Do schools offer volleyball scholarships for college?

I'm on the volleyball team at my high school, and I have dreams of playing in college. Are there scholarships available for athletes in volleyball, and if so, what's the recruitment process like?

Absolutely, volleyball scholarships are certainly available for college. Both NCAA Division I and II schools are allowed to offer scholarships to student-athletes. NCAA Division III schools, on the other hand, do not offer athletic scholarships, but they do offer other forms of financial aid that athletes can avail.

The recruitment process can start as early as your sophomore year of high school. Coaches will start to identify potential recruits based on their performance in high school games, club matches, and showcase tournaments. They also often rely on highlight reels and stats.

A proactive approach is also useful. Reach out to college coaches with an introduction email, a highlight reel, your academic and athletic stats, and any other relevant information. Make sure you know the NCAA rules for communication with coaches, as they vary by division and year in school.

Once you've grabbed the attention of a coach, the formal recruitment process begins. This can involve campus visits, more in-depth talks with the coach and team, and possibly an offer. Visits can be official (the school covers expenses and are limited in number) or unofficial (your family covers expenses and there's no limit on the number of visits).

Recruiting for volleyball specifically often focuses on club tournaments. These tournaments can gather hundreds of teams in one place, making it an efficient way for college coaches to scout potential recruits. College coaches use club season (winter to early summer) to evaluate athletes in person, so being on a club team is beneficial. Most athletes commit to a college team during their junior year, but recruiting can continue into senior year particularly for division II and III and NAIA schools.

Lastly, you should also consider the academic aspect of college. Having good grades and test scores will not only provide more opportunities for academic scholarships but also make you more attractive to college coaches, as it shows you can handle the academic rigors of being a student-athlete. Having a high GPA can also be crucial if you're aiming for Division III schools, as they offer aid based on academics rather than athletics.