If you're serious about development, consistency, and long-term success, Jacksonville Skyline offers an experience no other club in the area can match. Our leadership and coaches have immense experience at the highest level and know what it takes for athletes to reach their full potential- evidenced by how quickly Skyline has grown and the amount of athletes that are now playing in college from the last few graduating classes.

Unmatched Facility & Training Environment
We're the only club in Jacksonville with 100% control over our own 45,000-sq. ft. facility, featuring 8 volleyball courts and a dedicated 4,000 sq ft Performance & Strength area. That means no shared gym space, no conflicting activities, and no canceled practices—just a focused, Skyline-only environment every time your athlete steps in the gym.

Integrated Strength & Conditioning Program
Skyline is the only club in Jax with a full-time, on-staff Performance & Strength coach. Coach Alan Edwards, with 18 years of college volleyball experience, leads a college-style training program that includes regular testing, sport-specific programming, and data-driven performance tracking. It is designed to keep athletes strong, healthy, and constantly improving.

Proven Success on the National Stage
Our training model works: Six Skyline teams qualified for the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships—a record-breaking accomplishment not seen in over 30 years of Jacksonville youth volleyball. This is a direct reflection of our athletes' dedication and the excellence of our coaching staff and culture.

Experienced, College-Level Coaching Staff
Our leadership includes former college coaches Hugh and Steph Hernesman, who bring firsthand recruiting knowledge to help guide families through the process with transparency and insight. Our entire coaching staff brings years of experience at high levels of play and development.

Athlete-Friendly Tryout Process
Unlike other clubs, Skyline does not pressure athletes to sign commitments on the spot at tryouts. We believe this is a major decision, and athletes and families deserve time to make the right one.

If you're ready for elite training, true development, and a clear path to the next level, Jacksonville Skyline is the move. Come see the difference for yourself.

We have programs for athletes of all levels. Beginners normally start with Club Prep, Fall Mini Club, Mini Travel, camps, or clinics. Club Prep, camps and clinics essentially run year-round. Mini Club is a 10-week shortened season during which our teams play in 3 competitions and train fundamental skill a ton. Mini Travel is an extension of Mini Club into the spring, where those teams stay together and play in local tournaments. Explore camps and clinics.

Some athletes that have travel experience will start right up with travel ball and make a team during our tryout period in July. These scenarios are generally occur in younger age groups.

We start as early as age 6 with VolleyTots. Travel teams begin at 10U or 4th grade, with age-appropriate schedules that balance volleyball and other activities.

You don’t need to start as early as early as 10s to be a part of Skyline, but it is helpful in creating great fundamental habits early and does give those players a bit of a head start. Younger travel teams stay relatively close and don’t play as often as the older athletes so that there is room for other sports and activities.

We start as early as age 6 with VolleyTots. Travel teams begin at 10U or 4th grade, with age-appropriate schedules that balance volleyball and other activities.

You don’t need to start as early at 10’s to be a part of Skyline, but it is helpful in creating great fundamental habits early and does give those players a bit of a “head start”. Travel teams at the younger ages stay relatively close and don’t play as often as the older athletes so that there’s room for other sports and activites.

Yes. We encourage multi-sport athletes, especially at younger ages, and work with families to manage schedules.

No. We evaluate athletes based on athletic ability, coachability, and potential as much as current volleyball skills. Many of our strongest players started as beginners in Mini Club or camps. Learn about camps and clinics.

• Mini Club (Ages 10-14): A short, 10-week season focused on skill-building with a few local competitions.

• Mini Travel (Ages 10-15): Extends Mini Club into spring with local tournaments.

• Full Travel (Ages 10-18): Runs 9 months with regional and national competition.

Each program offers a different level of time, cost, and travel commitment.

Teams are grouped by color:

• Royal – Most competitive national team

• Black – Second-tier national team

• White – Third-tier national team

• Silver/Navy – Competitive regional or developmental teams

This structure ensures athletes are placed in an environment that matches their goals.

Fees vary by team. Full travel teams generally range from $4,200–$4,450 for the 9-month season. Practice player options are available for $2,300–$3,000 depending on age.

Local travel teams compete in tournaments in surrounding cities. The season lasts 708 months and the average season investment is $2,700.

Team fees cover:

• Practices
• Tournament entry fees
• Coaching
• Uniforms, and
• Access to our facility and strength training program

Team fees do not cover:

• Family travel expenses
• Hotel
• Flights/drives
• Food

You’re also required to purchase your own USA Volleyball membership ($67.50). 

Yes. Families can participate in multiple fundraisers each year. Some raise over $3,000 to offset costs. We also partner with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers sports scholarships for families in need. 

Playing time is earned in practice. Coaches aim to develop every athlete but also prepare teams to compete at their level. Parents can expect clear communication about roles and opportunities.

Jacksonville Skyline is focused on offering next-level training for the driven athlete. Our Directors’ experience with great coaches at the collegiate and USA Volleyball level has given us the expertise and connections to offer unique developmental training. We are a family-oriented club and subscribe to the philosophy, “Coaching is teaching, not yelling.” We hold our athletes to a high standard in terms of their effort and focus when training while also emphasizing strong character and being a great teammate.

Sports are an incredible opportunity to help our youth grow as young adults. Our coaches understand the responsibility that comes with athletes and families trusting them. We hold our athletes and families to a high standard, in how they interact with their teammates and with adults in the organization. Our coaches hold their athletes to a standard of effort and intention in their training so that we make the most of our short time with them on a weekly basis.

Yes. Skyline is the only Jacksonville club with a full-time strength and conditioning staff. Athletes train in our dedicated facility with sport-specific programs for speed, strength, and injury prevention. Learn more about Performance and Strength Training.

Yes. Private and small-group lessons are available for athletes who want extra training on skills like serving, hitting, or defense. Lessons are led by Skyline coaches in our own facility.

Skyline athletes compete in national-level events and attend our College Coaches Camps, where top NCAA programs like Florida, Penn State, Purdue, and Ohio State have trained athletes directly.

Visit our Alumni and Commitments page for a full list of Skyline athletes who have continued their careers at the college level.

Yes. Jacksonville Skyline is connected to Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Colorado Skyline clubs. Across the country, “Skyline” is a nationally respected name in volleyball.

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As a vital part of the volleyball community, parents play an essential role in supporting their athletes and the team. Here's what's expected during the season:

1. Participation
Parents may be asked to volunteer in various capacities throughout the season. This could include helping with team events, scorekeeping, setting up or cleaning up at tournaments, organizing snacks, or assisting with fundraisers. Your time and participation help create a positive and efficient environment for everyone involved.

2. Travel Arrangements
Parents are responsible for coordinating transportation and lodging for their athletes for all away games and tournaments unless otherwise arranged by the team. Please plan ahead, ensure athletes arrive on time, and communicate with coaches or team managers if carpooling or alternate arrangements are needed.

3. Conduct at Events
We expect all parents to represent the team and facility with respect and good sportsmanship. Please:

• Be supportive and positive from the sidelines
• Refrain from coaching during games — let the coaches coach.
• Show respect to officials, opposing teams, and facility staff
• Follow all tournament or facility rules and guidelines.

A positive and respectful parent community sets the tone for a successful and enjoyable season for all athletes. Thank you for your partnership and support!

All of the performance programming at Jax Skyline is planned, implemented, and monitored by professionals. Alan Edwards holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and secondary physical education. He has also earned certifications in personal training and performance training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Assistant Director Wes Brasseal holds bachelor’s and master’s degree in exercise science and served for 6 years as the head strength coach at the University of North Florida.

Every athlete’s progression through our performance program is carefully planned and overseen to ensure that the athlete is safe while maximizing his or her athletic potential.

All Skyline athletes who participate on travel teams have two training hours each week included in their fees, and those training hours will never interfere with an athlete’s practice times. It is highly recommended that athletes schedule at least one additional workout per week. The strength staff makes additional hours available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as during the week when necessary during the school year.

In the summer, weight room hours are expanded to allow athletes and their families more flexibility with training times. The appropriate number of training days per week will vary depending upon an athlete’s age, experience level, and the time of year.

It is also important for athletes and parents to understand that strength and performance training should be a year-round piece of the athlete’s development. When an athlete stops strength training it only takes about 2 weeks to begin losing strength with significant  losses occurring at the 4-week mark. We have seen big decreases in vertical jump, even in our top-tier athletes, when they neglect the weight room through the high school season. For this reason, we strongly encourage Skyline athletes to make our program a year-round part of their training.

Yes! Our training is designed to improve vertical jump, explosiveness, lateral movement, and overall court speed. These are the key performance metrics that college coaches watch closely.

Our strength and performance program offers Skyline athletes the unique advantage of having a coaching staff with over 40 years of experience in training volleyball players at a high level. Coach Alan spent 18 years as a head volleyball coach, a first assistant, and a recruiting coordinator at the NCAA Division I level, He performed double-duty for 4 of those years as the strength coach and the other 14 years as the direct link between the volleyball staff and the strength staff. Coach Alan put in eight years as a high school and club coach and has served as the director of performance and strength at Jax Skyline since the 2022-23 club season. Coach Wes has 10 years of experience working in NCAA Division I strength programs training volleyball players. In addition to his wealth of experience in strength and conditioning, Coach Wes is also a registered dietician.

The second factor that separates our program from the alternatives is the direct link between our strength staff and the athletes’ court coaches. The understanding of the skill set necessary to perform within the Skyline system, an intimate understanding of the specific physical demands of the sport of volleyball. They personally monitor the on-court progress of the athletes, and are being in constant contact with each athlete’s team coaches and club leadership, that gives us an edge that no other gym or trainer can provide.

Absolutely! According to the Mayo Clinic, strength training is not only safe and beneficial for young athletes, but it is recommended as part of a fitness regimen. Even children who aren’t involved in sports benefit from strength training beginning as early as 7-8 years of age. Strength training helps maintain healthy body weight, builds strong bones, and promotes general health. For young athletes, it adds strength, balance, and coordination that lead to better performance on the court or the playing field.

In short, the old wives’ tales about weightlifting stunting growth or being too dangerous for young athletes have been thoroughly and completely debunked. As long as the strength program is programmed, implemented, and overseen by professionals, the benefits for young children yield both long-term and short-term health and performance advantages.

The answer to this couldn’t be more clear or more emphatic. Yes!!! Strength training helps build stronger bones. Developing proper jumping and landing mechanics will protect your athlete against soft tissue injuries to ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Strengthening around joints makes athletes less susceptible to these types of joint injuries that are common in volleyball like knee, ankle, and hip injuries. Strength training addresses muscle imbalances, helping to prevent overuse injuries.

Our programming will improve your athlete’s level of conditioning, which will decrease fatigue. Spending less time in a fatigued state reduces the likelihood of injuries that can be caused by a breakdown in proper form and technique.

Yes! We highly encourage every athlete to continue to do modified workouts if they are injured. Remaining in the weight room on a modified training plan will help an athlete maintain strength and will help him or her be more ready to return to the court at the highest possible level when the injury is healed. We would prefer to meet with parents and have documentation from the athlete’s physician and/or physical therapist outlining the limitations of the injury. The more advance notice we have prior to the athlete’s scheduled training time the better so that the staff can make modifications to the athlete’s training plan.

Everything that we do in the strength and performance program is measured and recorded. We are constantly tracking the progress of all our athletes. In each training block, athletes have opportunities to set new personal records on multiple exercises. We track one-repetition maxes and estimated one-repetition maxes on multiple exercises in each training block.

In addition, we take advantage of available technology to measure and track bar speed and power output across a range of exercises. We measure a volleyball specific jump touch from a standing position and an approach. We also regularly measure 20 -meter sprint times and times in multiple agility tests. We recognize and reward benchmarks in strength, jump touch, speed and agility by displaying record holders in each age group and offering free T-shirts to athletes who reach specific benchmarks.

The short answer is yes, but it’s not that simple. It’s dishonest to make the claim that every athlete who works hard in the weight room will have a chance to play in college. It would also be incorrect to say that only athletes who work hard in the weight room will have opportunities to play at the college level. However, there are two claims that we do feel comfortable making.

First, time and time again we see our strength and conditioning program is a vital piece of our athletes taking the next step in their development. For some of our kids, that has meant the difference between not making a travel team to making a travel team. For other athletes that has meant the difference between making a White team one year and making a Black or a Royal team the next year. For other athletes, the weight room has been the difference between offers from NCAA Division II schools and mid-major NCAA Division I programs. Especially our athletes who take advantage of additional days and year-round access to quality programming see profound changes in their level of performance on the court.

Second, our strength and performance program has done an outstanding job of preparing athletes who advance to the next level for the demands of a college level strength program. We hear over and over again from athletes who show up for their freshman year of college and roll right into their new strength program without missing a beat. All have said that they were prepared for the environment of a college weight room, and many have set new records for freshmen.

This isn't general fitness. It's built specifically for volleyball by people who understand the sport. We also coordinate directly with your athlete’s coaches to align with team goals and workload. 

No. It is not mandatory that every athlete take advantage of our performance and strength program, but it is highly encouraged.

All of our workouts are delivered to the athletes’ cell phones through an app called TeamBuildr. Athletes will need to know the email address that is connected to their cell phone so they can download the Teambuildr app and have access to their workout data. Athletes who do not have a phone can bring an iPad with internet access. In the absence of a cell phone or an iPad, it is required that athletes bring a notebook specifically for use in the weight room and a pen or pencil.

Volleyball shoes aren’t designed or built to perform well or hold up well to the demands of the weight room, but each athlete is required to show up for each workout in appropriate attire with athletic shoes. Athletes will not be allowed to lift while barefoot, in slides, or in Crocs.

Athletes should come with water, court or training shoes, and a willingness to work hard. All equipment is provided, but attitude and effort are always required.

Due to the number of athletes in the room each hour, parents are not allowed in the weight room while we train teams. However, it is not typically a problem for parents to observe workouts on the weekends or during non-team training times. Be advised, there is no seating space in the weight room. For safety reasons, movement around the room by non-athletes is restricted. The staff reserves the right to restrict access for parents or athletes who aren’t actually training.