Star City Sports, Inc., doing business as Star City Volleyball (SCV), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation classified as a public charity. Unlike many other volleyball clubs, SCV operates without profiting from its players. Our focus is on providing an affordable, competitive, and positive volleyball experience while helping every player develop their skills, reach their potential, and achieve success.
OUR HISTORY
Star City Volleyball was founded in 2016 by Jeffrey ("Jeff") Lapin and is based in Lincoln, Nebraska. Although primarily serving Lincoln and the surrounding communities, SCV welcomes players from cities and towns throughout Nebraska.
SCV began with just two teams and has grown significantly since its founding. Our program primarily participates in USA Volleyball (USAV) club volleyball, while also coaching teams competing in YMCA Spirit volleyball.
OUR MISSION
At SCV, we believe volleyball should be about players, not profits. Our goal is to make competitive volleyball accessible and affordable without sacrificing player development, teamwork, sportsmanship, or the enjoyment of the game.
We strive to provide an environment where players can improve their skills, build confidence, develop lasting friendships, and succeed both on and off the court.
Our sole focus is helping players achieve volleyball stardom without cost being an obstacle.
INTERESTED IN JOINING SCV?
We welcome inquiries from players and families interested in joining Star City Volleyball for the 2026–2027 club season.
At Star City Volleyball (SCV), we believe club volleyball should be about more than just winning games. Our program is built around five core principles that guide how we operate, coach, and develop our players.
AFFORDABILITY — COST SHOULD NEVER BE AN OBSTACLE. Every athlete deserves the opportunity to play competitive club volleyball without excessive financial barriers. As a nonprofit organization, SCV does not profit from its players. Players pay only their actual costs and expenses, with no coaching or administrative fees.
FLEXIBILITY — MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES ARE WELCOME. We encourage athletes to participate in other sports, school activities, and extracurricular interests while playing club volleyball. We believe players should not have to sacrifice other opportunities to enjoy and compete in volleyball.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT — POTENTIAL MATTERS AS MUCH AS CURRENT ABILITY. Not every athlete begins with the same skills or experience. We recognize that players develop at different rates and believe that dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn are just as important as current performance. We evaluate players based on both their existing abilities and their potential for growth.
CHARACTER — SPORTSMANSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND TEAMWORK MATTER. Volleyball provides valuable opportunities to develop skills that extend far beyond the court. We emphasize good sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, respect, and accountability because these qualities contribute to success both in volleyball and throughout life.
FUN — VOLLEYBALL SHOULD BE ENJOYABLE! Above all, we believe volleyball should be fun. Players should enjoy competing, improving, building friendships, and being part of a team. A positive and supportive environment helps athletes develop a lasting appreciation for the sport.
At Star City Volleyball (SCV), we believe club volleyball should be about more than just winning games. Our program is built around five core principles that guide how we operate, coach, and develop our players.
AFFORDABILITY — COST SHOULD NEVER BE AN OBSTACLE. Every athlete deserves the opportunity to play competitive club volleyball without excessive financial barriers. As a nonprofit organization, SCV does not profit from its players. Players pay only their actual costs and expenses, with no coaching or administrative fees.
FLEXIBILITY — MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES ARE WELCOME. We encourage athletes to participate in other sports, school activities, and extracurricular interests while playing club volleyball. We believe players should not have to sacrifice other opportunities to enjoy and compete in volleyball.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT — POTENTIAL MATTERS AS MUCH AS CURRENT ABILITY. Not every athlete begins with the same skills or experience. We recognize that players develop at different rates and believe that dedication, effort, and a willingness to learn are just as important as current performance. We evaluate players based on both their existing abilities and their potential for growth.
CHARACTER — SPORTSMANSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND TEAMWORK MATTER. Volleyball provides valuable opportunities to develop skills that extend far beyond the court. We emphasize good sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, respect, and accountability because these qualities contribute to success both in volleyball and throughout life.
FUN — VOLLEYBALL SHOULD BE ENJOYABLE! Above all, we believe volleyball should be fun. Players should enjoy competing, improving, building friendships, and being part of a team. A positive and supportive environment helps athletes develop a lasting appreciation for the sport.
Our main focus is helping players achieve volleyball stardom without cost being an obstacle.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL SCV CLUB INFORMATION
At Star City Volleyball (SCV), we strive to provide a competitive, affordable, and flexible club volleyball experience. Unlike many other clubs, our program is designed to allow athletes to develop their volleyball skills, compete in tournaments, and enjoy the sport without excessive time commitments or conflicts with other activities.
CLUB SEASON & PRACTICES
Season Schedule: Practices begin in November, with the club tournament season running from January through the end of April. Players are not required to participate in the entire tournament season.
Minimal Practice Commitment: Players are only required to attend one two-hour practice per week. Players are welcome to attend additional practices if they wish.
Multi-Sport Participation: SCV encourages players to participate in other sports, school activities, and extracurricular commitments throughout the club season. We believe athletes should have the flexibility to pursue multiple interests.
TOURNAMENTS & SCHEDULING
Competitive Club Tournaments: SCV teams compete in actual USA Volleyball (USAV) tournaments along with some JVA Club tournaments as well.
Local Tournaments - No Overnight Travel: All tournaments are selected within approximately 75 miles of Lincoln, Nebraska, allowing families to travel to and from tournaments in a single day without overnight hotel stays.
Flexible Tournament Scheduling: Parents and players indicate which tournaments their daughters are available to attend. We use this information to coordinate tournament participation around player availability and team needs, providing flexibility for other sports, school activities, and family commitments.
Tournament Selection: Tournaments from January to the middle of March are typically selected shortly after the tournament schedules are released. Additional tournaments may be added throughout the season as players and families gain a better understanding of their availability.
No Set Tournament Limit: Unlike many other clubs, SCV does not impose a maximum number of tournaments a player or team may participate in. The number of tournaments depends on player availability, team needs, and tournament opportunities. Our goal is to provide every player with the opportunity to participate in at least seven (7) tournaments during the club season.
PLAYER EVALUATION & DEVELOPMENT
We recognize that players come from different volleyball backgrounds and may have received varying levels of coaching and instruction. As a result, athletes do not always enter club volleyball with the same skills, experience, or opportunities for development.
At SCV, we evaluate more than just a player's current abilities. During tryouts and player evaluations, we consider each athlete's existing skills, potential for improvement, attitude, effort, and willingness to learn.
We believe that a player's potential is just as important as their current skill level, and we are committed to helping athletes grow and succeed throughout the season.
OUR APPROACH
Competitive volleyball. Affordable costs. Flexible schedules. Player development. FUN!
At SCV, we believe players should have the opportunity to enjoy competitive volleyball without sacrificing other sports, activities, or important commitments.
Our sole focus is helping players achieve volleyball stardom without cost being an obstacle.
COSTS & EXPENSES
OUR COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABILITY
No coaching fees. No administrative fees. No unnecessary expenses.
At SCV, our goal is to provide a competitive, enjoyable, and affordable club volleyball experience while ensuring that every dollar paid goes toward the actual costs of participating. At Star City Volleyball (SCV), we believe the cost of playing competitive club volleyball should never be an obstacle.
There is no fixed total season price because the total depends on the number of tournaments a player participates in.
AVERAGE 2026 CLUB SEASON COSTS PER PLAYER
For the 2026 club volleyball season, the average total cost per player was just $375.00 for the entire season. That amount included:
- USA Volleyball/GPR Registration ($75.00)
- Team Jersey ($40.00)
- All Practices ($100.00)
- Participation in 9 Club Tournaments ($160.00)
Most tournaments cost about $15.00 per player. The actual amount depends on the tournament cost and the total number of players playing.
HOSTED TOURNAMENT PROCEEDS HELP REDUCE PLAYER COSTS
When SCV generates net proceeds from tournaments it hosts, a portion may be applied as credits toward players' expenses.
These credits help reduce the amount families pay and reflect our commitment to keeping club volleyball as affordable as possible.
CLUB TRYOUTS
CURRENT TEAM AVAILABILITY
Our 13U (7th grade) and 15U (9th grade) teams are full. We are currently seeking players for the following age divisions for the 2026–2027 club volleyball season:
- 14U (8th grade) — Team formation pending sufficient player interest
- 16U (10th grade)
- 17U (11th grade)
- 18U (12th grade)
We will not be fielding any teams younger than 13U (7th grade).
DIRECT INVITATIONS & TRYOUT EXEMPTIONS
Many players who competed on their high school's junior varsity (JV) or varsity volleyball team may be eligible for a direct invitation to join an SCV Club team without a tryout, depending on roster availability, positional needs, and overall team composition. Additionally, players whom Jeffrey Lapin has previously seen compete, or whose game footage is available through Hudl, may be considered for a direct invitation without a tryout. Moreover, returning SCV Club players and current SCV Spirit players are not required to try out. However, being exempt from tryouts does not guarantee a spot on an SCV Club team.
All roster decisions are based on available openings, positional needs, player evaluations, and the overall composition of each team.
TRYOUT SCHEDULING AND LOCATIONS
Tryout locations may vary depending on the date. Additional dates and times may become available, so if the currently scheduled options do not work for you, please check back regularly.
If none of the available dates or times work with your schedule, please contact us at starcityvball@gmail.com to discuss possible alternatives.
TRYOUT COST
Unlike most other clubs, SCV does not charge a tryout fee. All tryouts are completely free.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT TRYOUTS
Depending on the date and number of players scheduled, tryouts may be conducted individually, in small groups, or as part of a scrimmage with other players.
Every player is evaluated individually based on their current skills, potential for development, and coachability.
We recognize that players develop at different rates. Our goal is to identify players who demonstrate both the willingness and potential to improve throughout the season.
Coachability is one of the most important qualities we look for in a player. We place a strong emphasis on players who:
- Listen and are willing to learn.
- Demonstrate a genuine desire to improve.
- Accept feedback and apply instruction.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Consistently give 100% effort.
TRYOUT DURATION AND WHAT TO BRING
Most tryouts are designed to last approximately 10 minutes. However, tryouts involving group activities or scrimmages may take longer.
Players should wear appropriate athletic clothing, volleyball shoes, and knee pads. There is no need to bring a volleyball or any additional equipment.
QUESTIONS OR INTERESTED IN JOINING SCV?
If you have questions about team availability, tryouts, direct invitations, or joining SCV for the 2026–2027 club season, please contact us at starcityvball@gmail.com.
We welcome inquiries from interested players and families!
2026–2027 CLUB TRYOUT UPDATE
14U (8th Grade): We are actively seeking additional players interested in joining a 14U team. Currently, we do not have enough interested players to schedule tryouts. We need at least five additional interested players before moving forward with the tryout process. Please note that forming a 14U team is dependent on sufficient player interest and is not guaranteed. We encourage interested players and families to contact us as soon as possible.
16U–18U (10th–12th Grade): Depending on a player's experience, skill level, and our roster needs, a tryout may not be necessary. Any required tryouts will be scheduled after the conclusion of the high school volleyball championships.
Interested in joining SCV? Contact us now to receive an email notification when tryouts are scheduled.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Only players in 4th through 8th grade are allowed to play YMCA Spirit volleyball. The YMCA Spirit season starts in September and ends the beginning of November. There are 10 games, each played on Sunday afternoons. SCV only participates in Fall Spirit Volleyball as the Spring season interferes with Club tournaents.
Players do not need to try out for Spirit volleyball. The only requirement is that the player has played at least one season of YMCA volleyball (Spirit or Recretional), middle school volleyball, or something equivalent.
Players only have to attend one practice a week, which will last around 2 hours depending on the grade level.
YMCA SPIRIT COSTS
The only costs for YMCA Spirit Fall are:
- YMCA Registration Fee; and
- Jersey, which costs between $15.00 to $20.00.
MEET JEFF LAPIN — CLUB DIRECTOR & HEAD COACH
WHY DOES JEFF COACH?
Jeffrey ("Jeff") Lapin is the founder, Club Director, and Head Coach of Star City Volleyball (SCV).
Outside of volleyball, Jeff is an attorney who has spent more than 28 years representing individuals who have been injured, disabled, or abused. He has successfully operated his own law practice for almost 18 years, providing him with the flexibility to pursue his passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Jeff founded SCV in 2016 after recognizing a need for quality volleyball coaching that prioritizes the development and success of players rather than the personal or financial interests of coaches.
His motivation for coaching goes far beyond winning matches. Jeff is passionate about helping athletes improve their volleyball skills while developing the character, confidence, and life skills necessary to succeed both on and off the court.
He believes successful athletes should develop integrity, self-motivation, teamwork, sportsmanship, a strong work ethic, sound decision-making, and an understanding of their individual responsibilities within a team.
For Jeff, coaching is about developing better players and helping young athletes become better people.
CORE COACHING PRINCIPLES
Jeff's approach to coaching emphasizes three fundamental priorities:
- FUNDAMENTALS FIRST: Develop strong technical skills, proper mechanics, and an understanding of volleyball tactics and strategy. Building a solid foundation allows players to improve and compete more effectively.
- MAXIMUM EFFORT & SMART PLAY: Instill in athletes the importance of consistently giving their best effort, staying focused, making intelligent decisions, and understanding that success requires both physical effort and mental preparation.
- RESPECT & INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT: Treat every player with respect and ensure that each athlete feels valued as an individual and as an important member of the team and club. Recognize that players develop at different rates and that each athlete brings unique strengths and potential.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY — S.M.I.L.E.S.
Jeff's coaching philosophy is built around six principles represented by the acronym S.M.I.L.E.S.
S — SMART: Teach athletes to think critically, understand the game, make intelligent decisions, and recognize the importance of playing smart rather than simply playing hard.
M — MAXIMUM: Encourage every player to consistently give maximum effort, maintain focus, and take pride in their preparation and performance.
I — INTEGRITY: Emphasize honesty, accountability, respect, good sportsmanship, and doing the right thing both on and off the court.
L — LEARN: Foster a willingness to listen, accept feedback, develop new skills, and continuously improve.
E — EMPOWER: Help athletes build confidence, take responsibility, support their teammates, and become leaders.
S — SUCCESS: Teach players that success is measured not only by wins and losses but also by personal improvement, teamwork, effort, and achieving individual and team goals.
COACHING & OFFICIATING EXPERIENCE
Jeff has extensive experience coaching and officiating youth and high school athletics.
He served as the Reserve Volleyball Coach at Lincoln Northwest High School for three years. Before joining Lincoln Northwest, Jeff coached volleyball and other sports at Pound Middle School.
Jeff is also an NSAA-approved volleyball and basketball official and has officiated numerous high school athletic competitions.
In addition, he serves on the YMCA Youth Sports Committee and has officiated several other sports, including soccer, softball, and baseball.
His experience as both a coach and an official provides him with a broad perspective on athletic development, game strategy, sportsmanship, and the importance of understanding the rules.
MORE THAN JUST VOLLEYBALL
Jeff believes that the lessons athletes learn through volleyball can have a lasting impact on their lives.
His goal is to create an environment where players feel respected, challenged, supported, and motivated to improve. Whether an athlete is new to competitive volleyball or has years of experience, Jeff emphasizes effort, coachability, teamwork, and personal growth.
Jeff's commitment is simple: Put players first, help them reach their potential, and make volleyball a positive, rewarding, and enjoyable experience.
DONORS AND DONATIONS
Donations
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation (public charity), SCV can receive charitable donations. Donors may be entitled to deduct the donation as a charitable contribution. Discuss with your accountant/tax advisor.
Donors/ Sponsor Levels
SCV offers different donor/sponsorship levels:
- Platinum: $1,000.00 or more
- Gold: $500.00 to $999.99
- Silver: $250.00 - $499.99
- Bronze: $100.00 - $249.99
- Friend: under $100.00
