How to making the JV team as an 8th grader

Question
Hello, I have the oppurtunity to play up as an 8th grader on the jv or 9th grade team.(In volleyball ,this fall) A couple of my friends who are in 8th grade have this oppurtunity, as well. I am hoping to make jv, how do i impress the coaches so i stand out from my friends? Thank you!

Answer
Good morning, and welcome to www.allexperts!  It's great to hear from you.

First, a few obvious facts:
a) if you are very very good, you'll make the team regardless of your height or age;
b) if you are a very weak player, you won't make the team, regardless of what you do.

But regardless:  Here's my advice on what to do in the weeks before tryouts!

1) Get as much time on the court as you can with other teenagers who have been coached, or with coaches who can teach you the game.  
2) Can you find & afford private lessons?  That'll be GREAT!!!
3) Are there any camps or weekend you can attend?   

On tryout days:

4) Arrive early, smile, help set up the nets, smile
5) Encourage your teammates throughout all drills.  Back in December, a girl who the coaching staff didn't even now made my team over other girls we knew, not only b/c she was really good, but b/c my assistant noticed that she was always encouraging her teammates during drills.
6) Hustle, hustle, hustle.  Coaches know that if you don't hustle during TRYOUTS, that you certainly won't hustle at normal practices.  

Then trust that the coaches to keep the best players!  
And if you don't make the team, try out for another team at the school!

I hope that you have time to visit www.coachhouser.com.  I think you'll really like all the smiling faces!!

Chat later!
Coach Houser