Volleyball is one of the only growing girls’ youth sports in the United States and one area club is a perfect example of that growth.
Matt Baker, the Club Director of 270 Volleyball Club, said his organization is ready to move from a satellite program to its own program in 2026 and is looking for players.
270 Volleyball will have open gyms in September at the Sports Factory in Madisonville with tryouts set for the 12- , 13-, and 14-year-old teams in October. The high school age players must complete their high school seasons and then tryouts for those teams will be in November.
Practices will start in November and tournaments will start in January and conclude at the end of April or early May. Practices will be on Sundays from 2-4 p.m. in Hopkinsville at the Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Sportsplex and Thursday’s from 6-8 p.m. at the Kentucky Sports Factory in Madisonville.
Baker said the best way to get involved with 270 Volleyball is through the open gyms. Youths as young as 10 can try out.
The plan for 2026 is for the club to have one team per age group unless they see a need to add a team.
Baker said the advantage of forming their own club versus being a satellite team gives 270 Volleyball an edge of recruiting players and coaches to be part of the program.
Baker said some of the top coaches from the area have joined the club including Addy Kirby (Crittenden County) and Riley Kirby (12-year-olds); Hopkins County Central Assistant Coach Zoie Larkins with assistance from Shiloh Baker (13’s); Christian County High School Assistant Coach Mallory Neighbors with assistance from former CCHS and Heritage Christian Academy star Katie Cansler (14’s); former Madisonville-North Hopkins coach Mike Zimmer with former Madisonville head coach Cindy Fliehman assisting (15’s); former Hopkinsville High School and University Heights Academy assistant coach Laykin Peek with help from former UHA star and new Hopkins Central Head Coach Evelyn Morales (16’s); former Madisonville coach Sarah Sutton with help from former Hopkinsville High School player and HCA assistant Jean Shiraef (17’s).
Baker said his organization also understands that cost can be difficult for some players who want to play club volleyball. As a result, he said they try to cut some of the cost by playing closer to home.
Baker also points out that in the last three seasons, 63 girls from seven counties have played in the organization.
Anyone wanting more information on 270 Volleyball can follow the club on their Facebook page. They will soon have a web page at 270vbc.com.