INFORMATION FOR ATHLETES

HELPFUL STEPS IN THE RECRUITING PROCESS

• Begin Building a List of Schools -- Love the school, not the name
• What matters most to you? (Academic interest, Location, etc.)
• Different levels of play – D1, D2, D3, NAIA, NJCAA (Not everyone can/wants to play D1.)
• Think of this list as schools that you would love to attend, schools that you would have an interest in, and schools that you would attend.
• Be Realistic (If you are not sure if you can compete at a certain level look at the rosters or other rosters in the conference.)
• Use the resources below to gather coaches contact information for these schools. Make a spreadsheet with school name, information, website, coaches name, coaches email. It is a good idea to include the assistant coaches email as well.
• Creating a Video: Videos can be uploaded and shared onto YouTube or your athlete profiles. Types of videos that can be included on a profile:
• Highlight Tape - This is a compilation of video clips from a match or tournament that are combined into a single file. This requires the most work but generates quick interest from a college coach.
• Game Footage – Should be one entire game (you can edit out dead time, ex. Time outs, walking back to serve, etc.) of you playing. Be sure to let the coaches know what number you are and in what position you start in.
• Skills Video – Unedited gym footage working on game like scenarios targeting skills involving your specific position.
• Marketing Yourself
• For a DI or DII Program, Communication cannot start until June 15, of the athlete entering their Junior Year.
• BE PROACTIVE - Do not procrastinate!
• Regularly update your profiles on:
• University Athlete
• NCAA Eligibility Center
• NAIA Eligibility Center
• Send emails to your list of schools – Include your name, height, position grad year, high school and club. Be sure to express something unique or what interested you in their school and volleyball program. Finally, make sure to address the coach by name to start the email (ex. Coach Antonio).
• Communication and College Visits
• Once a coach watches your video and/or sees you play live and they like you, they will ask you to schedule a visit. All visits before September 1st of your senior year are unofficial and therefore you will have to pay for all expenses.
• Plan for Your Club Season
• Consistently check in with coaches. (Email, Text, and Phone Communication)
• If a school expresses interest, continually check in with them with updates on your schedule and/or team.
• When tournament schedules are released, let coaches know when and what courts you will be playing on.
• Building a relationship with the coaches is key!
  

Recruiting Account Creation

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES