Photo by Tiffany Edwards

While Texas is traditionally known for youth sports programs for football, basketball and baseball, a program is putting Spring Branch and Texas on the map through youth volleyball.

Houston Skyline Volleyball, at 10510 Westview, has been designated by www.usclubrankings.com as one of the nation’s top competitive volleyball programs in the country.

“You see all of these leagues for different sports. I grew up in this area so we did the sports association soccer and basketball,” said Skyline Volleyball Executive Director Amy Burk, a former Spring Branch resident. “But it is a little bit harder to access volleyball and part of that is because it is a tough sport.”

Houston Skyline Volleyball works to develop female players at an early age through camps, clinics, and competitive league play. The beginner program, Houston Skyline Stars, is for grade levels K-8. The focus is on fundamental skill development and understanding volleyball rules.

Amy Burk

Coaches and staff are committed to the Skyline Volleyball philosophy of “demanding without demeaning,” Burk explained.  “Our coaching staff finds a way to demand a lot from (players) in a way that helps players’ confidence grow as people and as volleyball players.”

The Club-Prep League is the next step for athletes. Houston Skyline Volleyball competitive teams participate in tournaments around the country. For student-athletes with a desire to compete at the college level, these tournaments provide exposure to coaches at the collegiate level.

“When college coaches recruit it is not quite as common for them to attend school matches when they can attend club volleyball tournaments at a convention center where you can see a lot of players at one time,” said Burk.

In addition to improving players’ skill levels, staff members support players’ families in the college-level recruitment process.

“We provide a lot of resources in terms of educating our club members in best practices on how to market yourself, and how to get yourself recruited,” Burk said.  “We have a lot of relationships with college coaches across the country. Some of the biggest programs but also programs of different levels.”

Current and former club players have signed with programs at Texas A&M University, the University of Texas, Baylor University, the University of Florida and the University of Kentucky.

Brad Coleman Photography

Houston Skyline Volleyball opened in 2010 at its current location. After relocating to Kempwood and the Beltway, it returned to its original place, serving as the business’s main Houston location. Houston Skyline Volleyball has other locations in Katy, The Woodlands and Bryan/College Station.

The organization celebrates the growth of the sport and is affiliated with League One Volleyball, a first-of-its-kind community re-imagining the future of the sport. It’s a professional league consisting of a professional team built from ambitious junior volleyball clubs across the country.

Burk said she is preparing for the next level for sport.

“The growth of the game is huge and I would just love to see that growth in our area, specifically with people understanding that you can access volleyball at a young age in the high-paced and fun sport. I hope parents encourage their daughters to get interested in playing at an early age.”

Open tryouts take place every summer. Club tournaments are year-round, along with clinics and camps. High school tournaments take place in the fall and the spring season welcomes other clubs for tournament play.

Go online to www.skylinejrs.com for more information.

— by Jessika Leal