The college volleyball recruiting process

As a high school volleyball player interested in playing at the college level, I'm trying to understand the recruiting process. How do I get noticed, and what steps should I take to increase my chances of getting recruited?

There's a lot to know about the college volleyball recruiting process. It all begins with building a strong personal portfolio, which ideally should include your athletic and academic achievements, skillful gameplay videos, and actionable steps for direct engagement with college coaches. Here are some step-by-step suggestions:

1. Athlete Profile: Start by creating a profile showcasing your playing skills and academic achievements. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center for Division I and II schools and with the NAIA Eligibility Center for NAIA schools. Your profile should present a clear picture about your abilities, both in volleyball and in the classroom.

2. Highlight Video: Make a highlight video showcasing your best plays. The video doesn’t need to be a professional production, but the action should be clear. Your plays should be easily identifiable - many players will highlight or circle themselves on the screen before each play.

3. Research: Stuart researching colleges themselves. Consider aspects such as division level, academic programs, location, graduation rates, size of college, and culture when making your list of target schools. Make a list of 20-30 potential schools that fit your criteria.

4. Contacting Coaches: Start reaching out to college coaches at these schools with a well-crafted introduction email. The email should be concise, introducing yourself and explaining why you’re interested in their program. Include a brief overview of your academic and athletic qualifications, as well as a link to your highlight video. Remember, most college coaches prefer to be contacted by athletes directly rather than their parents, as it shows initiative and maturity.

5. Club Volleyball: If it's available and affordable in your area, consider playing for a club team during the off-season of your high school team. Club volleyball gives you extra playing time, helps you improve your skills, and enhances exposure to college coaches that often attend club tournaments.

6. Attend Camps and Showcases: These events provide an opportunity to get seen by multiple schools at once and can therefore be one of the best ways to get in front of college coaches. Although it's not a guarantee you'll be recruited, it's an important part of the process if it’s feasible for you.

7. Follow-ups: Don’t forget to periodically follow up with the college coaches you contact, especially with any updates such as new game stats, new highlight video, academic accolades, etc. It keeps your name fresh in their minds and shows your continued interest in their program.

8. Be Proactive: You can't just wait for recruitment opportunities to come your way. Be proactive and take charge. Start early, around your sophomore year if possible. It’s a long process that requires persistence and follow-through.

Please remember that while getting recruited is an exciting milestone, it is not an end in itself. Make sure to also focus on your academic pursuits and pick a college that aligns with your long-term goals, not just your short-term athletic ones.