FAQs
About Starlings
What is Starlings Volleyball USA?
Starlings Volleyball USA is a nonprofit network of girls volleyball clubs that makes club volleyball affordable and accessible for girls facing financial and social barriers. Its mission is to positively impact the lives of at-risk girls through the sport of volleyball, by creating safe, supportive and empowering club experiences across the country. Learn more about Starlings.
How did Starlings Volleyball start?
Starlings Volleyball began in 1996 with a single inner-city team of 11 girls in San Diego. It was founded by Byron Shewman, a Men's National Team champion, and Olympian Kim Oden, to create a volleyball and academic program for girls from lower-income families. Meet the founders.
How big is Starlings Volleyball today?
Starlings Volleyball is the largest nonprofit junior volleyball club in the United States, with 38 active clubs in 16 states for the 2026-27 season, including clubs on Native American reservations, and approximately 3,500 girls taking part each year. Every Starlings club is led by a club director in its own community. See every Starlings club.
Is Starlings Volleyball a nonprofit?
Yes. Starlings Volleyball USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations to Starlings are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations help girls play who could not otherwise afford to. See ways to give.
What does Starlings offer besides volleyball?
Starlings uses volleyball to build confidence, leadership and academic success. Starlings trains coaches to be effective teachers and caring mentors, and celebrates players' success in the classroom and in creative work such as art and writing. Starlings also partners with the Positive Coaching Alliance to support players' emotional well-being. See the impact of Starlings.
Joining a Club
How do I find a Starlings Volleyball club near me?
Use the Starlings clubs map. Enter your ZIP code or select Near me to see the closest Starlings clubs, then open a club's page for its location, club director and contact details.
How does my daughter join a Starlings club?
Find your nearest club on the Starlings clubs map, contact that club's director to ask about tryouts or how to join, then follow the director's steps for registration. Each Starlings club handles its own registration. See how to play for a Starlings club.
Does Starlings Volleyball hold tryouts?
It depends on the club. Each Starlings club director decides how players join a team, so some clubs hold tryouts and others do not. Starlings Volleyball USA does not control tryouts, team selection or competition schedules. Contact your club director for tryout dates.
Who can play for Starlings Volleyball?
Starlings Volleyball clubs typically serve girls ages 12 to 18, and some clubs also offer programs for younger girls, ages 12 and under. Each club sets its own age groups and teams, so contact your local club director to find out what the club offers.
Does my daughter need volleyball experience to join Starlings?
No. Starlings provides access to quality volleyball programs regardless of skill level, financial hardship or background. Coaches teach the fundamentals, and every player is there to learn and grow.
What if there is no Starlings club near me?
You can help bring Starlings to your community. Starlings looks for dedicated club directors to lead new clubs. Read about starting a Starlings club, or share it with someone who would be a good fit.
Cost and Financial Help
How much does Starlings Volleyball cost?
Each Starlings club sets its own fees, so the cost varies by club. Starlings is committed to keeping club fees affordable for all girls, and Starlings club fees are far lower than typical club volleyball. Contact your club director for current fees.
Can my family get help paying Starlings club fees?
Yes. Talk to your club director about the Starlings Player Assistance Fund, which helps cover club fees for girls who could not otherwise afford to play. Club directors can also discuss payment plans for club dues.
The Season
When is the Starlings season, and how often do teams practice?
Each Starlings club director sets the club's season, practice schedule and competition schedule, so these vary by club. Contact your club director for practice days, times and locations.
What is the Starlings National Championship?
The Starlings National Championship is an annual tournament that brings Starlings teams together from across the country. First held in Dallas in 1998 with 24 teams, it is now held in Southern California and hosts about 150 teams and more than 1,500 girls each year. Ask your club director whether your team is attending, and see national tournament information for parents and team leaders.
Coaches, Safety and Parents
Who coaches Starlings Volleyball teams?
Each Starlings club director hires and oversees the club's coaches. Starlings supports and trains coaches to be effective teachers and caring mentors for their players.
Are Starlings coaches background checked?
Yes. Every Starlings coach must pass a background screening and meet the other requirements of the governing body the club is affiliated with for that season.
Who should I contact with a question or concern?
Contact your club director about the season, tryouts, payment plans for club dues, or a concern about a coach. Contact the Starlings national staff about a concern with a club director. Please allow up to 48 hours for a reply. See how to contact Starlings.
What resources does Starlings have for parents?
The Starlings Parents and Athletes page has guidance for families, including Positive Coaching Alliance resources for parents and information for parents and team leaders helping at the national tournament.
Getting Involved
How do I become a Starlings Volleyball coach?
Find a club on the Starlings clubs map, contact its club director to ask about openings, and complete the background screening and other requirements for that season. See how to become a Starlings coach.
How do I start a Starlings Volleyball club?
Complete the Starlings club registration form, then follow the steps in the registration process, including a Zoom interview with the Starlings team. Prospective club directors need solid coaching experience, the ability to run a club organization, and the ability to secure practice sites and community partners. The process takes 8 to 10 months. See how to start a Starlings club.
How can I volunteer with Starlings?
See volunteer opportunities with Starlings, or contact a club director near you on the Starlings clubs map.
How can I donate to Starlings Volleyball?
Donations to Starlings help cover club fees, travel costs and equipment for girls from low-income families. Donate to the Starlings Players Fund, or see other ways to give.
How do I contact Starlings Volleyball USA?
Email info@starlings.org for general questions, including starting a club, coaching, mentoring and donating. The Starlings Volleyball USA office is at 5857 Owens Avenue, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92008. To reach a specific club, use its page on the Starlings clubs map.
Ask Starlings Directly
Questions about a team go to your club director. Everything else goes to the national office.