Did Sting make any retention offers for the upcoming season?

As we prepare for the summer tryout season, we want to be clear that Milwaukee Sting will not be offering retention spots for any age division this year. While some clubs may choose that approach, we strongly believe in maintaining the competitive and inclusive culture that defines our program.

Every player—new or returning—will have an equal opportunity to earn a spot based on their performance at tryouts. We’re excited to see the talent in the gym and look forward to building our teams based on effort, potential, and commitment.

What age division should I register for?

1. Use the USAV Age Definition Chart to determine the correct age division based on your date of birth (DOB).
2. If your DOB aligns with your current grade level, register for that grade.
3. If your DOB indicates a lower age division than your current grade, register for your current grade.
4. If your DOB indicates a higher age division than your current grade, register for the higher age division.

Are your Sting teams already picked?

No. Teams are not pre-selected. Every player must earn their Club Offer during summer tryouts and then earn their team placement in the fall.

We do have strong year-to-year retention, but that is the result of players consistently working to improve and re-earning their spots.

What is the difference between Gold-Black-White-Silver teams?

All Sting teams are considered national-level teams and will attend an end-of-season national tournament (USAV or AAU).

• All teams receive consistent practice time and tournament schedules.
• Teams within the same age division practice together.
• Every team is exposed to high-level training and competition.

We are committed to developing players and pursuing excellence at every level.

When will we know if we get a Club or Team Offer from Sting?

After each day of tryouts, results will be emailed within approximately 60–90 minutes.

Families will also have the opportunity to speak with Sting staff to ask questions about the process and the upcoming season.

Players who do not receive an immediate offer will be placed on a Next Up list or Depth Chart, which will be posted online. We encourage those players to remain patient for 12–24 hours, as opportunities can open up due to changes or declines.

The deadline to accept a summer Club Offer is August 1st.

How many players do you put on a roster?

Teams typically carry 10–12 players, with a target of 11 players per team in an ideal situation.

How does your tryout process work?

MKE Sting takes great pride in ensuring that every player is evaluated by multiple coaches during tryouts. Over the course of the two-day tryout process, players are assessed in three phases: (1) Position Groups, (2) Combined Position Groups, and (3) 6 vs. 6 Competition.

Throughout these sessions, coaches evaluate each player’s skills, communication, effort, body language, playmaking ability, and other intangibles that contribute to being a successful player and teammate at MKE Sting.

Fall Club Offer Tryouts will be announced (TBA) based on participation numbers from the summer tryout process.

Day 1 – Saturday Tryout (July 18)

Players are trying out for placement within the club. After the session, each player will receive an email from MKE Sting outlining their placement in one of the following groups:

• Club Offer Group – All players in this group are invited to return on Day 2 to continue the tryout process and compete for a spot on a team within their age division.
• Next Up Group – Players in this group are invited back on Day 2 and remain under consideration for a club spot, pending any declines from the Club Offer Group.
• Depth Chart Group – Players may choose whether or not to return for Day 2. Based on current evaluations, they are lower on the position rankings. If they have opportunities with other clubs, they are encouraged to explore those options.

Day 2 – Sunday Tryout (July 19)

Players are trying out for final team placement or team range. After the session, each player will receive an email with one of the following outcomes:

• Team Offer – Players in the 18U, 17U, 11U, and 10U divisions will receive a specific team assignment.
• Team Range Offer – Players in the 16U, 15U, 14U, 13U, and 12U divisions will receive a placement within one of the following team ranges:
  • Gold–Black
  • Black–White
  • White–Silver
• Next Up Group – Players in this group will not receive an immediate team offer but remain under consideration should spots become available due to declines.
• This group will also remain under consideration for any fall tryouts needed to fill rosters, address injuries, or accommodate players choosing not to return to the club.

All tryout results will be posted online and updated as quickly as possible.

My child plays two positions. How should I address that in the tryout registration?

We ask that players register for tryouts and select their primary position. If a player plays multiple positions, they will have the opportunity to rotate and be evaluated in different roles during the 6 vs. 6 competition phase of tryouts.

My child does not know their position yet. What should I choose in the tryout registration?

You may select “Not Sure” during registration. Our staff will help place your child in the appropriate position group for evaluation before tryouts begin. Positional development will be directed by our coaches when players are in our younger age groups, where many players will be asked to play multiple positions to aid in their own development.

How much are your club dues?

We encourage families to evaluate value beyond just cost. Rather than comparing pricing to local clubs, we recommend comparing MKE Sting to the top clubs in the country—those we consistently compete against. Our goal is to provide a high-level experience that delivers strong value for your investment.

Where can I find your coaching roster?

We take pride in having one of the top junior club coaching staffs in the Badger Region and are always working to improve it. We are currently in the process of interviewing and hiring coaches for the upcoming season. A preliminary coaching roster will be shared during the summer tryout season, with a finalized version released in the fall.

If my child has a #1 team offer at another club here in the region and a Club Offer at Sting ... why should we consider the Sting Club Offer over the other ?

The decision ultimately comes down to quality over recognition.

At MKE Sting, players across all teams train and compete alongside some of the top talent in Wisconsin. Our teams compete in highly competitive tournaments while representing a strong tradition and standard of excellence.

Players also benefit from working with one of the top junior coaching staffs in the country. These factors play a major role in long-term player development and overall experience.

If we accept an offer from Sting, what can we expect to experience with the the Sting culture?

• Have Fun – This is why athletes start playing. We work to keep that passion and energy alive.
• Always Compete – Being part of a team means giving your best effort every time you step on the court.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Fail – Growth comes from challenges, mistakes, and learning through experience.
• We Are Family – When you join Sting, you become part of a lifelong community built on relationships, traditions, and shared experiences.