The Biggest Youth Volleyball Tournaments in the US Every Player Should Know

AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championships

The AAU Girls Junior National Volleyball Championship is one of the largest youth sporting events in the world. Held every June in Orlando, Florida, this tournament draws thousands of teams from across the country across multiple age divisions from 10U to 18U. The event spans a full week of competition with pool play followed by single-elimination bracket rounds.

What makes AAU Nationals particularly valuable is the sheer volume of college recruiters in attendance. Coaches from Division I, II, III, NAIA, and junior college programs all come to Orlando to evaluate talent. For players hoping to play in college, this is one of the best opportunities to get seen. The tournament also features a college recruiting center where athletes can meet with coaches directly.

USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship

The USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship is the premier club volleyball event in the country. Unlike AAU, teams must qualify through their regional associations, which means the competition level is exceptionally high. The tournament rotates locations each year, with recent host cities including Indianapolis, Chicago, and Columbus.

The Open Division is where the top clubs in the nation compete. These are the teams that consistently produce college recruits and future Olympians. Many Division I coaches schedule their recruiting calendars around this event. For athletes competing in the Open or National divisions, this tournament offers the highest level of exposure available in youth club volleyball.

Colorado Crossroads

Colorado Crossroads is one of the largest qualifying tournaments in the USA Volleyball system. Held each March in Denver, the event features over 1,500 teams competing across multiple venues throughout the city. Teams travel from across the country to earn a bid to the USAV Junior National Championship.

The tournament is known for its well-organized format and strong college coach presence. Because it takes place early in the club season, many coaches use Colorado Crossroads as their first look at players for the year. The Denver venue also offers convenient access for programs from the Midwest and West Coast.

Triple Crown Volleyball NIT

The Triple Crown Volleyball NIT, held annually in Kansas City, takes a unique format. Instead of one single championship bracket, the NIT features three separate tournaments over the course of a single weekend. Teams compete in one of the three events and receive medals based on their performance in each.

This format gives teams multiple opportunities to face high-level competition. The event attracts strong clubs from the Midwest and beyond. College coaches attend to evaluate talent early in the season, making it a valuable event for recruiting exposure.

Far Western Boys Volleyball Championships

For boys volleyball players, the Far Western Championships in Salt Lake City is a premier destination. Boys volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, and this tournament showcases the top male talent from across the country. Divisions range from 12U through 18U.

College recruiters from men volleyball programs attend this event to identify prospects. With the growth of NCAA men volleyball and the addition of new programs at the collegiate level, the Far Western Championships has become an increasingly important event for boys looking to play in college.

How to Prepare for a Major Tournament

Playing in a major tournament requires more than just physical preparation. Your mental game is equally important. Get plenty of rest in the week leading up to the event, stay hydrated, and arrive early to acclimate to the venue. Pack extra socks, knee pads, snacks, and a water bottle.

During the tournament, focus on one point at a time. Teams that stay calm under pressure perform better in close matches. Celebrate each point, learn from each mistake, and keep your energy up for the next play. The teams that handle adversity best are usually the ones still playing on the final day.

Making the Most of Tournament Travel

Traveling to major tournaments requires planning. Book accommodations near the venue months in advance. Pack a tournament bag with uniform backups, healthy snacks, a refillable water bottle, and a first-aid kit. Plan for downtime between matches — bring homework, a book, or cards to stay occupied. Communicate with your coach about match schedules and warm-up times. Being organized reduces stress and lets you focus on playing your best volleyball when it counts.