★ 5

Global Sports Institute is truly my second home! I play on the 17 Teal volleyball team as well as go to school here, and I can honestly say both of these programs have changed my life. The coaches push us to be our best while still making every practice fun, competitive, and supportive. The environment is super positive, and you can feel how much everyone cares—from the staff to the players across every age group. I’ve grown so much as an athlete and as a person because of GSI. I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Our granddaughter had personal lessons with Coach Yuri this summer. The experience at GSI gave her a real learning curve — she improved her technique and confidence. Now back in Romania with her team, she already looks forward to returning next summer.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

We came this summer from Romania to visit our relatives and decided to try a camp for our niece. After some research and also some recommendations from friends in Europe, we chose GSI. She had a couple of sessions with Coach Yuri and also joined a two-day positional camp. She liked it very much and told us it was the best experience she had so far.

The feedback she received from Coach Yuri was more than she ever got before, very clear and helpful. We are thankful for this experience and for sure we will come back next summer.

Source: Google

★ 5

New to GSI this season (2025) and we're excited to get started! Met Coach Turhan at tryouts and spoke with him in detail about their program.

We're looking forward to working with Coach Yury on the green U14 team, using the specialized equipment and seeing my daughters growth through the physical assessments and practices.

I do find some of the reviews here concerning now and I plan to update my review with our experiences this year once we've made it through the season.

Source: Google

★ 5

GSI Volleyball is top-tier in every way!

From the moment you walk into the gym, you can feel the energy, passion, and professionalism that sets GSI Volleyball apart. The coaching staff is nothing short of awesome—experienced, supportive, and truly invested in every athlete’s development. They not only focus on improving technical skills and game IQ, but they also build strong character, confidence, and teamwork.

What really makes GSI stand out is their clear vision for the future. They’re not just running a program—they’re building a culture of excellence. Whether your goal is to play in college or simply grow as a player and person, GSI provides the tools, support, and pathway to get you there.

If you’re serious about volleyball and want to be part of a program that prioritizes growth, leadership, and long-term success, GSI is the place to be. Couldn’t recommend them more!

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is awesome! I love Alex, Yuri and their team! Top coaching, top facility, forward thinking and family focused. Anyone that creates fake Google accounts and negative reviews - easy to see through you! Keep working hard GSI!

Source: Google

★ 5

I played on GSI’s 16u National Green Team. I had a great season. The group of coaches and staff at GSI are welcoming and kind. Everyone is always positive and uplifting. The coaches are very knowledgable and actually teach volleyball. They take the time to explain the how and the why. The amount of growth I’ve had in just one season at GSI has already put me in communication with colleges for recruitment. The coaches at GSI are very knowledgable in the recruiting process and they’re always willing to help. I’ve been playing volleyball for 6+ years and there’s nothing like GSI in the area. I’m so grateful GSI came to Sarasota County.

End of season recap: GSI 16u Green placed 8th in the state for USAV. We always played in the Open Division at qualifying tournaments for the best college recruitment exposure. We took 3rd place in gold in the top division at Florida Regionals.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great Pickleball Courts. Low monthly membership cost. We need more people to join to get enough for game.

Source: Google

★ 1

Worst experience in volleyball. Changed the coach at the start. Team was not even with full players. We needed to borrow players for tournaments. Wrong placements and complete absence of management team until after multiple escalations and anyway lack of resolution. You have to have good luck and all will be fine.

Source: Google

★ 1

awful experience. disorganized, unprofessional disaster of a club.

Source: Google

★ 1

Without a doubt, I can sympathize with GSI being a new program in its first year. Naturally, bumps along the way were expected. We understood from the start that it wouldn’t be perfect, and we were willing to work through the growing pains and support GSI in getting off the ground.

However, we never imagined it would continue to be the disorganized experience it turned out to be. As parents who paid well above the minimum $3,000 package, we feel that GSI overpromised and underdelivered.

Our daughter tried out for GSI but also attended tryouts with her previous club to ensure she was making the right decision. Shortly after tryouts, she received an acceptance email from GSI, and we, the parents, were given just 48 hours to accept her spot. Fearing the loss of her opportunity, we accepted. However, for more than a month afterward, we had no idea what team she was on—and it changed multiple times.
Later, GSI held additional tryouts, which signaled that the initial turnout was lower than expected and that teams were being pieced together. The urgency to commit within 48 hours, in hindsight, appears to have been a tactic to lock in players without full transparency. We overlooked this at the time, hoping for a quality program. Our daughter was committed—so much so that she paid for half the season herself.

The merchandise included in our package was not delivered as promised. Some girls never received the items they paid for.
GSI held a large jersey reveal (without customized jerseys), took photos of the girls in them, but the younger team’s jerseys “never arrived” or were “back-ordered.” Instead, we received outdated gym-class-style jerseys. While they technically served the purpose, they were not what was advertised or expected.

Communication between GSI and parents has been absolutely unacceptable. This point cannot be overstated. At least 90% of GSI’s problems could be reduced or resolved with better communication.

Do not tell me I can’t watch my child practice, but if I purchase a gym membership ($250 sign-up + $80/month), I can. This is discriminatory. All volleyball parents should be treated equally regardless of financial status. My husband is handicapped and cannot use the equipment (hello, ADA violation). Many parents drive over an hour, multiple times a week, to participate in your club. You should offer free gym access during practice hours—or at the very least, allow all parents to observe practice, not just those with memberships. In December, it was stated that practices would be viewable. This didn’t happen until months later—and only twice.

Do not put on a sales pitch and push parents to purchase GSI gear for tournaments—especially without incentives. Every item was adidas, $55+, and a poor selection. If you want to enforce this rule, have a local printer make shirts. In the future, consider offering a $150 merch voucher for parents and build the cost into the club fee if you prefer. Presentation matters. When you can’t get team assignments or uniforms right, it’s insulting to push us to buy more gear.

Our coach missed 17 practices and an unknown number of conditioning sessions. Eventually, the coach either resigned or was fired—three weeks before the new coaches took over, and just three weeks before the season ended. Alex approved two extra weeks of practice to make up for lost time, but when asked when they would occur, he said the coach was still checking her schedule. Then she tried to say the kids could go to clinics in lieu of the actual practice makeups. Clinics and practices are NOT the same. That was ok’d April 4th. Then our GroupMe chat was deleted. Once again, GSI overpromised and underdelivered.

We were not informed that the season extension from May to June 16 would incur an additional cost. In January, we received notice that continuing would require an extra $1,300. This should have been disclosed upfront.

The facility is beautiful and has a lot of potential. However, this is Venice, Florida—not California. To be successful, they should take feedback from families more seriously.

Source: Google

★ 1

I was deeply unimpressed with this volleyball season. GSI has lost a great player, great teammate, and an all-around great kid who genuinely wanted GSI to be her home club. Unfortunately, due to poor business management, repeated empty promises, and a lack of urgency in addressing problems, that opportunity was lost.
Our team faced coaching, equipment, & scheduling issues for the majority of the season, with multiple missed practices that we rightfully paid for. These concerns were raised numerous times—both with the team mom and during meetings—and we were repeatedly assured that things would be made right. However, last week our team chat was shut down, and since our April 4th meeting, our emails and texts have gone unanswered. This is not how an “elite” club should operate or treat its players and families. We took a chance on a new club, and GSI failed to deliver in every aspect. Sadly, this was just one of several disappointing experiences this season.
On a single positive note, Coach Burdick is an excellent coach who stepped in during the final weeks of the season. She reignited my daughter’s passion for volleyball, and for that, I am truly grateful. Had GSI shown any real effort to follow through on its promises instead of ignoring them, we would have considered returning next season—if only for Coach Burdick’s leadership. But the way this year unfolded made it painfully clear that, at GSI, players and their families come second. The cost simply doesn’t match the experience—this club is not worth the premium, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

Source: Google

★ 5

GSI has been an incredible experience for us this season. As both a parent and coach, I’ve seen firsthand how passionate and knowledgeable the staff is. The coaches bring high-level experience and, more importantly, genuinely invest in their athletes. If your child is ready to work hard and grow, this is the place to be.

Like any new program, GSI has had its learning curve—but they’ve welcomed feedback, owned the challenges, and continue to improve and evolve as an organization.

My 12-year-old has made tremendous progress this year—even with some obstacles—and we’re already looking forward to next season. GSI is doing great things, and I highly encourage you to come see for yourself what they’re building.

Source: Google

★ 5

You absolutely will NOT find a better club than GSI. Being in the volleyball club scene for 7 years now, with 3 daughters playing, we have seen it all and I can tell you that nothing compares to GSI. If you are looking for a truly competitive club that offers top level coaching, Olympic level conditioning, nutritional support, a full fitness facility, a safe and clean building, top notch recruiting, friendly staff, competitive tournaments, and more...GSI is your place. Absolutely worth the money!

Source: Google

★ 5

Now that the volleyball season is over, I can share our experience with GSI. This is an amazing club and a great facility that focuses on encouraging athletes to achieve their best. My daughter has improved tremendously throughout the season, only thanks to the top-notch coaches like Yuriy, Turhan and Angie. Being a realist, I know she started as quite an average athlete, now she’s blossomed into a much more solid volleyball player who’s more confident in her skills and her own strength. It hasn’t been perfect but at the end it’s my child’s growth that matters and that has been delivered!!!
Thank you GSI for a great season!

Source: Google

★ 1

Our experience with GSI has been very disappointing.
After registering for the season, we were informed of a change in the coach, a major decision that was made after our commitment, without prior notice or any opportunity for discussion. This lack of transparency was our first red flag.
Unfortunately, the organization and communication throughout have been extremely poor. We did not receive the quality we were promised. Our expectations, based on the initial information provided, were not met in any way.
We truly hope GSI takes this feedback seriously and works toward building a more respectful and well-organized environment, where families feel informed and valued. At this time, however, we would not recommend the program based on our personal experience.

Source: Google

★ 1

This has not been a positive experience. This club has over-promised and under-delivered in every way. Here are just a few examples. The head coach was often negative, made belittling remarks, and rarely provided any positive feedback. During games, the coaches mostly sat on the sidelines and laughed rather than actively coach. The tournament schedule and locations were changed multiple times throughout the season and communication about tournament details was extremely poor. Most noteworthy, the owner of the club demonstrates a complete lack of professionalism and appropriateness. At a meeting this week (without parents present) she told a team of 14-year-old girls that “your parents should stay out of your business”. She also told this team that their parents were gossiping and lying about the club. These are conversations and statements that should never take place between minors and an adult in this role. GSI is a non-transparent, disorganized, unethical, money-grab.

Source: Google

★ 1

This place is horrendous and unorganized. They charge you a fortune just for your child to be disappointed and traumatized. Many people will not be coming back due to their unprofessional behavior. At all costs don’t send your children here. I would never recommend this to anyone!

Source: Google

★ 1

Scheduling an event for 10:30 AM, advertising it at 11:30 AM, and then telling attendees upon arrival that it’s actually at 12 PM is beyond unprofessional—it’s downright disrespectful. To charge nearly $20 for an event that never even happened is unacceptable.

Wasting people’s Sunday morning with poor communication and zero accountability is not just inconvenient; it shows a complete lack of regard for customers’ time and money. No one even showed up, which proves how mismanaged this was.

Avoid this at all costs unless you enjoy throwing away money and your precious free time.

Source: Google

★ 5

Hello, I would just like to say that GSI is the best. It is really helpful from the upstairs gym down ti the realy amazing coaches. I thought it would be nice to hear from a player not just a parent or an outsiders point of view. I have gotten so much better from just a half season, again I love the coaches they are really helpful and great! Thank you GSI!!

Source: Google

★ 1

Source: Google

★ 5

Cool facilities

Source: Google

★ 5

The best way I can describe GSI is “World Class”- World Class coaches, world classes facilities, aiming to develop world class athletes. As a volleyball mom of 2 athletes who aspire to play at the highest level, having the opportunity to train at GSI is a no-brainer.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love Global Sports Institute! We are really a family, I’m so excited for this club season as an ambassador.

Source: Google

★ 1

Unfortunately, our experience with the volleyball program at GSI was deceitful and unethical. We were open to having our daughter play for this team and were given practice and tournament schedules verbally after her tryout. When we signed our contract, it was with the understanding that our practice and tournament schedule would be as we were told after tryouts - we would go to 2 out of state and 4 in state tournaments with 1 out of state being decided with parent input (parent input never happened). The actual tournament schedule has 6 out of state and 9 in state tournaments! Also, the practice schedule was much different with more weekday practices that are later in the evening than we were originally told. We attempted to communicate our concerns for our daughters' well-being, but not only did we not receive any compassion from GSI, we were also demeaned for advocating for our daughter by a parent on a group chat. We requested a refund for payments made thus far (she has not received any training, been to a single practice, or tournament) but were denied our refund of $2,368.20. Parents, we wanted to share this experience, so you don’t make the same mistake and entrust your children to adults who are unethical and don’t have the wellbeing of kids as their primary focus. Also, don't put your credit card in sports engine until you see the finalized practice and tournament schedule!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughters did clinics at this organization and absolutely loved it! Coach Donald is amazing and all other coaches we worked with were great!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

My daughter is joining the volleyball club. She has done a couple private volleyball sessions. Beautiful facility. Exceptional coaches! Great communication and friendly staff.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My child did a 3 day camp and a small additional clinic. They had a great workout to begin. Though rigorous they still managed to have fun and laugh as well. The coaching was superb. The kids were able to train with different coaches and each were fantastic!

Source: Google

★ 5

Looks excellent to me. John Kwon seems to be excellent.

Source: Google

★ 5

What a wonderful facility! Donald and Yury have been great with Kate this summer. My daughter has done several camps and we are very excited for volleyball club season.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 2

I Join GSI for pickleball. Here are my suggestions:
* Get better lighting so you can see the ball.
* Have specific courts designated for beginning, intermediate, and advanced.
* For booking, show the actual court (whether it be beginning, intermediate, or advanced) with the number of people signed up.
Right now it is hit or miss whether there is even enough people to play let alone at your level.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined GSI today. Great facility, 12 beautiful new courts. Loved the flooring and my knees don’t hurt after playing.

I signed up for intermediate play tonight and had a blast. About 12 people showed up, all were friendly and we all enjoyed playing together. Even split of men and women.. and we rotated players. Also, the AC felt great! Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great first impression of the facility! We can wait for the season to start.

Source: Google

★ 5

Beautiful facility! We are looking forward to volleyball tournaments this summer! 👏👏👏

Source: Google

★ 1

The new Global Sports Institute in Venice, Florida is easily one of the biggest let downs I have experienced in my entire life.

The South Sarasota/Venice/Nokomis area has long been lacking a proper indoor pickleball facility and state of the art gym, so when I heard about GSI I was obviously excited. A quick browse of their website showed what looked to be an amazingly thought out facility full of properly sectioned and designed pickleball courts, an incredible functional training facility, and a gym full of free weights and top of the line equipment. Well, it’s all a lie. The pictures on their website are NOTHING like the actual facility and it is clear that the owner/investor of GSI is neither a pickleball player nor an avid gym goer.

If someone paid me to come up with the worst pickleball facility imaginable I don’t think I would have come up with something this bad. The courts are not painted in any fashion and are literally white taped lines on beige gym floors. There are massive pillars that will interfere with multiple courts and the ceiling in part of the facility is too low to lob. The volleyball and pickleball space is shared and the nets are portable and I’d imagine cheap. The entire pickleball part of the facility looks and feels like a cash grab to fund the owners passion for volleyball.

The “gym” is nothing more than a small upstairs loft with some basic machines. There is no functional training area, no lifting platforms, no array of barbells and free weights, and the dumbbells only go up to 75 pounds !! I’ve stayed in hotels with a nicer fitness facility than the one available at GSI.

Overall GSI looks and feels like it was designed/built out as cheaply as possible. When it fails hopefully someone can come in and make it the space that this area truly deserves

Source: Google