Divisions

Team Ascent follows the age categories delineated by USA Climbing, the national governing body over youth climbing competitions. Youth categories U11, U13, and U15 are comprised of athletes born 2013 or later; where categories U17, U19, U20 are comprised of athletes born 2008-2012. For the 2026-2027 season, athletes on Team Ascent will be placed into one of three tiers:

• JUNIOR TEAM: For U11-U15 athletes who are newer to competing or training. NOTE: Junior Team is Open Enrollment; athletes may sign up on a month-to-month basis and do not need to complete tryouts before signing up (although we DO encourage Junior Team athletes to attend tryouts).
• COMP TEAM: For U13-U20 athletes who are excited to elevate their competitive level. Comp Team athletes must try out. 
• COMP SELECT: For U13-U20 athletes who are focused on high-level training and competition. Athletes must try out, and must be selected by the coaching staff to join this tier.

Team Ascent Tryouts

August 29th OR 30th, 2026

The purpose of tryouts is to find a place within The Ascent Studio Youth Instructional Program that enables each athlete to best grow as a climber. With that in mind, we limit the number of spots on the team to maintain a balanced coach-athlete ratio and enable us to give each athlete the individual attention they need. Trying out does not guarantee a spot on the team; generally, there are a greater number of participants in tryouts than spots available on the team.

An additional note: due to a recent change made by USA Climbing for the upcoming 2025/2026 competition season, there are no longer separate seasons for bouldering and sport climbing. Junior Team and Comp Team athletes do not need to compete in both disciplines, but should understand that practices throughout the season will involve both sport climbing and bouldering. Comp Select athletes are expected to train at a high level and compete in both disciplines.