Advice on Securing a Volleyball Scholarship?

I'm interested in playing volleyball at the college level with a scholarship. What tournaments or showcases should I be looking into? Also, how important is video footage in the recruiting process?

Certain tournaments and showcases are particularly visible to college recruiters. For volleyball players, participating in National Qualifiers, Junior National Championships, and events hosted by the JVDA and AAU can be advantageous as these tournaments tend to draw scouts and coaches from around the country.

However, remember that it's not just about participating, but about standing out. Show your skills, leadership, and team spirit during these events. Don't shy from taking initiatives and communicating effectively with your team and coach, as these aspects can highlight your overall potential as a student-athlete.

Video footage is crucial in the recruiting process. Coaches do not have the time or resources to travel and watch every potential recruit in person. A good highlight video can showcase key skills and game highlights that may pique the interest of recruiters. These videos can be easily shared and watched at the convenience of the coach, and allow an athlete to get a foot in the door in terms of visibility.

Ideally, your video should include footage from a variety of game situations that show the breadth of your skills—serving, setting, attacking from the front and back row, blocking, and digging. Make sure the video is high quality, with clear angles and good lighting. Remember, your goal should be getting the viewer interested enough to want to see you play in person.

Don't forget to follow-up. If you've sent a video to a recruiter, follow up with them after a week or so to see if they've had a chance to watch it and to reiterate your interest in their program.

Finally, maintain a strong academic record. Scholarships are not just about playing well but also about being academically eligible. Even athletic scholarships require you to maintain a minimum GPA to be eligible. So, ensure you balance academics and sports effectively throughout this process.