How do I get a volleyball scholarship?
To earn a volleyball scholarship, you need to combine strong athletic skills, excellent academic performance, and proactive outreach to college coaches. Focus on developing your skills through club and high school competition, keep your grades high, create a standout highlight video, and start contacting coaches early—ideally by your sophomore or junior year. Coaches look for players who not only excel on the court but also show leadership, teamwork, and a positive attitude in their academics and communications.
Navigating NCAA volleyball recruitment can feel overwhelming—but once you understand the process, you’ll know exactly how to stand out. Below, you’ll find answers to the top 8 questions aspiring volleyball athletes ask about scholarships, along with insightful advice and real quotes from coaches and former recruits. This guide will help you approach recruitment confidently and maximize your scholarship opportunities.
1. How does the recruitment timeline work for NCAA volleyball?
Early Start: Recruiting can begin surprisingly early. For NCAA Division I, direct contact from coaches starts June 15 after your sophomore year (Grade 10), but many coaches evaluate talent even earlier by watching club tournaments.
Recruiting Steps: Your journey should include researching schools, building highlight videos, contacting coaches, attending showcases/camps, and preparing your academic eligibility documents.
2. What are the most important things coaches look for in recruits?
Athleticism & Physical Metrics: Coaches check if your height, reach, and stats match their standard. Most top recruits have experience at the highest level of club volleyball.
Academic Strength: High grades open more doors and can even help land additional academic scholarships.
Volleyball IQ & Character: Coaches assess your mentality, teamwork, and leadership qualities.
3. What’s the best way to get noticed by college coaches?
Direct Outreach Matters: Don’t wait to be found! Email coaches directly with a polished highlight video and information about yourself. Use social media and trusted platforms like University Athlete or NCSA to get your info in front of recruiters.
Attend Tournaments & Camps: Play in large club tournaments and college-run camps where coaches are actively watching.
“Have them make a list of what area they might like to go to school, what major, any other factors… From that research make a list, contact this coach directly and include video if you have it. It’s so easy to do this these days… The only rules you need to know are the communication rules… Don’t give away a few grand that you can do for free.” —Former D2 Volleyball Coach1
4. What questions should I ask college coaches?
Be prepared with thoughtful questions, such as:
What is the team culture like?
How many players are on the roster, and how many are graduating?
What type of player are you looking to recruit for my position?
What does a typical day or week look like for athletes here?
What academic support does your program offer?
5. Do I need a recruiting agency?
Most coaches and experienced athletes agree:
“No offense to any recruiter company, don’t need them. All the info you need is on [schools’] websites… The only time you need a middle man is for communication until Junior year.” —Club Volleyball Coach1
Building your own network and being proactive is typically just as effective and saves you money. However, if you want the help of experienced people and can afford the cost, then these are viable options. Just make sure you do your homework.
6. How should I prepare my recruiting materials?
Create a highlight reel showing your best plays up front (2–3 minutes max).
Make a simple, clear player profile with stats, honors, and your goals.
Include academic accolades and links to your YouTube or social media profiles where coaches can learn more about you.
7. What’s the difference between official and unofficial visits?
Official Visit: Paid for (at least in part) by the school, formal invitation required, allowed after August 1 of your junior year (DI).
Unofficial Visit: Paid for by you/family, can happen earlier, and is a way to check out campuses and meet coaches if possible.
8. When should I start the process?
Start early—many D1 programs scout as early as 9th grade, and club experience is crucial. It’s never too early to build your profile, highlight video, and start researching the right type of program for you.
Quick Checklist for Aspiring NCAA Volleyball Players
Start building your resume and highlight reel by 9th–10th grade
Play at the highest club level you can
Understand and follow NCAA recruiting calendar rules
Personally reach out to coaches with tailored messages
Ask thoughtful questions to coaches on visits
Keep your academics strong—grades do matter!
Final Advice
The NCAA volleyball recruiting process rewards those who are prepared, proactive, and persistent. Leverage your network, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Your dream team could be waiting for your email or highlight reel—so get started, stay determined, and play hard!For more detailed advice and links to recruiting timelines, visit NCAA or NCSA volleyball recruiting guides online for the latest rules, tips, and contacts.
We have all of your questions answered in our Volleyball Scholarship Playbook or our Beach Volleyball Scholarship Playbook.
How do I get a volleyball scholarship?
To earn a volleyball scholarship, you need to combine strong athletic skills, excellent academic performance, and proactive outreach to college coaches. Focus on developing your skills through club and high school competition, keep your grades high, create a standout highlight video, and start contacting coaches early—ideally by your sophomore or junior year. Coaches look for players who not only excel on the court but also show leadership, teamwork, and a positive attitude in their academics and communications.
Navigating NCAA volleyball recruitment can feel overwhelming—but once you understand the process, you’ll know exactly how to stand out. Below, you’ll find answers to the top 8 questions aspiring volleyball athletes ask about scholarships, along with insightful advice and real quotes from coaches and former recruits. This guide will help you approach recruitment confidently and maximize your scholarship opportunities.
1. How does the recruitment timeline work for NCAA volleyball?
Early Start: Recruiting can begin surprisingly early. For NCAA Division I, direct contact from coaches starts June 15 after your sophomore year (Grade 10), but many coaches evaluate talent even earlier by watching club tournaments.
Recruiting Steps: Your journey should include researching schools, building highlight videos, contacting coaches, attending showcases/camps, and preparing your academic eligibility documents.
2. What are the most important things coaches look for in recruits?
Athleticism & Physical Metrics: Coaches check if your height, reach, and stats match their standard. Most top recruits have experience at the highest level of club volleyball.
Academic Strength: High grades open more doors and can even help land additional academic scholarships.
Volleyball IQ & Character: Coaches assess your mentality, teamwork, and leadership qualities.
3. What’s the best way to get noticed by college coaches?
Direct Outreach Matters: Don’t wait to be found! Email coaches directly with a polished highlight video and information about yourself. Use social media and trusted platforms like University Athlete or NCSA to get your info in front of recruiters.
Attend Tournaments & Camps: Play in large club tournaments and college-run camps where coaches are actively watching.
“Have them make a list of what area they might like to go to school, what major, any other factors… From that research make a list, contact this coach directly and include video if you have it. It’s so easy to do this these days… The only rules you need to know are the communication rules… Don’t give away a few grand that you can do for free.” —Former D2 Volleyball Coach1
4. What questions should I ask college coaches?
Be prepared with thoughtful questions, such as:
What is the team culture like?
How many players are on the roster, and how many are graduating?
What type of player are you looking to recruit for my position?
What does a typical day or week look like for athletes here?
What academic support does your program offer?
5. Do I need a recruiting agency?
Most coaches and experienced athletes agree:
“No offense to any recruiter company, don’t need them. All the info you need is on [schools’] websites… The only time you need a middle man is for communication until Junior year.” —Club Volleyball Coach1
Building your own network and being proactive is typically just as effective and saves you money. However, if you want the help of experienced people and can afford the cost, then these are viable options. Just make sure you do your homework.
6. How should I prepare my recruiting materials?
Create a highlight reel showing your best plays up front (2–3 minutes max).
Make a simple, clear player profile with stats, honors, and your goals.
Include academic accolades and links to your YouTube or social media profiles where coaches can learn more about you.
7. What’s the difference between official and unofficial visits?
Official Visit: Paid for (at least in part) by the school, formal invitation required, allowed after August 1 of your junior year (DI).
Unofficial Visit: Paid for by you/family, can happen earlier, and is a way to check out campuses and meet coaches if possible.
8. When should I start the process?
Start early—many D1 programs scout as early as 9th grade, and club experience is crucial. It’s never too early to build your profile, highlight video, and start researching the right type of program for you.
Quick Checklist for Aspiring NCAA Volleyball Players
Start building your resume and highlight reel by 9th–10th grade
Play at the highest club level you can
Understand and follow NCAA recruiting calendar rules
Personally reach out to coaches with tailored messages
Ask thoughtful questions to coaches on visits
Keep your academics strong—grades do matter!
Final Advice
The NCAA volleyball recruiting process rewards those who are prepared, proactive, and persistent. Leverage your network, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Your dream team could be waiting for your email or highlight reel—so get started, stay determined, and play hard!For more detailed advice and links to recruiting timelines, visit NCAA or NCSA volleyball recruiting guides online for the latest rules, tips, and contacts.
We have all of your questions answered in our Volleyball Scholarship Playbook or our Beach Volleyball Scholarship Playbook.
How do I get a volleyball scholarship?
To earn a volleyball scholarship, you need to combine strong athletic skills, excellent academic performance, and proactive outreach to college coaches. Focus on developing your skills through club and high school competition, keep your grades high, create a standout highlight video, and start contacting coaches early—ideally by your sophomore or junior year. Coaches look for players who not only excel on the court but also show leadership, teamwork, and a positive attitude in their academics and communications.
Navigating NCAA volleyball recruitment can feel overwhelming—but once you understand the process, you’ll know exactly how to stand out. Below, you’ll find answers to the top 8 questions aspiring volleyball athletes ask about scholarships, along with insightful advice and real quotes from coaches and former recruits. This guide will help you approach recruitment confidently and maximize your scholarship opportunities.
1. How does the recruitment timeline work for NCAA volleyball?
Early Start: Recruiting can begin surprisingly early. For NCAA Division I, direct contact from coaches starts June 15 after your sophomore year (Grade 10), but many coaches evaluate talent even earlier by watching club tournaments.
Recruiting Steps: Your journey should include researching schools, building highlight videos, contacting coaches, attending showcases/camps, and preparing your academic eligibility documents.
2. What are the most important things coaches look for in recruits?
Athleticism & Physical Metrics: Coaches check if your height, reach, and stats match their standard. Most top recruits have experience at the highest level of club volleyball.
Academic Strength: High grades open more doors and can even help land additional academic scholarships.
Volleyball IQ & Character: Coaches assess your mentality, teamwork, and leadership qualities.
3. What’s the best way to get noticed by college coaches?
Direct Outreach Matters: Don’t wait to be found! Email coaches directly with a polished highlight video and information about yourself. Use social media and trusted platforms like University Athlete or NCSA to get your info in front of recruiters.
Attend Tournaments & Camps: Play in large club tournaments and college-run camps where coaches are actively watching.
“Have them make a list of what area they might like to go to school, what major, any other factors… From that research make a list, contact this coach directly and include video if you have it. It’s so easy to do this these days… The only rules you need to know are the communication rules… Don’t give away a few grand that you can do for free.” —Former D2 Volleyball Coach1
4. What questions should I ask college coaches?
Be prepared with thoughtful questions, such as:
What is the team culture like?
How many players are on the roster, and how many are graduating?
What type of player are you looking to recruit for my position?
What does a typical day or week look like for athletes here?
What academic support does your program offer?
5. Do I need a recruiting agency?
Most coaches and experienced athletes agree:
“No offense to any recruiter company, don’t need them. All the info you need is on [schools’] websites… The only time you need a middle man is for communication until Junior year.” —Club Volleyball Coach1
Building your own network and being proactive is typically just as effective and saves you money. However, if you want the help of experienced people and can afford the cost, then these are viable options. Just make sure you do your homework.
6. How should I prepare my recruiting materials?
Create a highlight reel showing your best plays up front (2–3 minutes max).
Make a simple, clear player profile with stats, honors, and your goals.
Include academic accolades and links to your YouTube or social media profiles where coaches can learn more about you.
7. What’s the difference between official and unofficial visits?
Official Visit: Paid for (at least in part) by the school, formal invitation required, allowed after August 1 of your junior year (DI).
Unofficial Visit: Paid for by you/family, can happen earlier, and is a way to check out campuses and meet coaches if possible.
8. When should I start the process?
Start early—many D1 programs scout as early as 9th grade, and club experience is crucial. It’s never too early to build your profile, highlight video, and start researching the right type of program for you.
Quick Checklist for Aspiring NCAA Volleyball Players
Start building your resume and highlight reel by 9th–10th grade
Play at the highest club level you can
Understand and follow NCAA recruiting calendar rules
Personally reach out to coaches with tailored messages
Ask thoughtful questions to coaches on visits
Keep your academics strong—grades do matter!
Final Advice
The NCAA volleyball recruiting process rewards those who are prepared, proactive, and persistent. Leverage your network, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Your dream team could be waiting for your email or highlight reel—so get started, stay determined, and play hard!For more detailed advice and links to recruiting timelines, visit NCAA or NCSA volleyball recruiting guides online for the latest rules, tips, and contacts.
We have all of your questions answered in our Volleyball Scholarship Playbook or our Beach Volleyball Scholarship Playbook.
