I have been playing absolute for 4 years and I have been very happy with my time here. of course volleyball has its ups and downs but absolute gets your fundamentals down super fast and pushes you to be a better volleyball player, athlete, and person. coaches may be strict and harsh but its because they know you can do better and only look in to your best interest. and for the people who are writing negative reviews its only because absolute is a place where you have to be mentally tough and know what you are getting into which is a hard working gym full of players with exspriece and the drive to play volleyball no exceptions, and so it can hard when you don't know volleyball and if thats your case I would recommend and camps and junior jumpers and little leapers as a start with the very sweet coaches. but overall absolute is a great place for hard working athletes who drive to get better! read more

Take kids from far away that will make them the winners. You can be an amazing player and not make a team either no feedback or suggestions. Hard on many girls read more

Although our daughter Nev is only 12, I'm usually hesitant when it comes to signing her up with the younger aged volleyball camps. Specifically because she isn't always challenged and the basics are typically being taught in younger group settings. However, this wasn't the case here with the level of play. She thoroughly enjoyed the drills, the environment along with the coaching staff. I was able to meet Jake and Katie, and loved their energy along with a few other staff members and parents. All the staff was great and I particularly appreciated how organized the training was. Players weren't standing around, nor was time wasted which is one of my biggest pet peeves! All the parents I met had wonderful things to say about the club. You can tell they have created a good culture with families, I could feel it. Nev was pushed outside of her comfort zone, which made the travel to and from worth it. On the last day of camp, while driving home, Nev let out a sigh, and I asked her what's up? She said she wished we lived closer so that she could play at this club! I have to admit, that pulled my hearts strings. This says a lot! My daughter might only be 12, but she is head strong, extremely motivated when it comes to volleyball and knows good coaching!!! Thanks Absolute for the warm welcome and working with Nev!! I'm now looking at the additional training opportunities you have until next season. read more

Absolute is the worst. They truly don't care about your kid unless your kid can make them look better. They instill no sense of team, have no loyalty to your child and play favorites to a nauseating level. If you are looking for a nurturing, healthy, productive club this one is not for you. If you have a really tall child and don't mind egomaniacal club owners, have at it. read more

Our older daughter started at Absolute through the Junior Jumpers program after trying a few other places and after one practice fell in love with the game of volleyball. As she gets ready to try out for the 13s age group she has grown so much in the five years she has been a part of the Absolute Family. The coaches are great! She was lucky enough to have Konrad and we never experienced anything but honesty, fairness and high expectations. We love the facility and the community of families that we have met at the club. It's well run and transparent. It is a highly competitive place with a strong value on work ethic. I know that that everyone has a variety of experience but we love Absolute and are excited to see our 8 year old grow with the club as well. read more

Enormous disappointment about our daughter joining the 10's team this year. We dropped out just weeks before they had to shut the gym down due to Coronavirus. We had originally planned for our daughter to join the Junior Jumpers Program as she had just turned 9 years old and wanted to learn the sport / have fun, but the coach insisted she should come to tryouts to be assured a spot in the Junior Jumpers program. When we got a call after tryouts that she would be a great addition to the 10's team instead of JJ, she was honored and of course didn't want to refuse. She joined this introductory team of girls for what we assumed would be a focus on learning and developing a love of the sport since our daughter had never played a day of volleyball in her life prior to tryouts. What was not made clear to us at the outset -- before we agreed to pay thousands of dollars -- was that this beginner team would be played just as more advanced teams do. That is, the less strong / less experienced children play maybe 20% of the time or not at all. This was awful for the beginners who needed to build confidence, learn from mistakes, and develop a love for the sport. After her second tournament, our daughter said to us, "[Coach] won't play me because I'm no good." We were disheartened to learn that Absolute is more interested in strengthening stronger 9 year old players than teaching "weaker" ones. We understand that some of the top kids will play more or have more stamina, but to bench a 9 year old for the large majority of time in games? No. That is not acceptable. Our daughter was not put in many games and was instead told to be an enthusiastic cheerleader for the girls who were out there the entire time. She was left confused, defeated, and unconfident. Our daughter was initially thrilled about volleyball, and now she does not want to play. We have all experienced teachers or coaches that have crushed the spirits of young children; for our daughter, Absolute Volleyball was one of them. We understand wanting scholarship-bound players for the older kids at Absolute. But we cannot understand for the life of us treating an introductory team of 9 year olds in an unequal, cut-throat way. They were happy to take our money and have her sit on the sidelines feeling bad about herself. This was a very sad experience for our daughter and we would encourage parents not to be fooled by the false promises this volleyball team will make at the outset. Honestly, look elsewhere. read more

This is a fantastic club. My older daughter, who started as a freshman on her high school varsity team, joined last year after her junior season of HS volleyball and after five years of power league at other clubs. AVC made her a noticeably better player. They also made her a smarter player and showed her how to be a leader on the court. This year, her senior year, she is captain of her HS team. My wife and I are thrilled to see how well she runs the floor and rallies and picks up her teammates. My younger daughter (a freshman) attended her first AVC camp this past summer. She does not have the natural athletic ability of her older sister, and, candidly, before the summer I was not sure that she should be playing volleyball at all. AVC changed my mind. It made her a better player, improving not just her ability, but also her work ethic and confidence on the floor. If you had asked me last spring, I would have questioned whether she would even make the cut for the freshman team. But she not only was chosen for her school's JV team, one of only three freshman on the team, she is starting. All you need to do is walk into the gym to see there is a culture of excellence and professionalism at AVC. The walls are covered with championship banners and posters of alumni who have gone on to play in college. Being surrounded by this environment has inspired my older daughter to pursue opportunities to keep playing in college -- something I don't think either of us even considered before she joined AVC. And Konrad, Lauren, and others, including AVC alums currently playing in college, have been great, providing lots of encouragement and practical advice. But they also have great fun. My daughter has made close friendships and so have I. The long-time players and parents welcomed us newcomers into the fold immediately. I can't wait for next season. read more

I am responding to the last yelp review. My daughter has played club volleyball for two Marin clubs in the last 5 years. All have to make money, if they aren't then they are not in business or lying through their teeth. These clubs are here to better their players, giving them the chance to play in high school and eventually college. I can tell you that Absolute does just that. They put players on teams from all over the Bay Area. Not just from the high schools they coach. The coaches are there for the kids as individuals and definitely don't have alteriave motives as suggested by the last reviewer. My daughter did not get a ton of court time, she was not a "favorite" but she learned to play a damn good game of ball. She was offered a spot at UC Santa Cruz and has a love of the game that she will have for the rest of her life. Absolute is more expensive than the city run program in San Rafael but the season is two+ months longer (Early May vs Late June/July),they have their own facility, better equipment the girls actually travel to games in other parts of the country, which gets them seen by more colleges, gives them a broad range of experience and prepares them better for college volleyball. The other club plays favorites way more than absolute. Take a look at the rosters and you will see Absolute has a broader range of schools represented, especially at the higher levels. The city run program is interested in building up their school teams. Unfortunately, my daughters school coach is not affiliated with any club so even after 2 years of being on the "ones team" at the other club we were forced into Absolute and it was the best switch we could have made for her. I'm sorry the last reviewer was so bitter but I can tell you I have never seen Konrad or Katie do anything but put the kids first. The coaches at both clubs pour their hearts into the game and the kids. They sacrafice weekends and evenings to make our kids better players. If you were to put an hourly wage on how much time spent with our kids on and off the court you would see that they are definitely not in it for the money. read more

If your daughter is legitimately on track to be a player in high school/college, by all means have her attend this club and play on a Black team. If they offer you a spot on a lower level team at any age level, you should consider this to be just a very expensive activity. The club's resources and attention go mainly to the black teams and the other teams exist primarily to subsidize the club. There seems to be a lot of turnover on the pink / white teams, most likely people who come in with illusions of how it will be. Also, the Club Director can really have a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. He did not handle the cancellation of the season due to COVID very well. A number of families bailed on the club due to way he handled refunds (or lack thereof) of unplayed tournaments, about half of which were not played. We heard of other clubs who passed along refunds, but nothing from Absolute other than travel dues (which would have been really egregious if not refunded). It would be reasonable to assume they got money from the PPP, so double dipping at your customer's expense is just not cool. read more

My daughter played for Absolute for several years, only finally making the tough choice to leave as the commute was affecting her schoolwork (we live on the south side of San Francisco - which feels like an eternity away from San Rafael). Her AVC community became her second family (and mine), and I've never seen her more confident. I read through the reviews before writing this, and I'm sad to see some that aren't stellar. I know these are subjective, but after reading the less-than-fantastic feedback, I decided to throw in my two cents. Konrad, Katie and family were all supportive and loving towards Maggie, and we're still enjoying her play some great high school volleyball due to the fundamentals that were instilled by AVC. Thanks, AVC. We'll always be grateful for the foundation you gave Mags, and for the wonderful memories! read more

Absolute Volleyball Club has been an excellent experience for both of my girls each of whom have played 4 years of Power League. Both girls love the structure and speed of the practices which are always geared towards game play or faster. These practices are fun to watch, and parents are always welcome in the gym. On the ride home from the gym, my girls are energized and in a great mood. Our son plays competitive lacrosse and basketball and craves the discipline and intensity he observes at AVC which are lacking in his sports programs. Both girls have been on teams comprised of girls from all over the Bay Area and have developed incredible team bonds and loving supportive friendships. Before I joined Absolute I heard that AVC doesn't care about their players. This could not be further from the truth. Yes, playing club volleyball is a huge family commitment that rules your family calendar and is very difficult if your child is not playing very much. But what I honor about Absolute is their honesty. Families can always approach their kid's coach and receive very honest feedback about their child's stage of development and receive opportunities for growth. Many friends have done this and felt reassured after their discussions. My oldest daughter chose to apply and go to a high school that was outside the network of Absolute high school coaches. Konrad proved to be 100% supportive in any way he could to help with her high school volleyball experience. As a parent, I have also been part of discussions with other club sports leadership who are trying to create a consistent program with high values using Absolute as their model. Absolute's success record speaks for itself but is a direct result of teamwork, dedication, and hard work. The skills being instilled and taught on and off the court at AVC are lifelong skills, and I am thankful to have AVC as a partner in raising our kids. #AVCFAMILYFORLIFE read more

We loved our experience with Absolute Volleyball Club. Our daughter just finished her first season of Power League in the 12Black division with Co owner & Coach Konrad Ott. Our daughter played high-level soccer, and was not sure about trying volleyball. Konrad was patient, believed in her and instilled the confidence and skills she needed to develop into a contributing member of her Absolute team. Konrad has high expectations but nothing that the girls cannot attain. He asks for their focus and commitment and he gives it back 10 fold. He is very approachable and is very happy to answer any questions you may have. The level of coaching and focus on technique is consistent throughout the age and competitive levels. Co-owners Konrad and Katie make sure all of their coaches are professional, experienced and caring. The facility is wonderful and laid out extremely well. Other programs we looked at rented out gym space and the girls had to set up and take down the nets, which cost them valuable practice time. The Absolute gym is permanently set up with 3 courts and a workout room. We could not have asked for a more positive experience. The level of commitment, focus and love that was shared by Konrad, Katie and their entire staff was impressive. It has truly become our home away from home. When the season was over, after going to Nationals (placing 17th in the country!) the girls, Konrad, assistant Coach Olivia and all the families had such a hard time saying goodbye. It was such a special feeling to be part of something so sweet and powerful. We truly appreciated our experience! read more

Absolute is the place for your player, if you value hard work, results, and a family atmosphere. Practices are focused on building skills, teamwork, and endurance. The coaching staff is exceptional - the players get PLENTY of reps and honest feedback to help them improve. Coaches take time with each player and know their strengths and weaknesses. Through practices, travel, and tournaments, our player has found an incredible peer group of girls with similar values and work ethic. Clinics and practices have an open door and parents are welcome to sit along the side of the gym and watch. From the first clinic we attended, my husband and I were so impressed with the organization, efficiency, and flow - from drill explanations, implementations, debriefs, and water breaks. All coaches are on board with the example set by Konrad, Katie, and Jake. Players know that they are part of more than just a team, but a unified program. Our older daughter was new to club volleyball as a sophomore. Konrad saw something in her and shaped her from an athlete to a competitive volleyball player. We've seen improvement in her skills from tournament to tournament over the last two years playing on a power team. We feel lucky to have found the Absolute family - and credit the coaches for paving the way for our daughter to now be committed to play in college. We have 3 kids, and of all the sports, activities, and enrichment they have been a part of, Absolute has been THE best spent dollar. read more

Absolute Volleyball Club's first priority is lining their pockets. Its a business first and for-most and they will ask you for thousand of dollars up front and not play your child They make it very clear that ,Ternements are absolutely Free and your thousands of dollars goes into the coaching.The owners of Absolute Volleyball are in in for themselves not the athlete's thier passion is Money and ego!!!!They have super insensative personalities and will have an answer for everything. Unless your daughter will eventually play for a certain southern Marin High School, i would really think twice about finacially commiting to Absolute Volleyball Club. You will be better off in the long run. read more

Oh boy - here we go. It takes a lot for me to write a negative review because I really don't like to engage on that level but AVC takes the cake for an outright terrible experience for both parents and children. It is my opinion that AVC engages in the following: Picking and playing only their favorites Over priced in comparison to similar (local) programs There have been documented injuries Anger management issues have been displayed I feel as though this is not the healthy community activity it appears to be for our children and I highly encourage parents to ask a lot of questions and be VERY thorough in your assessment before signing your child up for this program. Just saying. Parents beware. Again - I feel bad about writing this but it is important that the community understands as we feel organizations run this way can negatively impact your child. Again this is just my opinion. read more

I am a parent of two daughters who both played club vball. They both played for a Santa Rosa/SSU based club and one played for and has coached for Absolute VBC. Just as ANY BUSINESS IS IN BUSINESS TO MAKE MONEY AND STAY IN BUSINESS, AVC is that. They also make sure you understand that club vball costs what it costs. Coaches need to be paid, tournament fees must be paid, lodgings for away tournaments must be paid for. The club pays for much up front, which means parents must do the same. If someone thinks any top club charges less for a season, they haven't done their homework, but they are certainly free to have their DD try out for that one. Club is relatively expensive. BUT, if your daughter has the desire and the necessary gifts of height and ability to play in college, she needs to play club (Logan Tom is an exception, folks, an exception.) Absolute VBC draws from the entire north bay area and not just from Marin County. Open club tryouts ALWAYS produce some surprises and if your daughter is a "bubble" player, her fate may be less than you what you desire, but the club vball world is every bit about college recruiting, and not everyone's DD is going to play in college. If you are thinking of club vball because you love your daughter and she loves to play, but is either too short or not quite good enough (not in your opinion, but in an unbiased opinion) a club which offers an area league team may be a better choice. Sadly, just because we love something, it doesn't mean we get to do it at the highest level. Colleges drive this scene, not the player's passion. Make a triangle with your index fingers touching at the top. From the palm to the bottom knuckle are the players who love the sport and play in middle school and on JV teams. The next knuckle area is the players who love the sport and make their varsity teams. That tiny top area is where the college athlete is found. But almost all of the players at every level have great passion for the sport. There just isn't a place for them at every level. That's true no matter how much we may wish it were otherwise, and it is true for all sports, male or female. Only the best of the best at each level get to move on. Our parental expectations are not always realistic, and that's the painful part. Perhaps we need to be more realistic and honest with ourselves about our DD's ability to move along the paths. The directors of this club have been honest with the parents. There is an all club meeting, at which the parents are told about the fees. Without the egos of the club directors, AVC would not have risen to the prominence of a top club offering greater exposure to the athletes, so that's a plus for the recruitable player. But it may be the parent's responsibility to talk with the DD and explain that family finances don't allow the privilege of playing a club sport without the necessary combination of height and ability to earn that court time. The club directors have NO obligation to usurp the parent's place to guide the DD. They expect that you are financially able to meet the monetary expectations because your DD is at tryouts. They tell you about court time expectations so there is NO mistake about what you should expect. Their love for the players is less tied up in your particular player than players in general. It's really, really hard to accept that our DD is not the best, but , I repeat, "Sadly, just because we love something, it doesn't mean we get to do it at the highest level." read more

My 11 year old daughter just completed her first year of Club volleyball with Absolute. It was a fantastic experience! AVC focused on teaching the kids how to play "real" volleyball with only overhand serves and "pass-set-hit" plays every time. At the beginning of the year, the owners, Konrad and Katie, said " We do not care if you miss the point trying out these new skills, just go for it and try!" They sincerely meant it and this helped give our newbie daughters the confidence to try difficult plays, instead of just bonking the ball back to the other side for an easy point. As a result, all the girls on our Team improved their respective skills drastically over the last 6 months. With our great Coaches, the extra clinics and practices, the lessons on good sportsmanship, values and discipline, and all the conditioning and training, I felt our "club" experience at AVC was a surprisingly good value for the money. We met wonderful kids and parents through AVC who will be friends for life. If you have a young daughter who wants to play, I would highly recommend Absolute Volleyball Club! read more

Absolute has been a positive experience for our 13 year old son who plays on the U14 boys team. But it is not for everyone. The coaches are tough on the kids but they do instill team unity and are effective in teaching skills. Marin is a place where kids tend to get coddled and I think it's hard for some kids to get yelled at (harder for parents). I do believe the Absolute coaching style overall is more "tough love" than "tough hate". I see as much positive reinforcement and feedback as I do negative for my son's team from the coaches. One star off because I think the game play time is skewed a little too much for the better players. I understand the need for this as this is a competitive team and that's the way sports works. But I think expectations for this should have been better outlined to families beforehand. read more

John Wooden once said "A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life." This is how I feel about all of the amazing coaches we have worked with at AVC for the past 4 years. Our daughter joined the club at the age of 11. While she had height, she had very little athletic ability. The coaches dedicated their time and energy through positive and encouraging coaching and have inspired our daughter to be an amazing athlete. She now dreams and breathes volleyball and hopes to go to college and continue the sport. She has raved about each and every coach to date and enjoys working hard to improve her game. AVC is definitely family now and we love how they have driven our daughter to be a leader in the game while respecting and admiring her coaches. read more

This was my first season playing at absolute and I fell in love with it! The coaches are great at giving advice and different ways in how to improve your play. However, if your daughter is not willing to put in the hard work and be a good team player you should not sign her up. read more

We moved to the area three years ago and my daughter announced, after a summer camp in San Diego, that she would like to try volleyball. I called around to the local volleyball clubs to find out anything I could about the sport and options for girls to play. I remember Konrad answered the phone. He was so patient with my questions (there are always a lot of them), so helpful with information about club volleyball and very encouraging. We tried out for the local clubs and chose Absolute. My oldest daughter is in her fourth year of power league. She has learned some of the most valuable lessons of her young life through volleyball at AVC, the least of which is perseverance. There have been moments of celebration and disappointment, tears of joy and frustration, and words of encouragement and constructive criticism. All of these experiences not only help her grow in the sport she loves, but also in life. She has also learned to be a team player, be positive and always give her best effort. We value all of these traits as a family and are so grateful for the consistency that Absolute offers. In addition, her coaches continue to deliver quality instruction and guide her toward being the very best she can be. She receives excellent coaching and feedback that inspires her. Her dedication to the sport is unwavering largely due to her coaches at the club. She is always learning and immensely improving . It is truly a family here. There are lifelong friendships between the girls... and the parents My younger two daughters are now involved in other programs at AVC. We plan to be around for a long time. Thank you AVC. read more

This is my daughters first year at Absolute and she loves it! I must be truthful, when we scheduled a lesson with Konrad last September it was to prove that AVC was not the place for our daughter, but the feeling changed the moment we walked through the door. Konrad took the time to show us around the facility and describe the clubs philosophy. My daughter had a private lesson with Konrad and I have never seen her work so hard. When she was finished my daughter said she learned more in one hour than her entire club season the year before. The car ride home all me daughter talked about was AVC is the place for her. She made up her mind that this was the only place she wanted to play club volleyball and tryout. She participated in AVC camps and continued lessons with Konrad until tryouts and through out that time Konrad and all the coaches she encountered where wonderful in their abilities and honest with us in her abilities. We are half way through our first season at AVC and there is no other club for our daughter or us (tried 3 other clubs prior to AVC). They have done everything they said they would and more. If you are serious about volleyball this is the place! read more

My daughter is currently in her 3rd year at AVC. The dedication from their amazing coaches has turned her from a "rec" league player into a potential college athlete. After researching the other clubs in the area, we chose Absolute based on the experiences of our friends as well as the general understanding that they were a very competitive club. We couldn't be happier. I would recommend AVC to anyone who is interested in starting their child's volleyball career with the proper skills and training. The positive and encouraging attitudes from all of the coaches we have encountered has been fabulous. read more

We have been at AVC for over five years, and think the world of the club and its directors. It has been such a positive experience for both of our girls who play. As a former collegiate player, I wanted a club with top notch technical coaching and a commitment to teaching girls to play at a high level. But equally or more importantly, the club's emphasis on teamwork and discipline has made my daughters better people, not just strong volleyball players. read more

Our daughter is playing in her 4th year of volleyball at Absolute and I would recommend it without reservation to any player who is interested in playing volleyball at a competitive level, willing to work hard, and eager to truly be a part of a team. The coaches are excellent and dedicated to helping players excel not only in volleyball, but also in life. Many of the lessons learned by young players, such as the value of hard work, focus, commitment, loyalty, and integrity, extend far beyond the volleyball court. Our daughter has loved playing at AVC. She has made great friends and feels very much a part of a family. All of her coaches have gone above and beyond to help her advance her skills and to encourage her towards excellence. Thank you AVC! read more

After 10 years with Absolute Volleyball Club they have come a long way. They have become a top competitive volleyball club in Northern California and the country. Their facility is first class with 4 courts, volleyball training apparatus, work out and conditioning area and offices. Konrad and Katie have created a hands on competitive volleyball club. Our daughters started with AVC when they were 12 and one is now playing Division1 at Bryant University. While the time and financial commitment in playing a club sport is huge, the experience is invaluable. Konrad and Katie are committed to developing great volleyball players as well as teaching them discipline, accountability, team work and time management on and off the court. All life long lessons. Thanks AVC, it was a great journey! read more

I would never recommend this club to anyone. I am a parent of three children ages 20,14 and 11 and all of them have played team sports since kindergarten. My daughter tried out this past weekend for a team and truly was just excited to be there trying out. We knew that the chances were very slim that she would make a team because there were a lot of very skilled players there but that was just fine. It was to give her the experience of trying out and to use that experience to move forward from there, however, the follow through on the side of Absolute went from poor to absolutely unacceptable. I was told by the owner we would hear the same day , Saturday, about her status and I waited until Tuesday night when I then sent an email off relaying my disappointment in not even getting a simple email back saying sorry we didn't have any spots for your daughter but thanks for trying out. I truly was looking for just a simple acknowledgement that yes the follow through wasn't on task and a simple apology would have made me feel as if they understood and accepted the oversight. Instead it got hostile. I received a call from Katie telling me that I understood wrong and that I should have taken more time in crafting an email that didn't come across as abrasive. I was lectured on how I misunderstood the parent meeting and that if I attended the right parent meeting this wouldn't have happened to which I told her I was directed to go to that meeting by Konrad . She proceeded to say they had over 700 kids at try outs that no one was going to get an email until Friday and again I was scolded on how my email came across abrasive and I was simply beyond stunned at her attitude and approach to me a customer/parent.Not once did she take the simple responsibility that her company dropped the ball by not following up as they personally stated to me they would and end it at that but instead she was very aggressive and rude to me even so rude that at one point I asked her was this the way her company talks to their customers? It was demeaning and offensive on many personal levels especially since I was just looking for her to say sorry we apologize for not getting back to you as we stated. What a total and shocking disappointment. read more

I had been told by another parent not to have my daughter try out for this team, but my daughter was adamant because of Absolute's reputation for being so competitive. She did not make the team, but for a $65 tryout fee, it would simply be professional and well mannered to receive a "thanks, but you didn't make it" notification. Arrogant jerks. read more

I have never written a review on Yelp, positive or negative, so let me start by saying I wouldn't take the time now unless I felt extremely compelled. My daughter is with Absolute now in her 3rd year playing club volleyball, the second playing at a competitive level. At the end of last year, having played with a good, reputable club on a competitive team that made it to Junior Nationals, my wife and daughter were adamant about not moving to another club. But we kept an open mind and took advantage of a number summer clinics run by several clubs. Most were a disappointment for one reason or another. Then we came across Absolute. I can vividly remember walking in the first day. The facility is great, equipped with plenty of courts, all the training equipment needed, room for parents to watch, and a separate room with equipment just for players to condition. The noise and enthusiasm levels were high, high, high...and I mean from the players! The pace was fast, the girls were getting a lot of touches, and there was the overall vibe of fun and excitement in the air! My daughter learned in just a few weeks some skills she had missed out on over the past two years. Owners and coaches have decades and decades of competitive, high level VB coaching experience. They know how to get the most out of each individual player. They maintain a coaching staff of individuals with great reputations. They have a business to run, but do not treat girls as numbers in an effort to generate as much cash as possible. Having been in the club volleyball community for just a short time, I came to know that people have their own perceptions, usually based on how they feel they or their daughters are treated in terms of playing time, tryouts, or whether or not their daughters are told they are great when they are not. If you want your son or daughter to be coddled like a baby as opposed to be coached and respected, or if you want your child taught that respect, a positive attitude, kindness, and discipline don't matter in life, this club is not for you. However, if you are seeking a club that will instill or better yet, reinforce positive values in your child that will help them, not only in volleyball, but in life, I strongly encourage you to check out AVC. They sincerely care about their players. Absolute focuses on creating an atmosphere where players learn volleyball and develop as players to the highest possible levels. Yes, they strive to make their players the very best they can be. At the same time, they focus on several key principles and do not waiver or take shortcuts instilling in their players several core principles, namely: Work ethic; Commitment; Honesty; Teamwork; Communication; Positive Attitude; and Having Fun!! We have seen tremendous personal growth in our daughter, both in terms of her volleyball skills as well as her social/life skills. She loves the coaching staff, the owners (Katie and Konrad) and her teammates. She has grown as a young lady and as volleyball player. She has come to learn to accept defeat and personal setbacks with a positive attitude. She is being stretched to be the best person and volleyball player she can be. My daughter, wife and I think of the coaches, Konrad, and Katie in the high regard. We know our daughter is in great hands when she is there. Bill R Lafayette, CA read more

We started at AVC with summer camps, which were fantastic and continued into fall clinics, which I highly recommend as well. The progress my daughter made over that time was outstanding. First, the facility allows for vigorous training, and the kids get so many touches on the ball with so many balls per court. Next, the coaching was universally great. They have long tenured coaches and many players who return after college. I'd heard stories about yelling, but have found them to be overblown and in the kids' best interest. It is an intensely competitive environment which is what my daughter was seeking and in which she's thriving. Overall, it's been a great experience and my daughter loves it. read more

My daughter has played with Absolute Volleyball Club for three years now. We have thoroughly enjoyed watching her skills increase dramatically each season. Katie and Konrad are phenomenal coaches and attract and retain the best coaches in the area. These coaches focus on proper form and technique from the beginning so the players have a solid foundation on which they can develop the advanced skills they will soon learn. Our family has been involved in travel sports for many years with my oldest child playing travel baseball. Although all travel sports are expensive I have to say that you get a lot more in return with AVC than any other club that we've been involved in. They care a lot about the development of each child as a player as well as a person. The players learn to respect and support each other and all the players in the AVC family. They learn to be respectful of coaches, parents and other teams they play. The club also helps their players identify ways to progress to the next level and continue their game outside the club. Not only do they teach their players the skills needed to excel on their high school teams, they later help players gain exposure to college recruiters and explore college options. They know how to optimize their players' opportunities beyond their club volleyball years and they take great pride in helping their players meet their long-term goals. I don't know of any other club that opens so many doors for their players or has such a vested interest in their future. AVC has several teams of different levels for each age group. The club also offers excellent clinics, private lessons and summer camps. AVC camps and clinics are always very organized which allows for more touches and optimal learning for each player. The private lessons are excellent for fine tuning various skills and perfecting form. If your child loves the sport and is willing to work hard they would love being part of the AVC family. read more

ABSOLUTE is the real deal and a breath of fresh air. They build players' skills starting at the earliest ages; their teams are very competitive; their training and workouts are rigorous, but with the girls' health and safety always in mind; the coaches are incredible - both skilled teachers, and caring role models. The program reflects the values and work ethics of it's founder Konrad Ott. We previously tried the two largest volleyball clubs in Sonoma County - EMPIRE and AFTERSHOCK. AfterShock is focused on developing players - the coaches are all very nice, everyone gets equal playing time, they are what they say they are. But even their top power teams don't try to compete. They singularly focus on bringing the bottom players up rather than turning their better players into great players, so the program can be very frustrating if your daughter is a gifted athlete. The program is a direct reflection of the the head guy Craig Hardisty. Empire says their focus is on competition and developing the best athletes but they're lots of boast and little substance. The program directly reflects the head guy, Edward "Bear" Grassl - arrogant, non-communicative, dodgy - he will tell parents whatever they want to hear to get their check. Empire is solely focused on a couple of the older teams in order to harvest players for Grassl's Sonoma State team; the vast majority of the teams are given little direction and are generally treated as ATM machines to line his pockets. For the better athletes, Absolute is by far the best volleyball club in the North Bay. For girls who like volleyball but aren't particularly passionate, AfterShock is a very good solution. Unfortunately, Empire under-delivers for both both groups, providing poor value and a joyless environment. read more