Did you ever wish you could spend an hour asking questions and picking the brain of one of the top coaches in our sport? The 2026 AVCA Convention schedule boasts several small group learning opportunities where you can do just that!
All small group sessions are limited to 30 coaches to create dialogue opportunities and the most intimate learning environment possible. Invitations to sign up in advance will be sent out to coaches registered by the November 7 standard registration pricing deadline.
Coaching Camps
Coaching Camps provide an opportunity for small group discussion and learning where no question is off limits!
- 2025 Coaching Camp Speakers:
- Karch Kiraly, Head Coach, USA Men’s National Team
- Megan Wargo-Kearney, Head Coach, NC State
- Matt Ulmer, Head Coach, Kansas
- Sam Erger, Head Coach, SMU
- Christy Johnson-Lynch, Head Coach, Iowa State
- Erik Sullivan, Head Coach, USA Women’s National Team
- Kevin Campbell, Head Coach, Dartmouth
Learning Labs
Learning Labs are small group education sessions led by some of the top coaches in volleyball that allow participants to ask directed questions and dig deeper into a specific topic. Learning Labs are designed to be informal discussions between the topic expert and attendees to share insights, find solutions to problems, and talk shop.
- 2025 Learning Lab Speakers:
- Michelle Collier, Head Coach, Georgia State
- Anders Nelson, Head Coach, Vanderbilt
- Charita Stubbs, Head Coach, Arizona
- Lindsey Behonick, Head Coach, Oregon State
Book Club
Discuss, debate, and learn from each other during Book Club sessions at the convention. Check the convention schedule for specific book titles that will be discussed and come prepared to share your perspective and consider different views. Each session will have either the book author or a leader to help facilitate the discussion.
Mentoring Workshop
The Match Point Mentoring Workshop provides the opportunity for veteran coaches and less experienced coaches to meet in small groups and share ideas for personal and professional growth. The workshop is scheduled 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18 in HBGCC. During the workshop mentees will have the chance to visit with veteran coaches in small groups and gain insight and learn about the sport from multiple perspectives. Participants in the Match Point Mentoring Program will be sent additional details this fall.
Sign up by clicking the button below!
2026 Small Group Schedule
Note: We are looking for moderators to help make these small group sessions successful. If you are interested in moderating, please comment on the session when you sign up. As a moderator, you would check attendees in, introduce the featured coach and topic, guide the flow of questions, and encourage multiple attendees to participate. Your involvement will help create an engaging and interactive experience for everyone!
Thursday, December 17, 2026
- 1:45–2:30 p.m. — Coaching Camp TBD
- 1:45–2:30 p.m. — Learning Lab TBD
- 2:45–3:30 p.m. — Roundtable Discussion TBD
- 2:45–3:30 p.m. — Phenom TAP Assessment Debrief
- 3:45–4:30 p.m. — Book Club TBD
- 3:45–4:30 p.m. — Coaches Solution Session TBD
- 3:45–4:30 p.m. — TBD
Friday, December 18, 2026
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. — Coaching Camp TBD
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. — Learning Lab TBD
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. — Roundtable Discussion TBD
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. — Mentoring Huddle TBD
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. — Book Club TBD
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. — Coaches Solution Session TBD
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. — TBD
Saturday, December 19, 2026
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Coaching Camp TBD
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Learning Lab TBD
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Roundtable Discussion TBD
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. — USA Volleyball Coach Observation Session
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Book Club TBD
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Coaches Solution Session TBD
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. — TBD
Sign up by clicking the button below!
