Frequently Asked Questions

NIVA has options for athletes from age 3.5 through 18, from first-touch programs to Rec, Travel and advanced training.

Start with our Pathways page to see how the programs connect and which options fit your athlete's age and goals.

View NIVA Pathways →

Rec is designed for development, local competition and a lower overall commitment. Travel is a more competitive club experience with tryouts, more practices, more tournaments and greater travel.

Our Team Play Options comparison makes it easy to compare Girls Travel, Girls Rec, Boys Travel, Boys Rec, Spring Travel and Satellite Travel side by side.

Compare Team Play Options →

NIVA Girls Rec has two main divisions:

Feeder Teams: for girls in 3rd–8th grade. Players typically play for the feeder program connected to the high school they will eventually attend. Feeder teams usually practice locally and compete in NIVA Power League events at Mishawaka Fieldhouse.

High School Rec: for girls in 9th–12th grade. High school athletes are no longer part of a school feeder. They play in NIVA's house Rec league, with teams formed by skill level.

View Girls Rec Information →   High School Rec →

A feeder team is a Girls Rec team for 3rd–8th grade athletes connected to the high school program they are expected to eventually attend—or “feed into.”

Feeder programs are generally organized by coaches within that school system. They set their own practice schedule, coaches and team-selection process, while teams compete within the NIVA Rec / Power League structure.

View Girls Rec & Feeder Information →

You can still play. NIVA offers open Rec feeder options for athletes whose school does not operate its own feeder program.

The Independent Feeder practices at Mishawaka Fieldhouse, and NIVA also offers additional open feeder locations when available. These options are designed to give athletes a place to play even when their school does not have a feeder program.

View Open Feeder Options →

Travel teams are selected through tryouts. Coaches evaluate athletes by position, skill, athletic ability, effort, attitude and team needs. Placement is based on the level and roster that best fit the athlete and team.

Tryout dates, levels and current season details are posted on the Girls Travel and Boys Travel pages.

Girls Travel →   Boys Travel →

Travel Teams: Travel teams are competitive and cuts can be made at every age group.

High School Rec: High School Rec does not make cuts.

Feeder Teams: Some school feeder programs may need to make cuts because of coaching or gym-space constraints. However, NIVA's house feeder option—the Independent Feeder at Mishawaka Fieldhouse—does not make cuts.

So while some feeder teams may have limited roster space, NIVA has a feeder roster spot for every athlete through our MFH-based feeder options.

View Girls Rec & Feeder Options →

NIVA generally aims for 8–10 players per team. Depending on age, position needs, gym space, coach availability and the number of athletes in a program, rosters have ranged from 6–12 players.

Our goal is to build workable teams while making sure athletes have an opportunity to play and develop.

Practice schedules depend on the program. Many NIVA programs and Travel teams practice at Mishawaka Fieldhouse, while feeder and satellite teams may practice in their own communities.

Because schedules vary, check the page for your specific program or team before registering or accepting a roster spot.

Costs vary by program and team level. Instead of listing prices here and risking outdated information, we keep current fees, payment information and policies together on one page.

View Current Fees & Policies →

What is included depends on the program and team. Fees may cover items such as coaching, practice court time, tournament entry fees, memberships, equipment and other team-specific expenses.

Travel pages explain what is commonly included, while the Fees & Policies page contains current pricing and payment information.

View Fees & Policies →

Playing time depends on the program and competition level. Development is emphasized at younger Rec levels, while playing time becomes increasingly performance-based as athletes get older and competition increases.

Travel playing time is not guaranteed. Coaches consider performance, work ethic, attitude, attendance, position and what the team needs in competition.

Yes. NIVA supports multi-sport athletes and well-rounded students. Athletes are expected to communicate conflicts early and understand the commitment of the team they choose.

Before accepting a roster spot, families should review the team's practice and tournament schedule to make sure the commitment is realistic.

Use the main program pages for the most current master schedules and Power League dates:

Girls Travel Master Schedule →
Boys Travel Master Schedule →
Girls Rec Power League Dates →
Boys Rec Power League Dates →

NIVA fanwear is available through our Under Armour club store at 431 Sports. The store is available online for athletes, families and supporters.

Shop NIVA Fanwear →

Start with your coach or program lead when the question is team-specific. For club questions, our Directors page shows the areas handled by each NIVA director so you can quickly find the right person.

Find the Right NIVA Contact →