Ontario Volleyball Association

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.

Ontario has a rich collection of Volleyball players who had great international careers. From small-town gyms across the province to the sand courts dotting the shores of Lake Ontario, a ton of great players have beaten the best in the world after getting started here. Here, we are going to get a better look at five athletes who started right here in Ontario that every Canadian volleyball fan should know and every young player should try to emulate. Heather Bansley Heather Bansley, fresh off a fifth-place finish at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, joined the Varsity Blues women's volleyball coaching staff in September 2021. Bansley was a two-time all-Canadian during her time at the University of Toronto (2005-10), where she graduated with degrees in English and linguistics. She topped the OUA and U SPORTS leader boards in points, kills, and serving aces per set and led the Blues to the provincial title and a berth to the U SPORTS National Championship in 2009-10. Bansley represented Canada at the 2007 Under-21 World Beach Championships and the 2008 FISU World Beach Championships while a student-athlete at the University of Toronto. She spent 13 years on the Canadian National Beach Team, competing in over 100 international events, and winning five first-place finishes in FIVB and NORCECA events. Bansley won the world's best defender honours three times on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour (2015, 2016, and 2018), and in 2018, she and her partner Brandie Wilkerson were ranked the No. 1 team in the world. She currently serves as the head coach of Volleyball Canada's Next Gen Beach program. Sarah Pavan Sarah Pavan is a Canadian indoor and beach volleyball player from Kitchener, Ontario. Pavan played club volleyball for the Waterloo Tigers and started playing for the Canadian National Team program at just 16 years old, making her Senior National Team debut at the 2003 World Grand Prix in Italy. She led Canada to the semifinals of the NORCECA Zone Olympic Qualifying Tournament in December of 2003 and was named MVP of the 2002 NORCECA Championships, where she had a 24-kill performance against the U.S. Youth National Team. She chose to play college volleyball at the University of Nebraska, choosing the Huskers over Stanford, Minnesota, Ohio State, and Penn State. At the University of Nebraska, Pavan won an NCAA Volleyball National Championship and was named an All-American four times. After college, Pavan transitioned to beach volleyball and began competing on the international circuit. She has since become one of the most successful beach volleyball players in Canadian history. She has won numerous awards and accolades, including a gold medal at the 2019 Beach Volleyball World Championships, a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games, and multiple FIVB World Tour medals. Pavan has also competed in multiple Olympic Games, representing Canada in both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In Tokyo, she and her partner, Melissa Humana-Paredes, won the gold medal, becoming the first Canadian team to win a gold medal in beach volleyball. In addition to her achievements on the court, Pavan has also been recognized for her work off the court. She is an ambassador for Right to Play, a global organization that uses the power of play to help children facing adversity. She has also been outspoken about mental health, sharing her own experiences with anxiety and depression to help break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mark Heese Up first is Mark Heese from St. Catherine's Ontario, who got his start in Beach Volleyball at the Balmy Beach Club in Toronto. A former Canadian beach volleyball player, Mark Heese grew up watching his father, an Olympic canoeist, train hard for the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. This inspired Mark to become an Olympic athlete himself. While in high school, Heese played multiple sports including basketball, his favorite sport. He attended McMaster University with the intention of playing basketball but made the indoor volleyball team instead. After graduation, he continued playing indoor volleyball until 1995 when he shifted his focus to beach volleyball. He partnered with a number of different players throughout his career, including another Ontario native John Child, who he teamed up with to win a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Heese and Child were the first Canadians to win an Olympic medal in beach volleyball. In addition to his Olympic medal, Heese won a number of other awards and accolades throughout his career. He was a two-time Pan American Games gold medalist, a four-time Canadian national champion, and was named the Canadian beach volleyball player of the year in 1996 and 1997. OVA Team Ontario is a development program for the province's top volleyball talent, helping train national team and club athletes. OVA hosts multiple talent identification programs on GMTM that beach and indoor volleyball athletes from Ontario can participate in.

Are you a high school volleyball player dreaming of playing college volleyball in the United States? You're not alone. Many international athletes have successfully gone on to play at the NCAA level, and you can too. Let's take a look at a few examples of Canadian natives who have made the jump to NCAA volleyball. First, there's Autumn Bailey. Bailey, a native of Burlington, Ontario, played for Marquette and Michigan State from 2013-2017. She was a three-time All-American and was named the Big East Player of the Year in 2014 and to the All-Big Ten team in 2017. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From Burlington, Ontario, your 2013 BIG EAST Conference Freshman of the Year, Autumn Bailey. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ncaavb?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ncaavb</a> <a href="http://t.co/yzVMJN7iyl">pic.twitter.com/yzVMJN7iyl</a></p>&mdash; Marquette Volleyball (@MarquetteVB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarquetteVB/status/405739002101104641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Another successful Canadian NCAA volleyball player is Alexa Gray from Calgary, Alberta. Gray played for the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars in Utah, where she had an impressive collegiate career. She earned All-American honors three times and helped lead the Cougars to the NCAA Final Four in 2014. Alexa played with an athlete who was discovered by USA Bobsled this past year. Gray also played for the Canadian National Team and was a member of the team that won bronze at the 2016 Pan American Cup. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A BIG congratulations today to <a href="https://twitter.com/alexagrayy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexagrayy</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/ImocoVolley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImocoVolley</a> on the victory! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/h0RJYnE5sx">https://t.co/h0RJYnE5sx</a></p>&mdash; BYU Women’s Volleyball (@BYUwvolleyball) <a href="https://twitter.com/BYUwvolleyball/status/1604614441303420928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> To follow in the footsteps of players like Bailey and Gray, it's important to understand the eligibility requirements and start planning early. If you're serious about playing college volleyball in the United States, start planning early and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. Below are a few frequently-asked questions and a 10-step guide to ensuring your eligibility. Is the college volleyball recruiting process similar for Canadian colleges? The college volleyball recruiting process in Canada is generally similar to the process in the United States, but there may be some differences in terms of rules and regulations, timelines, and resources available to student-athletes. In Canada, the governing body for university athletics is U Sports, and they have their own set of rules and regulations for recruiting and eligibility. U Sports allows coaches to contact prospective student-athletes once they have completed their junior year of high school, which is slightly earlier than the NCAA. Additionally, the number of scholarships available for volleyball may differ between Canada and the US, as well as the competition level of different universities and colleges. Overall, while the recruiting process for college volleyball in Canada may have some differences from the US, many of the tips and strategies for student-athletes looking to get recruited are likely to be similar. Are Canadian athletes able to play college sports in America? Yes, Canadian athletes are able to play college sports in America, but they must go through the same eligibility process as American student-athletes. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has specific rules and regulations regarding eligibility for international student-athletes. According to one source, there were around 60 Canadian athletes competing in NCAA women's college volleyball in 2022. Bowling Green State University in Ohio actually had 4 athletes from Ontario on their 2022 Women's volleyball roster. How do Canadian athletes gain NCAA eligibility? Canadian student-athletes who want to play college sports in the US must first register with the NCAA Eligibility Center, which evaluates their academic and athletic qualifications to determine if they are eligible to play at the collegiate level in the US. The Eligibility Center will evaluate the student-athlete's academic credentials to determine if they meet the NCAA's eligibility requirements, which include minimum GPA and standardized test scores. Additionally, Canadian student-athletes must also comply with NCAA rules regarding amateurism, which includes restrictions on receiving compensation for their athletic abilities. Do Canadian athletes need special permission to attend college in the United States? Canadian student-athletes who are interested in playing college sports in the US may also need to obtain a student visa and fulfill any other requirements for international students attending college in the United States. How do Canadian high school students obtain a student visa to attend college in America? Canadian high school students who plan to attend college in the US do not need to obtain a student visa, as Canadian citizens are eligible to enter the US as non-immigrant visitors without a visa for stays of up to six months. However, Canadian students who plan to study in the US for longer than six months or who plan to work while studying may need to apply for an F-1 student visa. To obtain an F-1 visa, the student must first be accepted by a US institution that is authorized by the US government to enroll international students. After being accepted, the student will need to obtain a Form I-20 from the institution, which is a document that verifies their enrollment and provides information about their program of study, expected completion date, and estimated costs. The student will then need to apply for an F-1 visa at a US consulate or embassy in Canada and provide documentation to demonstrate their financial resources, intent to return to Canada after completing their studies, and other required information. 10-Step Guide To NCAA Eligibility For International Athletes: Start early: It's important for International student-athletes to start planning early, ideally in their sophomore or junior year of high school. This allows them to stay on track with their academic requirements and gives them plenty of time to prepare for standardized tests. Research NCAA eligibility requirements: International student-athletes should research the NCAA eligibility requirements and make sure they are on track to meet them. This includes meeting the minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements. Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center: International student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have their academic credentials evaluated to determine their eligibility to play at the collegiate level in the US. Meet with a guidance counselor: International student-athletes should meet with their high school guidance counselor to make sure they are on track with their academic requirements and to get help with the NCAA eligibility process. Take standardized tests: International student-athletes should take the SAT or ACT, which are standardized tests required for NCAA eligibility. Choose the right courses: International student-athletes should choose the right courses in high school to meet the NCAA eligibility requirements. They should work with their guidance counselor to make sure they are taking the right courses. Apply to colleges: International student-athletes should apply to colleges in the US that are authorized by the US government to enroll international students. They should also apply to colleges that have strong athletic programs and are a good fit academically. Obtain a Form I-20: After being accepted by a US institution, international student-athletes must obtain a Form I-20, which verifies their enrollment and provides information about their program of study, expected completion date, and estimated costs. Apply for an F-1 visa: International student-athletes who plan to study in the US for longer than six months or who plan to work while studying must apply for an F-1 visa at a US consulate or embassy in Canada. Fulfill NCAA amateurism requirements: Canadian student-athletes must also comply with NCAA rules regarding amateurism, which include restrictions on receiving compensation for their athletic abilities. They should work with their college athletic department to make sure they are in compliance with these rules. Overall, Canadian student-athletes who plan to play sports at a university in the US should start planning early, research NCAA eligibility requirements, and work closely with their guidance counselor and college athletic department to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements. OVA Team Ontario is a development program for the province's top volleyball talent, helping train national team and club athletes. OVA hosts multiple talent identification programs on GMTM that beach and indoor volleyball athletes from Ontario can participate in.