7 Unbeatable Reasons NorthShore Volleyball Club Is Dominating Northern Michigan In 2025/2026
The NorthShore Volleyball Club (NSVC) is not just another club; it has solidified its position as the premier destination for competitive volleyball in Northern Michigan, with its operations centered in the vibrant community of Traverse City. As of the current 2025-2026 season, the club is riding a wave of momentum, offering comprehensive programs designed to elevate every athlete, from the beginner to the elite college-bound player. The focus remains on providing a superior club experience, backed by a united and highly experienced coaching staff.
The club’s commitment to player development is evident in its structured approach, which includes year-round clinics, private lessons, and a clear pathway for athletes to progress from Developmental to Travel Player status. The latest information for the 2026 season, including tryout registration and program details, confirms NSVC's forward-thinking strategy in a highly competitive regional landscape, making it a critical entity for any aspiring volleyball player in the area.
The Core Leadership and Program Structure of NorthShore VBC (Northern Michigan)
The strength of any elite club lies in its leadership and the quality of its coaching staff. NorthShore Volleyball Club prides itself on a "united and experienced" team of mentors who are dedicated to the club's mission of providing the best possible experience in Northern Michigan. This dedicated staff ensures that every athlete receives high-level instruction, focusing on both technical skills and mental toughness.
Key Personnel and Directors
- Director: Travis Baker
- Head Coaching Staff: Jordan Bates, Laurie Glass, Danielle Humphrey, Madison Lutzke, Jessica Miller-McKinnon, Kathleen Nance, and Gary (various others)
- Assistant Coaching Staff: Natalie Bailey, Derek Morton
This team, led by Director Travis Baker, is the driving force behind the club’s success. Coaches like Laurie Glass bring a wealth of experience, ensuring that the training philosophy is consistent and effective across all age groups and skill levels. The club’s focus is clear: to improve volleyball in the region by first improving the quality of coaching.
Three Tiers of Player Development
NorthShore VBC offers distinct program options, allowing athletes and their families to choose the commitment level that best suits their goals. These tiers ensure that the club caters to a broad range of players, from those seeking fundamental instruction to those aiming for collegiate recruitment.
- Travel Player: This is the highest commitment level, involving rigorous training and travel to regional and potentially national tournaments. This program is for the serious athlete focused on competitive success and exposure.
- Practice Player: Designed for athletes who want the high-level training and coaching of a club team without the extensive travel and tournament schedule. This is a crucial role for team practice dynamics and personal skill refinement.
- Developmental Player: This option is perfect for younger or less experienced athletes. It focuses on mastering core fundamentals, game strategy, and preparing the player for the competitive Travel Player track in future seasons.
The 2025-2026 Season: What You Need to Know Now
The excitement for the upcoming 2026 club season is palpable, with the NorthShore VBC already finalizing its structure and registration process. The club’s transparency in its schedule and expectations helps families plan effectively for the commitment involved in competitive club volleyball.
Tryout and Season Timeline: The club typically holds its main tryouts in the fall, with information for the 2026 season already being promoted. Players who attend summer tryouts for the 14u-18u age groups often receive a fee waiver for the main fall tryouts, streamlining the selection process. The season itself runs over several months, demanding consistent commitment from its athletes.
Practice Logistics and Location: The majority of the club’s activities, including practices and clinics, are centrally located in Traverse City. Practices are typically scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and non-tournament Sundays. Key practice venues include the YMCA South and other local gym facilities in the TC area, making it accessible to members across Northern Michigan.
The NSVC Philosophy: Beyond the Court
While winning is a goal, the mission of NorthShore VBC extends far beyond the scoreboard. The club is dedicated to fostering a positive environment where athletes can grow as individuals and teammates. This holistic approach is what truly sets it apart in the regional volleyball scene.
Focus on College Recruitment: For its elite Travel Players, NSVC is committed to providing the resources necessary for college recruitment. The club partners with platforms like SportsRecruits to empower its athletes, giving them the tools they need to connect with college coaches, build their athletic profiles, and successfully navigate the recruitment process.
Continuous Improvement: The club’s philosophy is built on the idea of continuous improvement. They offer a variety of supplemental training opportunities, including focused clinics and private lessons, which allow players to work on specific technical areas outside of regular team practice. This personalized attention is crucial for mastering complex skills like serving, setting, and hitting mechanics.
Topical Authority: The North Shore Volleyball Landscape
The name "North Shore Volleyball Club" can refer to a few different entities across the country, but the Northern Michigan club is the most dominant and current force in its region. For topical authority, it is important to acknowledge the broader context of the name.
Historical and Regional Context
While the Northern Michigan club focuses on its 2025-2026 season, the history of the name is deep. For instance, the North Shore Milwaukee Volleyball Club (NSMVC) has a long and storied history, having been founded back in 1990 by coaches Mike Fried and Jim Plaisted. This shows that the tradition of high-quality "North Shore" volleyball is decades old.
Furthermore, a brand new club, also named North Shore VB Club, was created in the fall of 2025 and registered with USA Volleyball, starting with a single seventh-grade team. While smaller, its creation signals the ongoing expansion and demand for structured youth volleyball programs across the nation, highlighting the vitality of the sport.
However, for current competitive club volleyball, the NorthShore Volleyball Club in Traverse City, with its robust programs, clear coaching structure, and focus on the 2026 season, remains the primary entity driving the most current news and opportunities for athletes in the Great Lakes region.
The 7 Pillars of NorthShore VBC Success
The club's sustained growth and reputation in Northern Michigan can be attributed to several core strengths that distinguish it from its competitors. These pillars provide a clear value proposition to prospective players and their families:
- Experienced and Unified Coaching Staff: A team of Head Coaches, including Danielle Humphrey and Madison Lutzke, working under Director Travis Baker, ensures a consistent, high-level training environment.
- Three-Tiered Development Programs: The options for Travel Player, Practice Player, and Developmental Player allow for flexible commitment and targeted skill growth.
- Strategic Location: Centralized practices in Traverse City at facilities like the YMCA South make training accessible across a wide geographic area in Northern Michigan.
- Commitment to College Recruitment: Utilizing tools like SportsRecruits to actively promote and guide athletes through the collegiate process.
- Year-Round Training Opportunities: Offering supplementary clinics and private lessons to accelerate individual skill mastery.
- Focus on AAU Membership: Ensuring teams are registered with the AAU for participation in a wide array of tournaments, maximizing exposure and competition.
- Forward-Looking Management: Early release of 2026 Tryout information and continuous updates to programs demonstrate a commitment to organization and stability for its members.
In conclusion, the NorthShore Volleyball Club continues to set the standard for competitive youth volleyball in Northern Michigan. Its focus on a professional, well-coached, and structured environment ensures that athletes are not only developing their volleyball skills but also gaining valuable life lessons in teamwork, discipline, and commitment.
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