College Recruiting Tips for the Fall Season

In the fall, girls high school volleyball postseason begins, and boys/girls club seasons are ramping up, Halloween might not be the only thing that is haunting you. College recruiting preparation can be a daunting task, but don’t fret! Here are five college recruiting “treats” that you can gobble up going into November.

Update your Recruiting Profile

For girls who play high school in the fall, update your volleyball recruiting profile once your season is complete and you know your club schedule. Whether it’s your club website, your NCSA Recruiting Profile, or your social media page, you’ll want to update any awards you received, your new team and coaches’ names, as well as keys stats such as height (you may have grown since last year!), vertical jump and new position(s). Boys should also remember to update their profiles as they know their club schedule.

Research, Refine or Finalize your Target Schools

Depending on where you are at on your recruiting journey, you may be starting to research different divisions and programs, making your target list, or trying to decide which school to attend. No matter what stage, do your homework on programs at all levels, explore schools you aren’t familiar with, and then add or delete programs from your contact list. This list will help you communicate with coaches throughout the recruiting process.

Senior Tip: Don’t stress! You can still find competitive programs outside of the D1 level. Maximize your options by considering D2, D3, NAIA or NJCAA schools—some of these coaches recruit well into senior year.

Talk with your Coaches and Counselors

Let your high school and club coaches know that you are interested in playing volleyball in college, but also tell your school guidance counselor. The NCAA and NAIA have certain academic and eligibility requirements, and your counselor can help plan accordingly. Ensure that you are taking the right core courses at the right time so you aren’t playing catch-up or missing anything.

Evaluate (or Re-Evaluate) your Preferences

While you may not know exactly what you want to study or where your dream school is located, you can still start asking yourself questions like: “Do I want a big school or small school? Do I want to go in-state or out-of-state? What classes do I enjoy the most?”

Asking yourself these questions early in the process will help you understand what college program may be your best fit.

Go Watch College Volleyball

Women’s college volleyball is on TV now more than ever, and many athletic school websites livestream their games. If you can go watch a college volleyball game in person, not only do you get to see the excitement of game day, but also have a chance to see the campus and tour the town. Watch different levels as well as the players at your position. When men’s college volleyball starts in the fall, use the college websites to find out how to watch online.

No matter if you are a senior or sophomore, there’s always preparation to be done. Download your Grad-Specific NCSA Recruiting Checklist.

• Learn more about women’s volleyball recruiting.
• Learn more about men’s volleyball recruiting.
• Learn more about beach volleyball recruiting.

About the Author: Sue Webber is a former college volleyball player for the University of Illinois and former collegiate coach at the NAIA and Division I level. She is a senior director for USA Volleyball partner NCSA College Recruiting, which helps guide athletes through the college recruiting process.