Latest News at Fort Bend Fire: Mike McCrary is Named New Club Director...
We are proud to announce our new Club Director Mike McCrary. It is Fort Bend Fire's good fortune to have such a well versed leader at the helm. Mike has already proven to be an asset in the first month of his employ. His background and volleyball experiences will only enhance the direction of Fort Bend Fire to be the premier club in the Houston area.
Mike grew up in League City where he played Boy's Club Volleyball at Clear Creek High School. Went on to play setter and outside hitter at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills CA. After leaving Foothill, he became the setter and club president at Florida State University. He was the setter for the first Florida State team to earn a top 20 national club ranking.
He has coached all levels from developmental to college, both boys and girls since 1995. Returned to Houston in 2002 and has been coaching club in Houston since then, along with coaching Junior College at Galveston College and San Jacinto College.
Currently Mike is the Head Coach for St John's School Boy's Volleyball. Lives in Cypress. Married to Chloe and has 2 children, Son Dylan is 3 and daughter Lily will be 2 in August.
Verbal Commitments for the Class of 2013:
Corynn Acuff - UT Pan Am University
Courtney Cary - TX A&M Corpus Christi University
Kaylen Wolfe - McNeese State University
2011-2012 Volleyball Scholarships
Good Luck to each of you this coming season.
Rhyne Acuff - Howard Payne
Jameea Ward - Williams Baptist College
Tiffany Walker - Loyola University New Orleans
Mona Reed - Texas Southern University
Company Sponsorships
We are currently accepting inquiries regarding levels of Corporate Sponsorships. If you are interested in seeing your company highlighted as a Business Partner or associated on Biz Links of Fort Bend Fire please contact Carol - carol@slaterssportszone.com
Travel Teams:
3 or 4 teams for all ages
- Travel teams will hold practice 2 days per week (2 hours per practice) beginning in November.
- Compete in approximately 10 tournaments during the season (including Tour of Texas, Texas Series Championship, Lone Star Classic and Lone Star Regional).
- Tournaments will start in December or January and will culminate at an “End of the Year” tournament (USA Nationals, AAU Championships, SW Championships), late June into the first week of July. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
- Regular season practice will end just before leaving for “End of the Year” tournament (mid to late June).
- These teams are only traveling to 1 out of state tournament (End of the Year Tournament). Our reasons at the Fort Bend Fire Volleyball Club for only traveling to 1 out of state tournament is a two-part answer; 1) It will save the athletes and parents approximately $1000 (at the very low end) each trip. 2) We have two opportunities (Lone Star Classic and Lone Star Regional) to make the USA Nationals in our area. WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO QUALIFY.
- After talking with many TOP COLLEGE COACHES, their opinion is that the AAU CHAMPIONSHIPS have as much, if not better competition and still have exposure to the College Coaches.
Local Teams:
3 or 4 team for all ages
1. Q: What is “Club Volleyball”?
A: Club Volleyball is a highly organized, nationwide, competitive volleyball network. It is designed for athletes to refine their volleyball skills, compete at the regional and national levels, and train to achieve any developmental goals they may have for the sport of volleyball. It also exposes their abilities to collegiate recruiters (if interested in playing at that level).
2. Q: Can the multi-sport athletes play in FBF?
A: Yes, a large number of FBF members participate in more than one sport, especially in the younger age divisions. We encourage your athlete to participate in many sports while in school. We do ask that if your child participates in other activities, that you please inform us as soon as possible of any potential or existing conflicts.
3. Q: What is the roster size and number of teams in FBF?
A: Roster sizes vary depending on the age division. Teams usually consist of between 10/11 athletes, which allows each player a reasonable amount of playing time. (The actual amount of time will be determined by the coach). FBF will have teams for the following age categories: 6-18 year olds.
4. Q: Who are the FBF coaches?
A: Most of our coaches have previous coaching experience and have received certification from USA Volleyball. Most of our Head Coaches have played at the club, high school and collegiate levels and some are still playing today. We also have coaches participating from local collegiate programs such as University of St. Thomas Volleyball Program.
5. Q: When does club volleyball take place?
A: Practice for most teams will begin in November, and will go through May/June. Competition for all teams begins in December or January, and will end with the Regional Championships and/or "End of the Year" tournament (USA Nationals, JVA Championships, or Southwest Championships).
6. Q: Where do teams practice?
A: Practice will be held at the Fort Bend Fire Complex (Slaters Sports Zone, 727 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77406). Other sites may be determined as needed.
7. Q: How many practices will there be each week, and the duration of each practice?
A: Each team will generally practice 2 times per week, up to 2 hours each practice. However, teams may practice up to 3 times per week at the coach’s discretion when preparing for a particular tournament.
8. Q: Do we have to practice during the holidays and on days following tournaments?
A: FBF LOCAL TEAM does not practice during Christmas Week, New Year's Week, Spring Break or Easter. Teams generally follow a regular practice routine following all tournaments but, may be changed or cancelled at the coach’s discretion. Most Travel teams will practice some during Holidays.
9. Q: How many tournaments will we attend, when and where?
A: The number of tournaments, tournament dates and locations are decided by club director; based on their availability as well as their players. FBF generally plays in 9/10 tournaments, 2/3 Sat or Sun per month. Additional tournaments may be added at each coach’s discretion, usually with parent/player input. Location of tournaments will be in the Houston area only for local team. State Travel team will travel to Austin, San Antonio, Dallas. National team travel one out of state, 3 in state and 5/6 local tournaments. Go to www.lsvolleyball.org for more information about the tournaments in our region.
10. Q: What does it cost to play?
A: The annual fees for participation depend on the age division of the team, the amount of players on each team, and the amount of tournament fees. After deposit of $500, the club fees are broken down into monthly payments.
11. Q: What do your fees/dues cover?
A: The initiation fee and monthly dues cover player and coach required registration with USA Volleyball, tournament entry fees, equipment, uniforms (uniforms, spandex, warm-ups, practice t-shirts, gym bag, etc.), gym rental costs, coaches' salaries, referee clinics, Coaches Accreditation, and club administration.
12. Q: Why should my daughter play club?
A: Club volleyball provides a higher level of training and competition for girls interested in learning and developing their skills. The club season lasts approximately 8 months and teams are small. This allows each player to receive many hours of focused skills training and development. Club volleyball requires a major commitment from both the player and parent.
13. Q: How do you pay for club?
A: A monthly payment plan is available. If financial concerns are your only reason for not playing volleyball, please contact our Office Manager Cindy Nidever at 281.341.0200 or cindy@fortbendfire.com to discuss other possible payment arrangements to fit your budget.