The college volleyball recruiting process can be intimidating for high school athletes, but with the right approach, it can also be an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and potentially earn a scholarship.
But, some of the stats that are out there can make it clear how difficult it is to compete in college athletics. For instance:
- According to the NCAA, less than 2-percent of high school volleyball players go on to play in college.
In this post, we'll share 10 tips to help you navigate the recruiting process successfully and increase your chances of getting recruited.
Tip #1: Start The Process Early
- Actionable Tip: Start researching and reaching out to college coaches as early as possible (ideally freshman year)
- Mistake: Waiting until senior year to start the recruiting process
Starting the recruiting process early gives you more time to connect with coaches, learn about the different programs and schools, and showcase your skills. Waiting until senior year, on the other hand, puts you at a disadvantage and limits your options.
Keep in mind that the recruiting process is highly competitive, so the earlier you start, the better your chances of getting noticed by coaches.
Tip #2: Attend Volleyball Camps and Showcases
- Actionable Tip: Attend volleyball camps and showcases to gain exposure and showcase your skills to college coaches
- Mistake: Attending too many camps/showcases without a clear plan or purpose
Volleyball camps and showcases are great opportunities to meet coaches, receive feedback on your skills, and showcase your talent to a wider audience. However, attending too many events without a clear plan or purpose can be counterproductive and exhausting.
Be strategic in selecting the events you attend and make sure you're using them effectively to further your recruiting goals. If you aren't able to travel, check out some of the virtual Volleyball events on GMTM.com that you can compete in from home.
Tip #3: Create a Strong Recruiting Profile
- Actionable Tip: Create a detailed and professional recruiting profile on GMTM.com that includes academic and athletic information, as well as videos and photos of your skills and game highlights
- Mistake: Submitting a sloppy or incomplete recruiting profile
A recruiting profile is a key tool for getting noticed by coaches and showcasing your skills and achievements. Make sure your profile is complete, professional, and up-to-date, and include videos and photos that highlight your strengths as a player.
Remember that coaches receive hundreds of profiles, so making yours stand out is critical. With a profile on GMTM.com, you can include metrics like your vertical jump and serving skills along with videos of games and practices. This will help coaches from across the country get an idea of how you compete.
Tip #4: Keep Your Grades Up
- Actionable Tip: Maintain a strong academic record to demonstrate your commitment and potential as a student-athlete
- Mistake: Letting grades slip and jeopardizing eligibility or college admission
Maintaining good grades is not only important for your academic success, but also for your eligibility to play sports in college. Coaches are looking for well-rounded student-athletes who can succeed both on the court and in the classroom, so keeping your grades up can give you an edge in the recruiting process.
Tip #5: Be Coachable and Show Good Attitude
- Actionable Tip: Show a positive and coachable attitude to demonstrate your willingness to learn and improve
- Mistake: Being defensive or resistant to feedback from coaches or teammates
Coaches are not only looking for talented players, but also for athletes who are coachable, willing to learn, and have a positive attitude. Showing a good attitude and being receptive to feedback can help you stand out from other recruits and demonstrate your potential as a team player.
Tip #6: Be Strategic in Your Communication
- Actionable Tip: Be strategic in your communication with coaches, and make sure to personalize your messages to each program and coach
- Mistake: Sending generic or mass emails to coaches, or failing to follow up after initial contact Stat: Coaches receive hundreds of emails from recruits, so standing out and making a connection is critical
When communicating with coaches, it's important to be strategic and personalized in your approach. Research the program and coach, and tailor your messages and interactions accordingly.
Sending generic or mass emails can make you seem disingenuous or uninterested, while personalized messages can help you build a relationship with the coach and demonstrate your genuine interest in the program.
Tip #7: Build Relationships with Coaches
- Actionable Tip: Build relationships with coaches by staying in touch, updating them on your progress, and asking for feedback
- Mistake: Only reaching out to coaches when you want something, or failing to build a rapport with them
Coaches are more likely to recruit athletes who they know and have built a relationship with. Building relationships with coaches can help you stand out from other recruits and demonstrate your commitment and potential as a player.
Stay in touch with coaches, update them on your progress and achievements, and ask for feedback on your skills and areas for improvement. By building a rapport with coaches, you increase your chances of being recruited and potentially earning a scholarship.
Tip #8: Consider Different Levels and Programs
- Actionable Tip: Consider a range of programs and levels, and keep an open mind to different opportunities and paths
- Mistake: Limiting yourself to a few top programs, or focusing too much on division and level
There are over 1,800 college volleyball programs across all levels in the US and dozens more playing at elite levels here in Canada. While it's important to have goals and aspirations, limiting yourself to a few top programs or focusing too much on division and level can limit your opportunities and potential in the recruiting process. Consider a range of programs and levels, and keep an open mind to different opportunities and paths. There are thousands of college volleyball programs in North America, so explore your options and find the program that's the best fit for you.
Tip #9: Be Patient and Persistent
- Actionable Tip: Be patient and persistent in the recruiting process, and don't get discouraged by rejection or setbacks
- Mistake: Giving up too soon, or getting discouraged by rejection or setbacks
The recruiting process can take months or even years and often involves rejection and setbacks. It's important to be patient and persistent, and to not get discouraged by rejection or setbacks.
Keep working hard, improving your skills, and building relationships with coaches, and eventually, the right opportunity will come along.
Tip #10: Keep Your Options Open
- Actionable Tip: Keep your options open and be flexible, and don't be afraid to consider alternative paths or opportunities
- Mistake: Closing yourself off to alternative paths or opportunities, or limiting your options
Around half of all college volleyball players playing in the coming years will probably transfer at some point during their college career. Keeping your options open and being flexible can help you adapt to changing circumstances and find the best path for your career as a student-athlete.
Don't be afraid to consider alternative paths or opportunities, and keep an open mind to different programs and levels. Remember that the college experience is a journey, and sometimes the best path is not always the most obvious one.
The college volleyball recruiting process can be a challenging and competitive journey, but with the right approach and mindset, it can also be an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills. A great way for Canadian athletes to meet coaches and find opportunities is by getting in touch with coaches in the Ontario Volleyball Association network on GMTM.
