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 6 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
Coach Teambuilding – Mobile Escape Room
Save the Alamo! Step into a fast-paced adventure where history is in your hands. While retrieving an important letter from the Alamo, your team is mistaken for enemy spies and thrown into prison. Work together to solve clues, escape captivity, and deliver the message before time runs out—changing history and saving the Alamo! This teambuilding activity is perfect for coaching staffs, colleagues, and friends. Games are 15-minutes and promise to challenge your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Reserve your spot through small-group sign-ups or stop by onsite to play on a first-come, first-served basis. The escape room is open 1 – 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18.
Coach Solution Sessions
Looking for practical solutions to the challenges facing your team or program? Coach Solution Sessions provide a unique opportunity to connect with other volleyball coaches in a collaborative, small-group setting focused on real-world problem solving. Whether you’re navigating team culture, player development, staff management, recruiting, leadership, or other program challenges, these sessions offer personalized feedback and actionable strategies you can implement right away. Bring your questions, learn from the experiences of others, and leave with fresh ideas and a clear plan for moving your program forward.
USAV National Team Development Program (NTDP) Training – Coach Observation Sessions
Get a behind-the-scenes look at athlete training and skill development techniques by observing USAV NTDP training sessions during the convention. The NTDP brings together many of the nation’s top high school student-athletes to train under elite coaches as part of the Olympic development pathway. These observation opportunities allow convention attendees to see high-level coaching, training methods, skill development, and athlete performance up close. Gain valuable insights, discover new ideas to apply to your own program, and experience firsthand how the next generation of Team USA athletes is being developed. Reserve your spot through the small-group sign up link.
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.
