Communication

If you are considering playing at the collegiate level, it is important to get organized and start your research. For recruitment in volleyball, the process of communications is beginning earlier each year. The first thing players need to confirm is that they do want to play at the next level. As soon as that is certain, the process can begin. Not everyone is going to be pursued by college coaches. Student-athletes need to be proactive when communicating with colleges for recruitment. To help narrow the communications process, student-athletes should have an understanding of where they would like to attend school. Research things like location/distance from home, academic program offerings, athletic program, division level(s), school history, etc. Athletes should compile a list of schools that interest them and gather contact information, including phone numbers and emails, for the volleyball program’s coaches, mainly the head coach and recruiting coordinator(s).

Via Phone - Coaches appreciate the old-school telephone conversation with prospective student-athletes. Student-athletes can contact coaches via phone directly at any time, however there are rules against interested coaches reaching out to players directly if they’re in their Freshman and Sophomore years. As a student-athlete in those years, be persistent in communications until you get direct contact via phone. When contacting coaches via phone, be prepared to ask questions about the school and volleyball program. Make sure to ask if they are currently recruiting for your position. Also be sure to inquire about their volleyball camp opportunities for extra looks and a visit to the campus. Have your game schedule handy so you can provide specific dates and times for coaches to come watch you play. This is your chance to prove yourself as a capable, hard-working volleyball player and coach-able athlete, so keep that in mind when preparing points of conversation. Thank them for their time and set a time for a follow up call.

Via Email - Send an email alongside your phone communication attempts for the schools you are interested in. Emails should include basic information such as your full name, location, high school, volleyball club, and position(s). For tall players with exceptional vertical, include your height and reach. In addition, players should include academic info (ACT/SAT scores, GPA, achievements, etc.) and notable, athletic statistics/awards from past/current volleyball seasons. Players should express their interest in the specific programs the school has to offer, not limited to the athletic program. Lastly, players should include and explain attachments such as game schedule, letter of recommendation, and video links.

Sending Video - When sending video to coaches - make sure the video includes unedited games where you played well. Don’t remove mistakes made! Coaches want to see how players adjust and carry on in various situations - good and bad. At most, send one full SET of a match. Otherwise, you can send videos of 5-10 minutes worth of play. Video links are the most convenient for coaches so they don’t have to sift through downloads and attachments. You also remove the risk of your emails being too large to send or be opened. Be sure to include your name, position and graduation year when naming any additional files. Provide simple access for them to watch you play.

College Camps and Matches - College camps are a great way to provide more insight about the type of player you are to interested coaches. If a coach expresses interest, whether directly or indirectly (e.g. spoke to your high school coach about you or sent a college brochure and questionnaire), try to connect with them as soon as possible via phone and discuss opportunities for a visit. If you are considering attending a camp, make sure the head coach will be in attendance and working directly with players. This is the only time college coaches are allowed to have face to face communication with prospective student-athletes. A more affordable option for a visit and face to face communication is attending a college volleyball match. You can stay after and initiate contact with the coach. Since you are on their campus, there are no restrictions to their communication with you.

Club Volleyball and Other Sports- Athletes should keep their training as a priority throughout the recruitment process. Players’ preparedness and their commitment to their development is most important to gaining an offer to play at the next level. Whether you’re playing club volleyball or other sports, coaches appreciate multi-sport athletes as it speaks to their abilities as an athlete and team member.

Recruitment By Position- A common understanding of recruitment demands by position in volleyball are as follows - setters are typically offered first along with tall and exceptionally skilled jumpers (usually middle and pin attackers). Defensive Specialists/Liberos are typically offered spots last. Important note: If a coach reaches out to you with interest, but their program is not the kind you are looking for, make sure you do not ignore their communication attempts! Politely touch base with them and be honest, letting them know you don’t believe you would be a good fit for their program and explain what you’re looking for. The college volleyball coaching community is way smaller than one would think. Any coach at any division may be able to refer you and put you in touch with the program of your dreams! Never take any of these communication efforts for granted. Say thank you and express your appreciation of their time and consideration.

 

College Divisions

The NCAA breaks colleges into 5 different divisions which include Division I/II/III, NAIA, and Junior Colleges. I encourage players to narrow down the competitive level they’re looking to pursue. If players have more academic factors vs. athletic factors, that will greatly change the list of potential programs. 

A brief definition of each NCAA Division is listed below:

NCAA Division I - Division One programs are comprised of the largest college and universities in the country. This is the premier division in College Volleyball and hosts nearly 118 programs. Division One programs generally have 12 scholarships with the exception of schools with small athletic departments.

NCAA Division II - Division Two programs are allowed to use a maximum allotment of 8 scholarships per athletic year. Division II schools, like Low Majors, use academic scholarship money that players qualify for to help offset their budget expense for each recruit. The Top 25 programs in Division II are on par with Low Major DI teams. Division II hosts a 64 team National Tournament each year.

NAIA - The top ranked NAIA schools are comparable to NCAA Division II. Every few years NAIA schools grow in size or strength and move up to NCAA II level. They are allowed to give athletic scholarships but vary depending on the athletic programs budget. NAIA schools have relaxed recruiting guidelines but follow the Division II calendar.

NCAA Division III - There are no athletic scholarships given in Division III. Scholarships may be provided by member institutions but have to be base on grades, test scores, and made available to
the student body as a whole.

NJCAA (JR Colleges) - These are two-year junior colleges that allow players to grow academically and/or physically before making the transition to a four-year school. Athletic scholarships areawarded. Recruiting is non-stop for NJCAA members.

 

Other Topics

Financial Options - As shown above, financial options vary depending on the types of scholarships that are available and awarded to the player. For lesser competitive divisions, a mix of academic and athletic scholarships can be provided. This is why it is important to include exceptional test scores and GPA’s in your communications with college coaches.

Injuries - Be sure to be honest about any injuries suffered after verbal commitments are made. Coaches should be aware of any limitations in your playing, especially during your sports season in case they make plans to come watch you play.

HS/Club Coaches' Role - High school and club coaches can help with the communication process, especially if there are rules against direct communication with the college coaches and players. At times, college coaches may reach out to high school and club coaches directly for information pertaining to a certain player. Coaches can also serve as a resource when gathering information to send to coaches. For example, coaches can provide statistics, recommendation letters, video, etc. Be sure to keep your high school/club coaches updated with your recruitment needs and status, whether or not you have committed.

Parents' Role - Parents are encouraged to be open with their kids regarding their options for school if there is a preference of location, financial aid and housing. Your limitations, if any, may affect the search process, so it helps to narrow these things down from the beginning. I strongly encourage parents to allow their children to initiate their own direct communication with coaches. College coaches prefer to get to know the player, not the parent. Parents will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions during meetings after an interest on both sides has been established.

Resources -