparation is an investment in these young athletes' futures," Chapple explained.

"My job is to ensure that investment pays dividends not just in volleyball success, but in life skills that will serve them forever."

Her comprehensive approach includes on-court technical development, off-court conditioning programs, mental performance training, and college recruitment guidance.

The results speak for themselves: college scholarships, state championships, and young adults prepared for success beyond volleyball.


Pre-Tryout Clinics and Tryout Information


SQUAD VBC will host Pre-Tryout Clinics throughout July 2025, providing prospective athletes the opportunity to train with Chapple and Gil before official tryouts. (Click to register or for more info)

Clinic dates include July 7, 9, 11, 15, 17, 21, 23, and 25, all held at It's All Volleyball facility.



The clinics will feature training methods derived from Brazilian National Team protocols, Italian A1 League techniques, and NCAA championship-level preparation.

Athletes ages 15-18 are encouraged to participate to experience the elite-level training that has produced champions at every level.


About SQUAD VBC


SQUAD Volleyball Club represents the next evolution in elite youth volleyball development in Las Vegas.

Under the direction of Rodrigo Gil and with the addition of April Chapple, SQUAD VBC combines international playing experience with proven coaching success to create an environment where young athletes can reach their highest potential.

The club's mission extends beyond volleyball excellence to developing leaders, scholars, and citizens who will make positive impacts in their communities.

With two former international professional players at the helm, SQUAD VBC offers Las Vegas volleyball families access to world-class instruction and mentorship.


Looking Forward


"This is more than a coaching position – it's an opportunity to build something special," Chapple said. "Rodrigo and I have a shared vision of what elite volleyball development looks like. We're not just coaching volleyball; we're developing future leaders who happen to excel at volleyball."

With pre-tryout clinics beginning in July and the 2025-2026 season on the horizon, SQUAD VBC is positioned to become Las Vegas's premier destination for elite volleyball development.

The combination of Chapple's proven coaching success and Gil's international playing expertise creates a unique opportunity for young athletes to train with two of the most accomplished volleyball professionals in the region.

For more information about SQUAD VBC, pre-tryout clinics, or tryout registration, visit the SQUAD VBC website or follow @squadvbc on Instagram and social media.

**Media Contact:**

info@squadvbc.com

**About the Coaches:**

Rodrigo Gil: Former Brazilian National Team Member, 3-time Junior World Champion, 9-year Italian A1 League Veteran, World Class Outside Hitter, SQUAD VBC Founder and Club Director

April Chapple: Former USA National Team Member, Major League Volleyball First Team All-Pro, First First Round Draft Pick for USA's first pro women's league, World Class Outside Hitter


Want To Train With Elite Volleyball Coach April Chapple? 


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From Lady Vol to Legend: Coach April Produces Powerful Passionate Players...is that you?

Congratulations to my seven Boys-18s Vegas Volley club players who played in two state championship finals yesterday, the 3A and 5A State champinship finals at Sunrise Mountain High School.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

A-1 Vegas Volley VBC

    In It To Win It      Tournament   

May 2 - 4, 2025 Tournament

Gold Medalists

18s Premier Division



Making A-1 Vegas Volleyball history as the very first TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In the In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament, A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier DivisionMaking A-1 Vegas Volleyball history as the very first TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS! In the In It To Win It Tournament, May 2-4, 2025 Tournament, A-1 Vegas Volleyball Club Gold Medalists, 18s Premier Division




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Stay strong! Stay motivated!

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In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system. Las Vegas pulses with endless energy, and as a volleyball mom, you're the powerhouse behind your player's non-stop journey.In the city that never sleeps, my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are your 24/7 support system.
More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.More than just clothing, my shirts are a tribute to the tireless spirit of Vegas volleyball moms.
With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.With motivational messages and vibrant designs, they mirror the dynamic energy of our city while celebrating your constant presence in your player's volleyball adventure.
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Struggling with the unique demands of being a volleyball mom in the desert? My Peace Love Volleyball shirts offer both comfort and inspiration for the challenges you face. From dealing with intense heat during outdoor practices to long drives across the valley for tournaments, Vegas volleyball moms face obstacles that others might not understand.Dear Vegas Volleyball Mom, I know that balancing Vegas life with volleyball commitments can feel like walking a tightrope, but my Peace Love Volleyball mom shirts are here to support you every step of the way.
As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.As the Vegas volleyball scene grows, so does the pressure on players and moms alike. My Peace Love Volleyball shirts are here to remind you of your inner peace amidst the chaos.
In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.In a city known for its high energy, finding moments of calm can be challenging, especially when juggling the demands of volleyball life.
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