Is it Your Goal to Play on a College Beach Volleyball Team?

In 2011, the NCAA officially named beach volleyball an emerging sport at the Division 1 and Division 2 levels, sparking growth across the U.S. and internationally. Today, over 1,410 college beach volleyball players compete nationwide, with more programs launching each year. The rise of collegiate beach volleyball presents a golden opportunity for student-athletes, yet the recruiting process remains highly competitive, especially for top D1 programs. To secure your place, you need a strong recruitment strategy. Athlete Pipeline has compiled the essentials for successfully navigating college recruiting and finding the best program for your goals.

Learn How to Get Recruited by College Coaches

College coaches search for athletes with substantial club experience, physical readiness, and advanced beach volleyball IQ. But even with these qualities, waiting to be discovered isn’t enough. To make sure coaches know who you are, proactive outreach is essential. Athlete Pipeline can help you pinpoint the right schools, initiate contact with coaches, and develop relationships with programs that align with your skills and goals.

Review the College Beach Volleyball NCAA Recruiting Rules and Calendar

Understanding the NCAA recruiting rules is vital to connecting with coaches at the right time. NCAA guidelines prevent coaches from recruiting beach volleyball players before junior year, though some athletes may still commit early by following unofficial guidelines. Athlete Pipeline helps you understand these recruiting timelines, ensuring you stay within NCAA parameters while making valuable connections with coaches.

See Where You Stack Up with the Beach Volleyball Recruiting Guidelines

Knowing the division level that fits your body type, experience, and skill set is key. For example, a 5’10” blocker with multiple years of club experience may qualify for higher division levels. Athlete Pipeline’s recruiting guidelines help you assess where you stand, outlining what college coaches expect at each division level and how you can position yourself to meet or exceed those standards.

Learn How College Beach Volleyball Scholarships Work

Beach volleyball scholarships are available at D1, D2, NAIA, and junior college levels. D1 programs can offer up to six scholarships, while D2 schools can allocate five scholarships, typically as partial awards. Athlete Pipeline provides insights into how scholarships are distributed, what to expect financially, and strategies for finding additional aid, even at D3 schools.

Create an Eye-Catching Highlight Video

A strong highlight video is crucial for capturing a coach’s attention, as it often serves as their first impression of your skills. Athlete Pipeline offers expert advice on creating an impactful video that showcases your best qualities on the sand. From structuring the video to selecting the right footage, you’ll learn how to highlight your athleticism and skills effectively.

Attend Beach Volleyball Camps, Showcases, and Tournaments

Camps, showcases, and tournaments are prime opportunities to demonstrate your skills against top players and gain visibility with college coaches. While many premier events take place in California, Texas, Florida, and Alabama, options continue to expand across the Midwest and East Coast. Athlete Pipeline helps you locate the best events to enhance your recruiting journey and gain exposure with the right programs.

Find Beach Volleyball Colleges

There are nearly 90 colleges with beach volleyball programs, with a high concentration in California, Texas, Florida, and Alabama. As one of the NCAA’s newest sports, college beach volleyball is growing each year. Athlete Pipeline offers a list of existing programs and schools adding beach volleyball, giving you up-to-date options to explore and consider.

With Athlete Pipeline, you have access to essential resources that simplify your college beach volleyball recruitment. Start your journey now and take each step confidently toward your goal of playing college beach volleyball.