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.

Top Volleyball Setters
Kendall Bateman and Lexi Dannemiller Interviews

College volleyball setters Aubree Smith and Katelyn Steffan open up about life playing on a Division I team

Meet top volleyball setters Michigan's Lexi Dannemiller and USC's Kendall Bateman


If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

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Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $7.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.

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I asked top volleyball setters Michigan's Lexi Dannemiller and USC's Kendall Bateman to answer my interview questions about how they live learn and compete in Division I. 

Top Volleyball Setters
Kendall Bateman Answers My Interview Questions

Meet Kendall Bateman one of the top college volleyball setters in the Pac 12 Conference.Meet Kendall Bateman one of the top volleyball setters in the Pac 12 Conference.


Meet Kendall Bateman one of the top volleyball setters in the Pac 12 Conference.


Improve Your Volleyball: What makes you special?

When I think of what makes me special, I have to say that my family is what makes me special.

My parents, Jane and Steve, have supported me in every way possible.

My older sister, Kelsey, has taught be to always be thankful for what I have and to give all that I have in anything that I do.

My twin brother Stephen has taught me to relax and help keep a positive attitude.



Improve Your Volleyball: What accessories and/or equipment help you play your best?

My favorite piece of equipment that helps me play my best is the foam roller in the training room. It helps me prepare for practice and takes care of any soreness I might be feeling.


Improve Your Volleyball: What pregame habits, rituals, or superstitions do you have to do before every game?

After a few ankle injuries my freshman year, I get my ankles taped before every game.

My superstition is that I have to have my trainer tape my right foot and then my left or else we have to start over.



Improve Your Volleyball: Who or what inspires you to play well in each match that you play in?

My grandparents inspire me to play well in each volleyball match that I play. I am lucky to have grandparents from both sides of my family living in Southern California and able to come to my games at USC.

They are the most supportive fans and I know they will be proud of me now matter what. They love volleyball and I am so appreciative to have them at my games.


What volleyball awards did Kendall Bateman win this week? 

  • Kendall Bateman was voted the Pac 12 Conference Offensive Volleyball Player of the Week by the leagues head volleyballcoaches.

  • Kendall Bateman posted two 40+ assists matches averaging 13.83assists per set against both Stanford and Cal Berkeley Against last year's NCAA volleyball tournament finalist Cal Bears she had 42 assists, seven digs and two blocks, while leading the offense to a.271 hitting percentage. 
  • Against Stanford, she garnered 41 assists, nine digs and one block, helping the Women of Troy extend their win streak to four matches.  With the victories, USC jumped up to No. 5 in this week’s AVCA Coaches poll after being ranked No. 12 previously.


Top Volleyball Setters
Lexi Dannemiller Answers My Interview Questions

Meet Lexi Dannemiller one of the top college volleyball setters in the Big Ten Conference.Meet Lexi Dannemiller one of the top college volleyball setters in the Big Ten Conference.


Meet Lexi Dannemiller one of the top volleyball setters in the Pac 12 Conference.


Improve Your Volleyball: What makes you special?

I have really strong self-motivation. I have high expectations for myself so I always push myself. I am never satisfied so I think that makes me work harder and in the end, be successful.


Improve Your Volleyball: What accessories and/or equipment help you play your best?

I like the setter hoops we train on. Those help me because it shows me where to set and helps me be consistent.


Improve Your Volleyball: What pregame habits, rituals, or superstitions do you have to do before every game?

I have to listen to music by myself. That is really all that I have to do before a match to mentally prepare.


Improve Your Volleyball: Who or what inspires you to play well in each match that you play in?

I think my team inspires me to play well because we are all in it together. We are all working hard for a common goal.


What volleyball awards did Lexi Dannemiller win this week?

  • Lexi Dannemiller was voted the Big Ten Conference Freshman Volleyball Player of the Week by the leagues head volleyball coaches
  • Lexi's weekly states were impressive. She averaged 10.8 assists, 5.2 digs and 0.7 blocks per set against Iowa and nationally ranked No. 7 Nebraska      
  • She garnered her seventh double-double of the season against the Huskers, recording 33 assists and 22 digs in three sets
  • Dannemiller recorded 32 assists and nine digs against the Hawkeye while impressing the conference coaches enough to give her, her third award for the season award

Do You Follow Me on Pinterest?

Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!Private or semiprivate volleyball indoor/sand lessons are an excellent way for young Las Vegas high school volleyball players to quickly improve their individual skills through a private or semi-private coaching experience. These lessons are conducted by former pro volleyball player, former USA Volleyball High Performance instructor and Evaluator and Tstreet Vegas 18s head Coach April Chapple on a weekly basis. Sign up now!


Follow me on Pinterest Volleybragswag to improve your game even faster!

I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 


Do You Follow Me on Instagram?


Follow me on Instagram @coach_apchap to improve your game even faster!

I share alot of individual, partner and easy-to-do volleyball serving drills we do in class with my followers.

Many of these volleyball practice drills you can do at home by yourself or try at your next practice with your teammates.

If you're a B team or JV player trying to make varsity next year...your goal should be to complete 1000 reps a day of at least three of the basic skills on your own...volleyball passing, serving and setting should be at the top of the list. 


You might like more of these college volleyball interviews!

If your athlete struggles with consistent serve receive, gets subbed out, or is overlooked for playing time—this is the fix you’ve been looking for.

Ebook_How_to_Clean_Up_Your_Passing_and_Get_More_-linkedin-profile-cover-1.jpeg

Struggling with passing consistency?

I help talented passers tired of getting pulled from games because of inconsistent serve receive skills  BUILD passing confidence without expensive private lessons using the same 3-step system that's helped dozens of my athletes get recruited.

Download my eBook for $7.99 and start building the passing confidence that keeps you on the court—and gets you seen by college coaches.


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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




What Are You Looking For?

Hi there!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you learned something today that will help you reach your volleyball goals.

Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter so you can learn more each week!

Stay strong! Stay motivated!

-Coach April


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Vegas Volleyball's Unsung Heroes: Celebrating Moms with Peace Love Volleyball Shirts

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.
In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.In a town that's always on, you're the ever-present force driving your player's success.

Ready to energize your volleyball mom journey?

Subscribe to my 'Producing Powerful Passionate Peaceful Players' email list above on ImproveYourVolley.com.

You'll receive energy-boosting tips, exclusive insights from me,        Coach April Chapple on maintaining momentum in volleyball.

Let's power up the Vegas volleyball scene together!


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.
My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.My volleyball mom shirts aren't just about looking good - they're about feeling good too.
With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.With messages that promote mindfulness and positivity, they serve as a wearable reminder to breathe, center yourself, and approach each volleyball challenge with a peaceful mindset.
In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.In the fast-paced world of Vegas volleyball, these moments of zen can make all the difference.

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