What I’m Packing At Adult Nationals (And How It Can Apply To Your Club Season Too)
The Volleyball-Playing-Mom Bag Tour You Didn’t Know You Needed!
This week, I’m heading to Denver to play in USA Volleyball Adult Nationals—my first time competing since 2019! A lot has changed since then… including having two kids and being a few years older 😂. But I’m excited to get back out there and compete.
As a competitive person who deeply values lifelong movement, this trip is more than just a tournament—it’s a reminder that staying active is possible at any age when you train smart, take care of your body, and prepare intentionally.
The Truth About Aging, Childbirth, and Returning to Sport
Let’s be real: I don’t move the same as I did six years ago. The effects of aging—and having kids—aren’t lost on me. That means I’m approaching this tournament with a whole lot more planning and recovery tools than I used to. But honestly? That’s not a bad thing.
In fact, many of the items I’m bringing apply just as much (if not more) to youth athletes, especially those competing year-round in high volumes with limited rest. Whether you’re a teen or a mom of two, smart recovery and injury prevention make a difference.
So if you’re a player—or a parent of one—heading to your next big tournament, here’s a breakdown of what I’m packing, why it matters, and how it could help you or your athlete feel and perform better on game day.
🏐 Tournament Bag Essentials
1. Lacrosse Ball
Tiny but mighty. Lacrosse balls are excellent for working out tight spots pre and post-match—especially the feet, posterior shoulder, lats, and other high-use areas. If you know where you tend to tighten up, this is a great, easy to pack, tool.
2. KT Tape
I love KT Tape. It’s one of my go-to tools for muscle support, pain relief, and managing tightness or minor injuries. Whether you’re dealing with soreness, tweaks, or just want some extra support during a long tournament weekend, KT Tape can make a noticeable difference in both how you feel and how you recover.
That said, there’s a bit of a learning curve. If you don’t know how to apply it properly, it might not give you the effect you’re hoping for. But the good news? It’s rarely harmful, even if applied imperfectly.
Another thing to keep in mind—if you’re planning to get taped by a tournament athletic trainer, you usually need to bring your own tape. So it’s worth packing even if you’re not sure you’ll need it.
Thankfully, there are tons of helpful application tutorials online, especially from the KT Tape brand itself, that walk you through how to apply it for common injuries or areas of soreness.
Personally, I prefer the uncut rolls because I can customize the length for whatever I need, but pre-cut strips work great for most basic applications and are super convenient.
KT Tape is definitely one of those small items that can make a big impact and worth having on hand.
3. Electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential for athletes—water alone just isn’t enough when you’re sweating and competing hard.
Personally, I love the brands LMNT and Redmond Re-Lyte. This weekend, I’m packing LMNT because their single-use packets are super easy to travel with and toss in my bag.
Gatorade is another popular option and definitely does the job. The key difference? LMNT and Re-Lyte contain significantly more sodium and potassium, even compared to the most electrolyte-rich Gatorade options (though different Gatorade lines vary in content).
On the flip side, Gatorade includes sugar, which athletes do need for quick energy and sustained performance during long days. So, if you go with LMNT or Re-Lyte like I do, just make sure to pair them with snacks that offer quick-acting carbs—which is exactly what I do!
4. Snacks
Fuel is non-negotiable. Without food, performance drops. While the ideal is balanced, whole foods, the reality is that any fuel is better than no fuel.
My favorites? Honestly—my kids’ snacks! Fruit bars, yogurt bites, and fruit snacks for quick energy, plus protein bars (like GoMacro) and trail mix for sustained energy and recovery.
Encourage athletes to notice how they feel after eating certain things—that awareness is more powerful than labeling foods “good” or “bad.”
Here are some I brought with me this weekend:
5. Ankle Braces
Here’s my take on ankle braces: If you’ve never had an ankle sprain, you probably don’t need to wear one. That said, ankle sprains are the most common injury in volleyball, so having a brace on hand is definitely a smart move. If you do sprain your ankle, depending on how bad it is, a brace can give you the extra support you need for walking—or even help you get back on the court sooner. At the end of the day, every athlete should make the informed choice that feels right for them.
Here is my favorite type:
6. Toe Spacers or Toe Socks
Okay, hear me out—our feet are our foundation, and they play a huge role in everything that happens up the chain. That said, I think sport shoes still have a long way to go when it comes to truly supporting foot health. (If I ever figure out how to create a wide toe box volleyball shoe, you’ll be the first to know!)
Because our feet are often crammed into tight shoes, we can lose some of the natural function and strength in our toes. And that’s something we don’t want to lose. Giving your feet a little extra love—like spending time in toe spacers or toe socks—can really help.
Honestly, this topic deserves its own blog post… and it probably will get one, so stay tuned!
7. Resistance Band
So small, so useful. Bands are great for activating muscles before warm-up, increasing blood flow, and promoting recovery through light post-game movement.
There are so many types of bands out there of different resistances - they all get the job done! The band below is one I do really like for it's length and versatility.
8. Motivational Tools
A strong mindset makes a difference. I always bring a game-day playlist, a few motivational quotes, and sometimes a journal to stay centered and connected to my “why.”
Other Things To Consider
▪️ Foam Roller
Personally, I recover and move better when I use a foam roller—especially post-match or to improve thoracic mobility and shoulder recovery.
If it helps you feel better, I say use it.
▪️ Games & Cards
Downtime happens. Bringing a deck of cards or a small game helps pass the time and build team connection.
▪️ Two Water Bottles
One for plain water, one for electrolytes. Or just have a backup ready—it never hurts.
Cooling towel
Blanket (gyms can be cold too!)
Extra hair ties
Mini first aid kit
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Portable phone charger (especially if you’re reffing or scorekeeping via phone)
Extra deodorant for your volleyball bag
Plastic Utensils
Plastic Ziploc Bags
🛬 What I Get as Soon as I Arrive
WATER and MORE FOOD!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re competing in your first national event in years or supporting your youth athlete through another long tournament weekend, being prepared makes a big difference.
Recovery and readiness aren’t just for injured athletes—they’re the key to staying in the game.
