College Volleyball Recruiting: What Parents Really Need to Know

Many athletes dream of playing volleyball in college but the recruiting process can feel overwhelming. Between highlights, showcases, emails, and deadlines, you’re probably wondering - where do we even start?

The good news is this: there are more opportunities out there than you might think, and your role as a parent can make the journey smoother and less stressful. Here are some things that what you need to know.

UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE

When young athletes think of college volleyball or have a goal to play in college, they think of Division I and ONLY Division I. The truth is, thousands of athletes compete at a high level across Division II, Division III, NAIA, and Junior Colleges.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• DI is the most competitive, with limited roster spots and FULL-TIME commitment.

• DII often offers a balance of scholarships and academics.

• DIII doesn’t provide athletic scholarships but can offer strong academic and athletic experiences.

• NAIA & JUCO schools can be hidden gems that open doors to four-year programs or unique scholarship opportunities.

Bottom line: keep an open mind. Success doesn’t just mean wearing a DI jersey. Make a list of at least 10 schools that you’re interested in - big and small. This list should not solely include 10 DI schools.

WHEN TO START THE PROCESS

Recruiting doesn’t happen overnight. While some athletes commit early, most players begin seriously connecting with coaches around their sophomore or junior year.

Early on, focus on:

• Skill development – keep improving and competing. Put.. in.. the.. WORK!

• Academics – grades and test scores matter. Coaches can’t recruit athletes who aren’t eligible so stay on top of your grades.

• Character – coaches watch how athletes interact with teammates, coaches, parents, and even opponents. A coach will turn down talent if that talent comes with a poor attitude.

Think of it this way: you’re not just building a resume; you’re building a reputation, and that reputation starts now.

BUILDING VISIBILITY

College coaches can’t recruit who they don’t see. Here are three of the most effective ways to get noticed:

1. Highlight Videos – Keep it short (3–5 minutes), show your best skills, and make it easy to watch. No music, no flashy editing—just clear volleyball action. Each clip should show the full rally.

2. Events – College coaches scout at big tournaments, qualifiers, and select camps. Make sure you’re making an effort to attend these tournaments and camps.

3. Communication – A short, professional email with a highlight link, schedule, and academic info goes a long way. You can also sign up for University Athlete to streamline communication with coaches and allow them to find you at tournaments.

PARENT'S ROLE VS ATHLETE'S ROLE

This is where some families struggle. Who should be doing the work?

• Athlete’s job: sending emails, following up, talking with coaches, and showing initiative.

• Parent’s job: handling logistics, encouraging consistency, and being a supportive presence in the background. Parent’s should NOT write the athlete’s emails and do the work.

One big red flag for recruiters is when parents dominate the process. Coaches want to see that the athlete is mature, responsible, and excited—not being pushed along by mom or dad.

ACADEMIC & CHARACTER FIT

The thing is… Volleyball skills open the door, but academics and personality keep it open. Coaches want reliable teammates who can stay eligible and contribute positively to their program. Encourage your athlete to:

• Stay on top of grades and test requirements (register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if aiming for DI/DII).

• Show leadership, resilience, and respect on and off the court to all players, coaches, referees, etc. (Remember: REPUTATION and CHARACTER)

RED FLAGS & COMMON MISTAKES

Here are a few pitfalls that can stall recruiting:

• Waiting too long to start outreach. Even if coaches cannot contact you, your athlete can still contact them. Do not spam their emails but start dropping breadcrumbs if you’re still too early in the process so they’ll already know you when it’s time.

• Only looking at DI schools. Just because you get recruited to play JuCo or DII doesn’t mean that’s the end of the road. Many DI schools are recruiting from the transfer portal to find experienced JuCo/DII players to pick up.

• Sending overly long emails or videos. They’re only looking at a snapshot to see what catches their eye. BE BRIEF.

• Parents speaking more than athletes during calls or visits. Let the athlete do the work. It’s their journey!

ENCOURAGEMENT & REALITY CHECK

Not every athlete will earn a full scholarship—but that doesn’t mean they can’t play in college. Opportunities exist at every level, and many athletes discover their best fit isn’t where they originally expected.

The real win? Finding a program where your child will thrive athletically, academically, and personally. Volleyball is the vehicle, but the destination is growth, confidence, and future opportunities.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If your child dreams of college volleyball, support them by helping with the practical pieces—video, schedules, school research—while letting them own the conversations. Encourage them to be proactive, open-minded, and resilient.

The process isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Volleyball can open incredible doors, and with the right approach, those doors may lead your athlete to a college experience they’ll never forget.