Understanding the college recruiting process for volleyball

I'm a junior volleyball player hoping to play at the collegiate level. Can someone explain how the recruiting process works for volleyball and what steps I need to take?

The college volleyball recruiting process can be a valuable experience as it allows both athletes and prospective schools to evaluate and communicate with each other. Here’s a general outline of how the process can work:

1. Build Your Athletic Resume: The first step is to prepare your athletic resume. This resume should include your academic record, club and school volleyball experiences, athletics achievements, physical measurements (for instance, height, approach jump, block jump), skills video, and the contact information of your current coaches.

2. Research Schools and Programs: It's important to start researching colleges and their volleyball programs to decide which fits you best athletically and academically. Look into the team's style of play, conference level, coach’s philosophy, team culture, and how you could potentially fit into the roster. Also, consider the school's overall academic reputation, majors offered, location, size, and other factors that are important to you.

3. Contact Coaches: You're allowed to reach out to coaches starting June 15th before your junior year under NCAA Division I rules. When you do, introduce yourself, express your interest in the program, and include your athletic resume and a link to your video. Be patient, as coaches may receive a lot of interest and may not be able to respond immediately.

4. Campus Visits: Visiting a campus can give you a real sense of what attending the school and being a part of the team is like. You can either arrange an unofficial visit on your own, or you could be invited for an official visit. Official visits are typically extended to athletes the coaches are very interested in.

5. Skills Video: A skills video is an essential part of the recruitment process, as it provides coaches with an opportunity to evaluate your skills and athletic ability. It should highlight your abilities during practice drills and in-game situations. Uploading it on a platform that's easily accessible to coaches is beneficial.

6. Tournaments and Camps: Attending volleyball tournaments and summer camps where college coaches may be scouting is also a good idea. Make sure to send them your schedule well in advance if you know they'll be there.

7. Maintaining Communication: Consistent communication with coaches is crucial. Follow-up emails after games or tournaments, updates on your academic or athletic achievements, and responses to coach's inquiries are good practice.

8. NCAA Eligibility Center: If you plan to play at the Division I or II level, you'll need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, which will certify your academic and amateur eligibility.

9. Commitment: If a coach offers you a spot on the team and you accept, you've made a verbal commitment. This is a mutual agreement of intention and is generally respected, though it's not legally binding. The formal commitment comes when you sign the National Letter of Intent (NLI), which is usually in your senior year.

Remember, this process requires time and dedication, as well as open, honest discussions with coaches. Best of luck with your recruitment journey!