EDGE |

ABOUT MISSION / VISION Q&A TIMELINE EDGE APPLICATION FORM

ABOUT

Welcome to the EDGE Academy program—standing for Elite Development, Growth in Excellence—which is carefully designed to prepare athletes in a more complete way, mentally and physically, for their collegiate experience, and beyond.

VIEW THE EDGE EXPERIENCE

MISSION / VISION

Our vision is to develop the complete elite athlete by providing the leading athletic and academic destination for elite volleyball players. We provide a personalized and engaging experience for athletes, dedicated to fostering their training in preparation for a successful high-level athletic career.

We are committed to providing a comprehensive and challenging environment where aspiring athletes are empowered to achieve their fullest potential, both on and off the court.

Through cutting-edge and multi-modal training methodologies, personalized coaching, and a tailored and flexible academic schedule, EDGE Academy produces not only champions, but well-rounded individuals prepared for success in all aspects of life.

Q&A

GENERAL SCHEDULE EDUCATION TRAINING FINANCE APPLICATION TRAVEL

GENERAL

What is EDGE Academy?
EDGE Academy provides elite volleyball training with a flexible academic schedule to female middle school (7th/8th grade) athletes. Personalized training, educational programming, expert coaching, and flexible academics allow EDGE Academy athletes to succeed at the highest level.

How does EDGE help the elite athlete?
Our new model of elite athletic training, powered by WAVE Volleyball’s DNA, paired with our high level coaching, will result in having our athletes more prepared for their recruitable years in high school and college.

Where is EDGE Academy held?
EDGE Academy trains at WAVE Volleyball’s facility in Del Mar, CA. The academic program is flexible and is supervised in-house or completed on the athlete’s own schedule / at home, per the schedule below.

What programming will EDGE Academy offer?
While our core training program is elite indoor training, beach training, lifting / conditioning, and injury prevention, we also include educational programming in the schedule. This includes but is not limited to: Film Breakdown, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, Sports Psychology, Yoga, and Guest Speakers.

Is the program open to all athletes?
Currently, EDGE is open to elite female volleyball athletes in 7th & 8th grades only. All athletes must complete an application process by our deadline for program consideration. We will gauge interest from our boys families and will consider potential admittance in future years depending on the program’s interest level.

If my athlete is already a 1s team-level club volleyball athlete, is this program for her?
Yes, this program is intended for top-tier athletes. Admission is not guaranteed regardless of team or club level / affiliation, but applications are open to all.

How many athletes are accepted in EDGE Academy?
At this time, we anticipate approximately 20-30 athletes will enroll in the program.

SCHEDULE

What is the training schedule, and what does a typical week at EDGE look like?

EDUCATION

What academic program will you be partnering with?
Athletes will be enrolled in YSC Advantage, the premier education solution for student-athletes. Currently primarily soccer-focused, YSC Advantage (virtual education program) is expanding its educational enrollment to volleyball athletes within EDGE Academy.

What is YSC’s educational philosophy?
At YSC, learning means taking ownership – in the classroom and on the field. YSC’s approach to learning is active, intentional, and backed by neuroscience. When students take ownership of their growth, they build stronger neural connections — leading to deeper understanding, better retention, and long-term success.

What is YSC’s credentials and expertise, and why are they the best fit for an EDGE Academy student-athlete?
YSC is an accredited private independent school that is NCAA Eligibility Center approved. Please see YSC’s resources, examples, and proven track record here in providing a holistic education for elite youth athletes.

What is a sample academic schedule?
The curriculum and courses will align with current grade-level standards and personalized to the learner; specific subjects will vary based on their current progress (e.g. math level). Classes will meet throughout the week on varying cadence based on student need, while also balancing academic and athletic demands.

What is the academic calendar?
YSC operates on a traditional academic calendar from August-May, similar to the schedule of SDUHSD’s academic calendar, with traditional school and holiday breaks in addition to sport-specific breaks to balance academics and athletics.

How is student-athlete progress monitored and communicated to families?
YSC Student-Athletes use the Canvas Learning Management system to access their curriculum, complete work, submit assignments, and track progress with grades. Parents can be added as observers to view progress and support their child. Mentors check-in regularly with students to help them develop, while also communicating with parents. In addition, virtual parent conferences are scheduled in the middle of each semester for families to meet with faculty.

If my student-athlete needs individual support in school, will this education program be a good fit for them?
YSC’s Premier Education Model is built on the belief that students thrive when challenged intellectually and supported personally. Small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a culture of critical thinking and academic independence empower students to take ownership of their learning journey. Flexibility for online learning while traveling ensures continuity and success, whether in the classroom or on the road.

How will the YSC Academic program prepare my athlete for the next step after middle school (e.g. return to public / private high school education)? Will the credits transfer?
EDGE & YSC will work with families to ensure a seamless onboarding process into all high school programs, private and public. Middle school classes, credits, and grades do not show on high school transcripts. High schools will use YSC’s middle school transcript to place students into their high school class, similar to any current local middle school. For foreign language classes and math classes, high schools and colleges will review middle and high school transcripts for graduation and NCAA requirements.

Who do I contact with additional questions (academics)?
Contact Jared Micklos, Chief Strategy Officer, at jmicklos@yscacademy.com for all YSC program and academic-related questions.

TRAINING

What happens if my athlete is injured & cannot participate in the physical training component of EDGE?
Our injury policy is to review on a case-by-case basis. As costs for the program are fixed, program payments to EDGE and for academics are still due when an athlete is injured. Our program supports other programming and customized training / PT to work with injured athletes, should they become injured during their time enrolled in EDGE.

Who do I contact with additional questions (training)?
Contact info@edgevolleyballacademy.com for all training related questions.

FINANCE

What is the cost of the program?
EDGE Academy (training component): $15,000 per academic calendar year (installment plan available), including all volleyball training, lifting / conditioning, injury prevention, and adjuct programs (e.g., PT, Sports Psychology, film breakdown, etc. as described elsewhere in the FAQ; payable to EDGE Academy). The academic / education component of the program, provided by YSC Advantage, is a separate cost of $15,000 per academic calendar year, and payable to YSC (installment plan available).

Are club dues included?
EDGE Academy training and costs are independent of club dues at WAVE Volleyball or other volleyball clubs, and operate separately.

What is the payment schedule?
To EDGE: April 1, 2026: 1. Deposit due to EDGE ($2500), and 10 installments June – March $1250 each, or 2. Pay in full at time of deposit ($15,000). If selecting an installment plan, installments can be paid ahead of time as well. To YSC: April 1, 2026, Deposit due to YSC. Then select from three tuition payment plan options (1, 2, or 10 payments) with the next payment due in August 2026.

How long is the school commitment?
All athletes are committed to the complete calendar year of EDGE Academy. All payments are non-refundable, and all athletes are financially committed to the complete school calendar year.

APPLICATION

Is enrollment guaranteed?
While we wish we could accommodate all interested athletes, a completed application is not a guarantee of acceptance to EDGE. Our staff will be in touch with admission information per the listed timeline. All deposits for enrolled athletes are due April 1, 2026.

How do I apply?
Applications are 2 parts. Step 1: Complete the EDGE Academy Application Here by March 1, 2026. Be prepared to provide contact information, athlete volleyball experience and background, why your athlete should be considered for EDGE, athlete headshot, and any relevant film or video highlights. EDGE will complete tentative acceptance on a rolling basis through March 15. Step 2: Once tentatively accepted to EDGE, complete YSC Application Inquiry + YSC Interview Process (EDGE will send this link to tentatively accepted athletes). Full program acceptance or denial notifications will occur on a rolling basis, through approximately March 15.

What is the application deadline?
Complete The EDGE Academy Application Here by March 1, 2026. Once tentatively accepted, complete the YSC Inquiry by March 15, 2026.

After applying, when will I find out if my athlete is accepted?
Applications to EDGE are reviewed and tentatively accepted on a rolling basis through March 1. Once tentatively accepted, EDGE will send YSC’s Inquiry link to complete by March 15. Full program acceptance or denial notifications will be sent by approximately March 15.

If I don’t play club volleyball, can I still apply?
At this time, EDGE Academy is for elite volleyball athletes playing at the top club level only.

Can I apply, even if I play at another volleyball club?
EDGE Academy’s application is open to athletes from all volleyball clubs.

If my athlete is enrolled and it’s not a good fit for us, can they be removed?
All athletes are committed to a complete calendar year of EDGE Academy. Deposits are non-refundable, and all athletes are financially committed to the complete school calendar year. We would seek to resolve any barriers to success directly with the family and / or the educational institution (if academic in nature).

TRAVEL

If my athlete were to relocate / move to Del Mar for this program, are there host family opportunities?
At this time, no, we do not provide host family opportunities. However, we are happy to discuss creative solutions if you are extremely interested. Contact info@edgevolleyballacademy.com.

If my athlete needs to miss school/training, will they be penalized?
EDGE Academy is built for flexible training & education. We understand the demand for travel club tournaments and will work with enrolled athletes in order to be successful on and off the court. The education is designed to balance high-level academics and athletics; we are accustomed to supporting elite student-athletes who have intense athletic demands and travel.

TIMELINE

RSVP HERE FOR THE EDGE X YSC OPEN HOUSE

EDGE APPLICATION FORM

COMPLETE EDGE ACADEMY APPLICATION HERE

Be prepared to provide contact information, athlete volleyball experience and background, why your athlete should be considered for EDGE, athlete headshot, and any relevant film or video highlights.

Firm closure date March 1