From 2 Teams to 15: Hustle Factory / Apex Volleyball’s Rapid Rise in Just 3 Years

In a sport where access can be limited by cost and location, Tim Cooper is helping reshape the landscape for young athletes in the Maury County area. As the director/owner/coach of Apex Boys Volleyball Club and Director of Hustle Factory Volleyball Club, Cooper is growing more than just a program—he’s building a community where kids can thrive on and off the court.

What began three years ago as a two-team girls club has expanded into a dynamic program with 15 total teams and seasonal beginner leagues. With 130 to 160 kids participating throughout the year, the club’s reach has quickly multiplied, reflecting a strong demand for both accessibility and quality training in the region.

Affordability and opportunity are core to Hustle Factory’s mission. Before the club started, families in Columbia often had to travel over 30 minutes to find a competitive volleyball program, many of which came with a high price tag. Cooper made it his goal to change that—bringing quality coaching, competitive play, and developmental leagues within closer reach for families who previously had limited options.

But it’s not just about spiking volleyballs and winning games. The club’s philosophy centers on holistic growth. Players aren’t just challenged to become better athletes—they’re encouraged to become “world changers.” That means learning how to communicate effectively, navigate conflict, advocate for themselves, and build character through relationships with their coaches and teammates.

The program is already full of inspiring success stories. One 16-year-old student-athlete named Lily came in with no competitive sports experience. After joining Hustle Factory’s beginner camps, she went on to become a starting player on both her high school and club teams. Another 11-year-old, who initially joined as a practice player, later made her school team and returned to Hustle Factory as a starter.

Tim’s passion for volleyball is rooted in his own journey. He didn’t play sports seriously until high school, where positive coaching experiences helped him grow from an insecure teen into a confident athlete. As an adult, he discovered volleyball by chance while walking his dog past the sand courts at Centennial Park in Nashville, and the connection stuck. Over the years, he’s coached internationally and across the U.S., now channeling that experience into building a stronger, more inclusive local program.

Hustle Factory’s coaching team is just as committed. Coaches are selected not only for their volleyball knowledge, but for their dedication to developing players as people. Many, like Coach Cassie Johnson and even local business owner Joey from Joey’s Italian Ice, have made a significant impact on players’ growth, both on the court and in life.

This summer, the program is expanding its offerings with a full lineup of camps for different age groups and skill levels. The beginner summer league (which filled up quickly with 50 kids) introduces younger players to the sport, while intermediate and advanced camps offer deeper skill development for athletes ages 10 to 18. Plans for the fall include up to 15 girls teams, four boys teams, and a new national-level team designed for athletes pursuing elite competition.

Cooper is also a leading voice for boys volleyball in Tennessee, where it is not yet a sanctioned high school sport. Through the Tennessee Boys Volleyball Association, he’s helped grow the sport from nearly nonexistent to more than 30 schools offering club teams. It’s a grassroots movement that’s gaining traction—and one that he’s proud to be part of.

Whether your child is new to volleyball or ready to compete at a higher level, Hustle Factory Volleyball Club is helping young athletes grow in skill, confidence, and character—one serve at a time.

2025 Summer Volleyball Camps

Hustle Factory Girls Summer Volleyball Camps (age 11-14)

Intermediate Camp 1: June 3-5
Positionals Camp 2: July 15-17

Hustle Factory Girls Advanced Summer Volleyball Camp (age 15-18)

Camp 1 - June 24-26
Camp 2 - July 22-24

Apex Boys Volleyball Summer Camp: July 29-31

Both volleyball clubs play at The Hustle Factory Sports Complex: 5191 Joe Peay Rd, Spring Hill

Learn more about Apex Boys / Hustle Factory Girls Volleyball Summer Camps and Register Here

Watch the interview with Tim! 👇