Your Guide to Women’s College Volleyball Recruiting

Women’s volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., with over 470,000 high school players. Yet, only 5.9% of these athletes continue to play in college, and just 1.2% reach Division 1. Getting noticed by college coaches and securing a roster spot requires strategic preparation and a strong understanding of the recruiting process.

Examine the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Recruiting Rules and Calendar

The NCAA sets rules for college volleyball recruiting, including timelines that regulate when and how coaches can communicate with athletes. For Division 1 and Division 2, communication is generally allowed starting June 15 after an athlete’s sophomore year. Division 3 and NAIA programs, however, face fewer restrictions. Knowing these guidelines helps families plan how and when to engage with coaches.

Brush up on the NCAA volleyball recruiting rules and communication guidelines.

Review Women’s Volleyball Recruiting Guidelines

College coaches use specific benchmarks when evaluating recruits. For example, Division 1 coaches often prioritize athletes with experience on open-level club teams, the most competitive tier in club volleyball. We provide detailed guidelines on the average requirements for each position across division levels to help families assess where their athlete might fit best.

Review division-specific requirements for each volleyball position.

Learn About Women’s Volleyball Scholarships

With over 1,200 colleges offering volleyball scholarships, student-athletes have options. At Division 1, volleyball is a headcount sport, meaning each scholarship is a full-ride, with a maximum of 12 scholarships available per team. In other divisions, scholarships are distributed as partial awards, allowing coaches flexibility in offering financial support. Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships but may provide financial aid through academic and need-based funding.

Learn more about volleyball scholarships and how to secure the best offer.

How to Get the Attention of College Coaches

Recruiting timelines vary by division. Division 1 coaches often start looking for recruits as early as 9th grade, especially in power conferences. Division 2 and 3 programs typically start evaluations by 10th grade, with junior college coaches beginning around 11th grade. Understanding this early recruitment trend can help families plan ahead and ensure they know how to:

• Communicate with coaches effectively
• Meet NCAA or NAIA academic eligibility standards
• Create a standout recruiting video
• Attend key volleyball tournaments
• Gain club-level experience that aligns with what coaches look for

Learn how to prepare for each step of the volleyball recruiting process.

Tips for Creating an Engaging Volleyball Recruiting Video

A well-crafted volleyball recruiting video can be a game-changer. In just 3–5 minutes, this video should highlight an athlete’s best skills, as college coaches often make decisions within the first 25 seconds. We offer a guide for capturing essential skills by position and assembling a video that makes an immediate impression on coaches.

Create a video that captures college coaches’ interest.

Find and Attend Women’s Volleyball Camps

High-profile club tournaments, particularly National Qualifiers, are essential for volleyball recruits aiming to catch college coaches’ attention. Multi-day events held early in the year, like those around Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President’s Day, attract coaches who are actively recruiting. Knowing the right tournaments to attend can increase exposure and maximize recruiting opportunities.

Find the tournaments and events that will provide key exposure.

Explore a Complete List of Women’s Volleyball Colleges

With over 1,800 volleyball programs across various division levels, choosing the right college can be overwhelming. To simplify the search, we provide a comprehensive list of colleges that offer women’s volleyball, as well as insights into top programs across all levels.

Explore colleges with women’s volleyball teams and find your perfect match.

This guide offers an in-depth look into the steps and strategies needed to navigate the college volleyball recruiting process, helping athletes and families make informed decisions and increase their chances of reaching the collegiate level.