There are hundreds of college volleyball programs across the United States. The challenge is knowing which programs fit your level, goals and academic needs, and how to get their coaches' attention.
College volleyball offers opportunities across NCAA, NAIA and junior college programs. Whether your goal is to compete at the highest level or find the college environment that fits you best, there are multiple pathways to continue playing volleyball while earning your degree.
The key is understanding the recruiting process, identifying programs that fit your ability and getting your profile in front of coaches early.
Volleyball recruiting is not simply about waiting for a coach to discover you. The athletes who take control of the process can create more opportunities.
College volleyball coaches are evaluating athletes across thousands of recruiting profiles, tournaments, showcases and communications. Make it easy for coaches to understand who you are and what you can bring to their program.
Include your position, height, graduation year, academics, statistics, video and relevant achievements.
Show position-specific skills and real game situations that allow coaches to evaluate your ability.
Build a list based on your athletic level, academics, location, roster needs and personal goals.
Send personalized communication and follow up consistently with programs that are a genuine fit.
Volleyball scholarship opportunities vary by division, school and program. Athletic aid is only one part of the financial picture, and athletes may also qualify for academic scholarships, grants and other financial aid.
Division I scholarship rules changed following the House settlement. Participating programs now operate under roster limits rather than the former sport-specific scholarship limits, with schools able to provide full or partial athletics aid within the applicable framework.
Division II uses a partial-scholarship model, allowing coaches to distribute athletics aid among multiple student-athletes.
Division III schools do not award athletic scholarships, but athletes may qualify for academic scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid.
NAIA programs can provide athletic scholarships, with opportunities varying by school, program and roster needs.
Junior college volleyball can provide athletes with another pathway to compete, develop and continue toward a four-year college opportunity.
Your recruiting profile should quickly communicate who you are as an athlete and give coaches the information they need to decide whether they want to learn more.
Graduation year, location, contact details and relevant athletic information.
Height, position, reach, vertical and other relevant position-specific information.
Show your skills in context and make it easy for coaches to evaluate your game.
GPA, academic achievements and other information relevant to your college options.
Understanding the process is the first step toward taking control of your recruitment.
Build a strong recruiting profile, develop your skills, create quality video, identify programs that fit your ability and proactively communicate with college coaches.
Scholarship structures vary by division and institution. Division I rules changed following the House settlement, while Division II uses an equivalency model and Division III does not offer athletic scholarships.
Yes. Volleyball athletes can pursue scholarship opportunities at colleges across the United States, provided they meet the applicable academic, athletic and eligibility requirements.
Earlier is generally better. Starting during freshman or sophomore year gives you more time to build your profile, improve academically, identify programs and develop relationships with coaches.
Coaches evaluate position-specific skills, athletic ability, volleyball IQ, consistency, work ethic, academics and overall fit with their program.
Yes. Athletes may compete without athletic scholarship aid, and depending on the school they may qualify for academic scholarships, grants or other forms of financial assistance.
Build your recruiting profile, connect with college coaches and take a more proactive approach to finding your college volleyball opportunity.
Start Your Recruitment →