AVCA announces launch of first Virtual Convention

Following the decision by the NCAA to cancel the DI Women’s Volleyball Championship, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) will offer the 2020 Convention and Volleyball Marketplace as a virtual event. The dates are December 16-19, 2020.

“This year, why not get a great ROI from the comfort of your home, we are excited about the options available in a virtual environment,” said AVCA President Sharon Clark, head coach at Butler University. “Our usual Convention attendees will be amazed at the depth and breadth of education we can offer in an on-line setting and the lower cost will open opportunities for many coaches who have never been able to experience an AVCA Convention.”

Registration opens August 26th. The cost of the four-day event is $249 for AVCA members and $349 for non-members registering by the Early Bird Deadline November 6th. The Convention will feature presentations from the top coaches in the United States including USA National Team Coaches, NCAA championship coaches, AVCA Club Directors and Coaches of the Year, High School Coach of the Year winners, and coaches of beach Olympians.

“Our program will feature the same extensive access to coaching education, career development programming, vendor engagement and celebrations of our sport that AVCA Convention attendees have come to expect,” said AVCA Executive Director, Kathy DeBoer. “The digital environment opens new options for us and the chance to expand our reach really excites us.”

Decisions are still pending on the AVCA Talent Showcase, an invite-only recruiting event for uncommitted, college-ready Phenom and Under Armour All-America candidates. If the AVCA can deliver this event in a safe environment, we will make video of the courts, participant DiSC assessments, and avcaVPI™ scores available to all Convention attendees, and will welcome on-site evaluation for all pre-tested college coaches.

“We know the recruiting process has been significantly disrupted by this pandemic,” said Alex Fitzmorris-Sorn, AVCA events specialist managing the Phenom and Under Armour All-America programs. “Our members have worked with us all year to identify high school-age players with college potential. In the past, 75% of AVCA Talent Showcase participants end up on a college roster and, if possible, we want to give that opportunity to this year’s nominees.”

To nominate a player for the Under Armour All-America Watch List (Seniors only) or the Phenom Watch List (Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors) go to www.avcaphenom.com/nominate/ 

To register for the 2020 Virtual Convention, click here.