Is It Your Goal to Play College Volleyball?

Men’s volleyball is rapidly expanding, with over 66,000 high school athletes competing in the sport. However, only a small fraction—just 4.6%—will advance to play at the college level, and an even smaller 0.6% will secure a Division 1 roster spot. For those looking to play collegiate volleyball, understanding the competitive landscape and effectively navigating the recruiting process is crucial. While the path to recruitment can be time-consuming and complex, Athlete Pipeline is here to simplify the journey. By leveraging the tools available, recruits and families can target the right programs, create impactful recruiting videos, and manage the recruitment timeline with ease. This guide will help athletes stand out in the recruiting process and find the best college fit, both athletically and academically.

NCAA Volleyball Recruiting Rules and Timeline

A common question recruits ask is, “When can a college coach contact me?” The NCAA has specific rules governing when and how coaches can reach out to prospective players. For Division 1 and 2 programs, coaches can start communication after June 15 of the athlete’s sophomore year. At the Division 3 and NAIA levels, there are fewer restrictions, allowing for more open communication. Athlete Pipeline ensures that athletes stay on top of these key dates and deadlines, maximizing recruitment opportunities.

Volleyball Recruiting Guidelines by Position

What are coaches looking for in volleyball players? Coaches evaluate athletes based on position-specific skills and measurable attributes like height, vertical jump, and agility. Understanding how you stack up against other players is essential to finding the right program. Athlete Pipeline provides comprehensive recruiting guidelines to help you identify the division and schools that align with your abilities, ensuring you focus on programs that are a good match.

Scholarship Opportunities for Men’s Volleyball

Athletic scholarships for men’s volleyball are available at NCAA Division 1, Division 2, and NAIA programs. However, the number of scholarships varies by school and division, with some programs offering full scholarships and others offering partial awards. Division 3 schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, but financial aid is still available through other means. Athlete Pipeline helps athletes explore scholarship opportunities, positioning them to secure funding while pursuing their volleyball goals.

How to Get Recruited for College Volleyball

Getting recruited for college volleyball requires more than just club experience or good stats—it demands proactive effort. Athletes need to identify target schools, reach out to coaches, and build strong relationships with programs. Athlete Pipeline helps streamline this process, guiding athletes through finding the right colleges, contacting coaches, and managing their recruiting journey to maximize their chances of success.

Create an Engaging Volleyball Recruiting Video

One of the most effective ways to grab the attention of college coaches is with a standout recruiting video. With limited time to evaluate potential recruits, coaches often decide within the first 25 seconds of a video whether they are interested. This makes it crucial to create a short, focused video that highlights your best skills. Athlete Pipeline helps athletes build impactful videos that showcase their strengths and help them stand out from the competition.

Find and Attend Volleyball Camps and Tournaments

Attending high-profile tournaments and camps is a key part of the recruiting process for volleyball players. These events offer a chance to showcase your abilities in front of multiple college coaches at once. However, choosing the right events can be overwhelming. Athlete Pipeline provides insights into the best camps and tournaments that will boost your visibility, helping you get noticed by the right programs.

Search for Men’s Volleyball Colleges

With over 220 college men’s volleyball teams spread across various divisions—NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and junior college—finding the right fit is essential. However, focusing solely on the athletic side of college life can lead to missed opportunities. It’s important to also consider academics, campus culture, and financial aspects. Athlete Pipeline helps athletes and families explore all available options, ensuring they make the best decision for their future.

Other Volleyball Recruiting Resources

Besides using Athlete Pipeline, athletes can find valuable information on volleyball recruiting through websites like USA Volleyball and national rankings from sources like AVCA. These resources, combined with the comprehensive tools provided by Athlete Pipeline, give recruits a competitive edge in their journey toward college volleyball. By taking control of the recruiting process and utilizing Athlete Pipeline, you can navigate the road to college volleyball more efficiently and effectively, setting yourself up for success at the next level.