Hey, I'm a high school junior and a passionate volleyball player. I would love to combine academics and athletics. Which colleges in the US are known for good volleyball programs?
There are plenty of colleges in the U.S that have strong volleyball programs in conjunction with prestigious academics. I will give you a handful to start you off, but keep in mind that the right fit for you will come down to more than just volleyball and academics. Other factors, such as location, campus culture, and size, are important as well.
1. Stanford University has consistently one of the best women's volleyball teams in the nation and is an academically strong institution as well.
2. Penn State: The Nittany Lions are another dominant force in volleyball. Academically, Penn State has a wide range of highly ranked programs.
3. UCLA: The UCLA Bruins are traditionally strong in volleyball, and the school's academic programs are also well-regarded. Plus, you can't beat the Southern California weather if you're a beach fan!
4. University of Texas at Austin: The Longhorns have a fantastic women's volleyball team that has won several National Championships. UT Austin is known for its excellent academics, specifically in business and engineering.
5. Nebraska: While maybe not as highly-ranked academically as Stanford or UCLA, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a solid school that also has an impressive track record in volleyball.
Remember, playing collegiate athletics is a significant time commitment. It would be best to reach out to coaches early and often, and possibly attend camps to increase your exposure. It's also a good idea to keep your grades up and to have a plan in case you decide not to play volleyball in the future. Good luck!
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