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College Bound Athletes

Most recent NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete

So you really want to go to college and play volleyball as a student athlete? Here's the guide that explains exactly "how to get there". If you are really serious about this, contact admin@soflovolleyball.org and we will help you through this process.

NCAA Future Student Athlete

The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. Participating in college sports provides opportunities to learn, compete and succeed. Student-athletes receive top-notch academic support, quality medical care and regular access to outstanding coaching, facilities and equipment. Student-athletes as a group graduate at higher rates than their peers in the general student body and feel better prepared for life after college. Learn more about the three divisions

The Recruiting Process

The recruiting process is like a 4 year high school research class that parents and athletes have to take together. Athletes who plan to play at the next level have to search for their opportunities, the reality is that only a few selected athletes get followed by top DI schools in the country. In the U.S. there are over 1700 women volleyball programs at different college levels, over 25,000 collegiate women volleyball players. There are different associations and within the associations there are several divisions.

The different associations and divisions are NCAA (DI, DII, DIII), NJCAA (DI, DII, DIII), NAIA and NCCAA (DI, DII). You have to keep in mind that 90% of these programs do not have a recruiting budget that could take recruiters all over the country, so you putting your information, abilities, and videos in front of them is very important.

Remember all college and universities recruit a Student-Athletes not a volleyball player. Schools not only look at athletic abilities, they look at the "overall package"; they look at the student's GPA, the student's attitude, their support group, student's involvement in extra curricular activities etc. 

Below you will find a year by year guide on how to get as much exposure as you possibly can which in turn will give you the most opportunity to study while playing volleyball at the next level.

SoFLO Volleyball athlete Elena Lam's FSU Commitment Video from her OFFICIAL Visit

Freshmen Year - 15U/14U

  • Research 2-3 schools per week, have 100 school in a year
  • Film highlights tape or skills video
  • Create your Field Level account
  • Send introduction letters to coaches
  • Go on unofficial visits to colleges
  • Build relationships by making phone calls, send letters and emails
  • Attend summer camps with the goals of honing your skills and to gain exposure 

Rules/Tips to Remember:

  • Be realistic. If you are a 5'8" outside hitter, then contacting a top DI school may not your best choice.
  • Be proactive. You have to start to contact schools as there are thousands of players out there and recruiters/coaches cannot see everyone. 
  • DI and DII coaches can’t personally contact you until your Junior year, but YOU can contact them
  • DIII and NAIA coaches can contact you at anytime
  • Important to analyze their roster; for example, how many athletes are there in the same grade level and position as you.
  • Be sure the schools have programs you would like to study, remember you will be a STUDENT-athlete, not an athlete student. 

Sophomore year - 16U

  • Create your profile
  • Update your highlights film or skills tape
  • Narrow your list of schools
  • Continue to research prospective schools
  • Continue to build relationships by making calls, sending letters, emails
  • Fill out questionnaires
  • Make unofficial visits

Rules/Tips to Remember:

September 1st of Junior year marks the first day DI and DII coaches can send you personalized letters and emails

Junior year - 17U

  • Update your highlights tape or skills video
  • Follow-up with coaches you’ve contacted in a TIMELY manner
  • Find camps to join
  • Continue to call, email, send letters to coaches
  • Ask coaches where you stand on their recruits list
  • Fill out questionnaires
  • Respond to EVERY coach
  • Make unofficial visits to schools
  • Narrow down your prospective schools list

Rules/Tips to Remember:

  • DI and top DII programs will make offers to top recruits during Junior year
  • DIII, NAIA and Junior Colleges do most of their recruiting during Senior year

Senior year - 18U

  • Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse
  • Make official visits – you are only allowed 5
  • Follow-up with coaches and respond in a TIMELY manner
  • Apply to the schools- school applications
  • Apply for financial aid – starting Jan. 1st
  • Sign and Commit to a school and program (Signing period in April, last date is August 1st) 
  • Find out from college coach the summer workout schedule
  • Get ready for an experience of a lifetime!!!