Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

Your Top College Recruiting Questions Answered

If you’re a high school student with a passion for volleyball and dreams of playing in college, you may have some burning questions about the recruiting process. We’re here to provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions, giving you a solid foundation to kickstart your recruiting journey.

How can I start the recruiting process?

The recruiting process may seem daunting, but you can start by understanding your preferences. Consider factors such as preferred location, school size, offered majors, division/competition level, academic strength, social/cultural fit, and financial opportunities. Take a holistic approach when assessing schools, looking beyond just the volleyball program. To get noticed by college coaches, create a profile with a recruiting service. Include highlight videos, game footage, playing schedule, and contact information. This will help you gain exposure and provide coaches with valuable insights about you.

What should I put in my highlight video?

Your highlight video should showcase your skills and abilities. Start with your best plays, such as hits, blocks, and defensive plays. Include game footage that demonstrates your range of skills and longer rallies. Film from behind the service line to capture the entire court. If a coach wants to see more, they may request unedited full game footage.

How do I know if a college coach is interested in me?

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Coach activity is a good indicator of interest. If a coach is viewing/following your online profile, opening/responding to your emails, and requesting video footage or playing schedule, it shows a moderate level of interest. A higher level of interest is usually indicated when a coach invites you to visit campus and meet the team. However, an invitation to a camp may or may not indicate interest, so it’s important to follow up with an email or phone call for clarification.

What do college coaches evaluate?

Coaches evaluate more than just athleticism and volleyball skills. They also consider work ethic, attitude, leadership qualities, academics, communication skills, and personality. It’s important to present yourself well not only on the court but also on social media, as coaches often review profiles during the recruiting process.

What do I talk about with a college coach?

Whether through email, phone calls, or online meetings, use these conversations as an opportunity to get to know the coaches and let them get to know you. Discuss why you like their program/school, share what you’re currently working on both athletically and academically, talk about your role models, and inform them about your upcoming games. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to learn more about the program and demonstrate your interest.

What types of questions should I ask coaches?

When interacting with coaches, ask open-ended questions that encourage in-depth responses. Some examples include:

  • How are you and your team doing during this time?
  • What are your future goals for your program?
  • What qualities are you looking for in a player in my position?
  • Can you provide any tips on how I can continue improving?
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Gather feedback from coaches and use these conversations to develop a better understanding of what it would be like playing for them.

Sue Webber, the author of this article, is a former college volleyball player and collegiate coach. She currently serves as the event partnership director for Next College Student Athlete, an organization that assists athletes throughout the college recruiting process.

FAQs

Q: How can I start the recruiting process?
A: To start the recruiting process, understand your preferences and create a profile with a recruiting service. Include highlight videos, game footage, playing schedule, and contact information.

Q: What should I put in my highlight video?
A: Put your best plays first, followed by footage that demonstrates your range of skills and longer rallies. Film from behind the service line and consider including unedited full game footage if requested.

Q: How do I know if a college coach is interested in me?
A: Coach activity, such as viewing/following your online profile and requesting additional information, indicates a moderate level of interest. An invitation to visit campus and meet the team usually suggests a higher level of interest.

Q: What do college coaches evaluate?
A: Coaches evaluate not only athleticism and skills but also work ethic, attitude, leadership, academics, communication skills, and personality.

Q: What do I talk about with a college coach?
A: Discuss your appreciation for their program/school, what you’re working on athletically and academically, your role models, and upcoming games. Ask questions to learn more about the program.

Q: What types of questions should I ask coaches?
A: Ask open-ended questions about their team’s current status, future goals, qualities they look for in players, and tips for improvement.

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Summary

If you’re a high school student with aspirations of playing volleyball in college, understanding the college recruiting process is essential. Start by creating a profile with a recruiting service, showcasing your skills through highlight videos and game footage. Coaches evaluate not only your athletic abilities but also your work ethic, attitude, leadership, academics, communication skills, and personality. Engage in meaningful conversations with college coaches, expressing your interest, and asking insightful questions. By taking these steps, you can navigate the recruiting process with confidence and increase your chances of finding the perfect fit for your volleyball journey.