COLLEGE RECRUITING

Many players have the goal of playing volleyball in college.  Along with trying to assure themselves a place on their high school team, this is one of the major reasons many girls participate in club programs.  We understand this; we will help you meet your goals. We will get  you started on your quest to find a place to play, and we will guide you along the way.  

     If you have an interest in playing in college, please let us know.  There are several things that we can do to help. Also, please read the following information.

Now, it is time to answer some frequently asked questions, dispel a few myths, offer a bit of advice, and let you in on a few secrets:

*  If you have participated in a club program and played for your high school program, there is a great chance that you can play in college.  You don't have to be a star. There are numerous small institutions that would love to have someone with the experience and a solid fundamental base that most club programs and high school programs develop. Don't get blinded or depressed by the glitz of the nationally ranked programs.  These programs are just a small percentage of all the program looking for players.  

*  Most club volleyball players do not receive full Division I athletic scholarships. It doesn't matter if they have traveled to every club tournament in every part of the country and spent thousands of dollars doing so.  This does not mean that continuing your volleyball career in college is out of the question.  Far from it.  Remember, there are some D1 schools that choose not to give athletic aid; and  D3 schools do not have athletic scholarships available.  Others combine academic scholarships with athletic aid.  Some programs have an allotted dollar amount and must split the money among their players, giving no one in the program a "full ride." But, athletic aid is not the only way to get financial aid to go to school and play volleyball.

*  Some players might say, "If I don't get a full ride, I will not be able to afford to go to college."   However, In today's world, if you want to go to a post-high-school institution, there are many options.  Talk to your guidance counselor, talk to your teachers, talk to the admissions department at any college.  Most people are eager to help, and there is plenty of money out there.  In 1998, $55,000,000,000 in financial aid was given out.

*  If you want to play in college, YOU need to do most of the "recruiting work."  Most colleges do not have the budget, time, or personnel to travel to every tournament and look for players.  So, that means for the average player, that individual needs to begin the process herself.  If you are interested in a particular school, let them know that you are interested, talk to the coach or admissions department.  Do this via your club coach or director, high school coach, guidance counselor, or personal contact.  

*  There is not a recruiting service around that can do anything that you can't do on your own with the help of your coach and/or counselor. There is no need to pay someone to do something that you can do and can probably do with greater success.  However, if you would like assistance there are many recruiting services out there.

*  "Well, what about a video tape?"  In many cases it may be a necessity; but for the most part, the process is overrated.  You, your parents, and your coach can make one in about 30 minutes that will be effective. You need to include 5-10 minutes of the fundamental skills (serving, passing, setting and/or hitting, defense/digging).  You will also want to include 1 or 2 games (not an entire match) of un-edited video footage.  Coaches want to see how you play the game between the lines.  There is no reason to pay someone to create a big production.  Most college coaches can tell in about 30 seconds if you are a good fit in their program, if you are what they are looking for.  If they see potential, they will contact you and come watch you play if they can.  

     *If you are unsure about where to begin looking for a college, there are a few basics that need to be considered. First, geography.  How far away from home are you willing to go? Do you want to stay within driving distance? Or would you like to be as far away as you can get?  Second, ability.  At what level do your skills fall? D1? D2? D3? NAIA? Junior College?  Where do you stack up? (This is one area best answered by someone whom you respect in the business.)  By the way, there are some D3 programs that compete very well against some D1 programs.  In many cases, you truly  cannot judge a book by its cover.  Third, academic interest.  What are you interested in studying?  Do all colleges offer a program in your area of interest as well as a volleyball program? Fourth, overall interest.  Is being part of a competitive volleyball program the most important thing?  Is the social aspect of playing and attending college more important?  Is your degree most important?  Remember, for 99.9% of college players, playing volleyball competitively is over after college--you better enjoy the time.

After you have considered the basics, there are a few places to begin your search.  The first is with your coach.  Ask for help.  Don't assume that he/she knows that you are interested in playing at the collegiate level.  You might be surprised with the information that he/she has at his/her disposal.  Your club and high school coaches frequently receive letters from college coaches requesting information about athletes who may fit into their programs.  Also,  your high school guidance department may have subscribed to a database called Choices.  This program is a great tool to use to search for institutions that fit what you want.  Ask your guidance counselor.  It is very easy to use.  You can also research colleges under the LINKS section of our website.  Here is a good website that allows you to filter the available colleges that meet your specific criteria (distance from home, available majors, private/public, volleyball scholarships, etc.): http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/tools/search.php

*  Visit as many school as you can. Take some family trips to several campuses if you can.  See what's out there.  Get a feel for the atmosphere.  Remember, you are evaluating the school and program just as they are evaluating you and your potential.   Everything needs to fit.  Ask yourself this question when you visit a school:  If during the first day of practice, I blow out my knee and can't play anymore, would I still want to attend this school?  If the answer is "no," find somewhere else.  If the answer is "yes," keep considering it as a possibility.  

*   The most important thing is that you enjoy your college playing experience. Don't go somewhere because of its name or reputation. Go somewhere where you are going to enjoy the school, the coach, and the players.  Go to a smaller program and play rather than a top   program and sit on the bench.  Use volleyball as a tool to grow, to meet new people, to gain an education, and to create positive memories.

*  Don't play in college because Mom and Dad expect you to, or because all of your friends are looking for places to play, or because you have spent lots of money playing in club programs.  Make this your decision.  Play because you enjoy the competition, the game, the people, and the excitement.  If it's not right, it's not right.  You will only be successful if you really want to play.

*  If we can help in your quest to play in college or if should you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to contact us.  You can also request a college recruiting article and cover letter from Club Director, Scott Lauer at AScottLauer@aol.com to assist you in the college recruiting process.

Sincerely,

N3 Board of Directors