The Value of College Volleyball

Hey guys, I'm a high schooler and a pretty passionate volleyball player. I'm curious about college volleyball teams. What are some of the most 'valid' or respected college volleyball teams currently? And how does one go about getting recruited?

The landscape of college volleyball is vast and diverse, ranging from small community colleges to large Division I universities. In the realm of Division I volleyball, teams that often come up in conversation for their success include Stanford, Nebraska, Penn State, and the University of Texas. But success doesn't entirely dictate validity or respect, and there can be solid volleyball programs elsewhere that fit a player's various interests and needs.

When it comes to getting recruited, the process can feel overwhelming but taking a step-by-step approach can help. Firstly, make sure to have strong grades in addition to your athletic skills as college is an academic experience first and foremost. What's on the court is just as important as what's in the classroom.

Now onto the athletic side of things. Begin by understanding NCAA eligibility rules, which can be quite comprehensive. These cover things like the academic requirements for eligibility, when and how coaches can contact potential recruits, and more. It would help to understand these to ensure you are meeting all the guidelines.

As an athlete, you should be proactive in reaching out to college coaches. Sending an initial email introducing yourself, your volleyball experience and stats, as well as why you're interested in their program can be a crucial first step in getting noticed. Make sure to include a link to your highlight video. This could include footage of your best plays, showing versatility in the positions you play, and clearly labeled with your name, jersey number and match date.

Additionally, attending volleyball camps can be an excellent way to gain exposure. Many colleges host their own summer camps, which can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your abilities and interact directly with the coaching staff. Depending on your school year, you might also attend college volleyball showcase events, where multiple college scouts and coaches come to observe prospective athletes.

One more thing to note - be open to exploring various divisions and not just DI as DII and DIII, and even NAIA schools can offer competitive athletics and financial aid opportunities. Remember, the best school for you encompasses academics, athletics, social scene, financial aid, and much more. Therefore, don't discount a school solely based on division or lack of scholarship options.

Finally, always remember to regularly update coaches with your latest achievements and stats throughout high school and club seasons. This sustained engagement could be the difference between a coach remembering your name or overlooking your profile. Good luck!