Volleyball scholarships for college teams?

I'm considering playing volleyball in college and was curious about the scholarships available. How competitive are they and what do coaches generally look for in recruits?

Volleyball scholarships can be a great way to help offset the costs of college, but they can be quite competitive. They're primarily awarded based on athletic ability, so having strong skills and a solid performance history in the sport is vital. Knowing the level of the game where your skills fit best can help you target schools where you'd be a competitive applicant.

In Division I, there are 4.5 scholarships available for men's teams and 12 for women's teams, while Division II schools have 4.5 for men and 8 for women. As for NAIA levels, they offer up to 8 scholarships for both men's and women's teams. Note that these numbers are the maximum allowed by each division, not the number guaranteed to each team, so actual amounts can vary. In fact, many teams are "partially funded" which means they may have fewer scholarships available than the maximum limit.

Coaches typically look for several key qualities in recruits. Superior athletic ability is a given, but they also value leadership qualities, academic performance, and team compatibility. If you have video footage of your games or a highlight reel, make sure to include these in your communications with the coach.

When figuring out which schools might be a good fit for you, in addition to your skill level, you'll also want to consider factors like the school's location, academic offerings, and overall culture. Plus, don’t forget that you can also seek out academic scholarships to supplement athletic aid, as those sometimes have less competition.

Lastly, remember that playing collegiate volleyball is an important commitment and your academics should not take a back seat. The ultimate goal is to graduate with a degree as well as to play sports. So, balance is key!