Excelsior Empire Regional Volleyball Association

Memberships
HomeBoys All-Star Teams

ATTENTION:

After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2025 Boys All-Star Program due to lack of interest.
We appreciate everyone’s support and will be reevaluating the program for the 2026 season.

First All-Star Tryout for Boys is in
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Register for Tryouts

Boys All-Star Team Information

How to Join the Excelsior Empire Boy’s All-Star Team

Step 1: Attend a Tryout
Register for an Excelsior Empire (XL) All-Star Tryout and show us your skills! Players can participate in as many tryouts as they like, for a fee of $40 per tryout. Each session gives athletes the chance to make their mark and stand out for selection.

Step 2: Training Sessions
Once selected, prepare for the big event by attending our Training Sessions, which will be held in June/July before the tournament. More information will follow after being accepted to the team.

Step 3: Travel to USAV All-Star Championships
All selected Excelsior All-Star teams will travel together to the prestigious USAV All-Star Championships. Compete alongside the best, representing Excelsior and showcasing your talent on a national stage!

What are the Participation Requirements?

  • All players must have an active annual membership with USAV and Excelsior.  One-Event memberships will not be accepted.
  • All players must be rostered on an Excelsior/USAV Rostered Team.
  • All players must participate in one or more of the Excelsior sponsored event tournaments – these include: Icicle Challenge, Syracuse Smash, and our Regional Tournament.

Time Commitment & Schedule:

This schedule does not include tryout dates or any additional events that may be added by the program after the teams are established.

  • Training Sessions: Dates and Times TBD
  • July 22: Travel Day to Madison, WI (Excelsior will supply transportation from airport to hotel in Madison!)
  • July 23: Practice Day
  • July 24 – 27: USA Volleyball All-Star Championship Tournament
  • July 28: Travel Day back Home (Excelsior will supply transportation from hotel to airport in Madison!)

Other Important Information to note:

Per Player fee: $1100
This price includes flights, food while in Madison, jerseys, warm up gear, and training sessions.

Team Travel: All players will travel together as a team to the All-Star Championship tournament and remain as a team throughout it. Return travel will be made as a team, unless otherwise approved by the Championship coordinator. Jerseys, lodging and meals will be provided during the trip.

Parents are welcome to attend at their option and at their own expense.

Age Divisions/Teams

We are excited to announce that we will be sending two teams to the upcoming tournament. During tryouts, you can try out for the age groups listed below. Once tryouts are complete, teams will be finalized based on a combination of factors, including each athlete’s performance, athleticism, and commitment.

Our goal is to form four the following five teams we are looking to build:

  • Boys U17 (Born in 2008/2009)
  • Boys U19 (Born in 2006/2007)

What is the Tryout Schedule?

Tryout times and locations may be adjusted based on participant interest. Athletes are welcome to attend as many tryouts as they’d like; however, attending at least one tryout is required to be considered for a team. Be sure to check our website regularly for any updates or changes throughout the season.

Boys All-Star Tryout Schedule: 

  • Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Russell Sage College in Albany, NY.
  • Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 3 PM – 6 PM at Russell Sage College in Albany, NY.

What is the Team Selection Process?

Team selections will be made no later than May 25, 2025. Those players selected will be sent an invitation and will be given 3 days to accept or reject the invitation. Once an invitation is accepted, a deposit of 50% of the player fee will be required, with the remainder to be paid prior to team travel.

Your 2025 Teams

Meet Your U19 Head Coach Reid Hartl!

Excelsior Empire is proud to have Reid Hartl leading our U19 team! Coach Hartl brings a wealth of coaching experience and a passion for player development to Excelsior Empire’s U19 program. Currently serving as the head men’s volleyball coach at Russell Sage College, Hartl has guided teams to success at the collegiate, high school, and club levels. With previous coaching roles at Vassar College, Guilderland High School, and Capital Sliders Volleyball Club, he has been instrumental in shaping young athletes both on and off the court.

As the previous director of Kraken Volleyball Club and a former ECVA North All-Star player, Hartl understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. His dedication to fostering talent and building competitive teams makes him a key leader in our program.

Want to learn more about Coach Hartl’s journey and coaching philosophy? Read his full bio here: Sage Gators Bio

Meet Your U19 Assistant Coach Alex Duncan!

Bringing over a decade of coaching experience and 12 years as a player, Alex Duncan plays a key role in developing Excelsior Empire’s U19 athletes. Now in his fourth season as an assistant coach at Russell Sage College, Duncan has helped guide the program to a New England Collegiate Conference Championship Tournament appearance alongside Head Coach Reid Hartl.

Duncan’s coaching experience includes leading the Guilderland Varsity Boys team as head coach for the past few seasons, along with contributing to the success of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake’s varsity and middle school programs. A former collegiate player for Carnegie Mellon’s club team, he combines technical expertise with a deep passion for the game.

Want to learn more about Coach Duncan’s journey and coaching philosophy? Read his full bio here: Sage Gators Bio

Want to learn more about Coach Basco’s journey and coaching philosophy? Read his full bio here: Fairleigh Knights Bio

Meet Your U17 Assistant Coach Tyler Schnaible!

Tyler Schnaible brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the Excelsior Empire U17 Boys team. Currently an assistant coach for Nichols College men’s and women’s volleyball programs, he helped guide the men’s team to a New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) Championship appearance in his first season.

A former collegiate athlete, Schnaible played at both Adrian College and The Sage Colleges, earning Empire 8 Academic All-Conference honors. His coaching background includes success at Shenendehowa High School, where he contributed to multiple sectional and regional championships.

With a passion for player development and leadership, Schnaible continues to grow the game at both the collegiate and junior levels.

Want to learn more about Coach Schnaible’s journey and coaching philosophy? Read his full bio here: Nichols Bisons Bio

The roster for the 2025 Excelsior Empire Boys U19 team has not been announced yet. Check back soon to see the talented athletes who will be joining the team!

The roster for the 2025 Excelsior Empire Boys U17 team has not been announced yet. Check back soon to see the talented athletes who will be joining the team!