Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

College Recruiting and Club Tournaments

A recent survey conducted by the NCAA revealed that more than 90% of women’s college volleyball players participated in both club sports and high school sports. This indicates the significance of club volleyball in the college recruiting process and its role in advancing to the next level of competition. In this article, we will explore how to prepare for the club season and provide valuable recruitment strategies.

Create a Target List and Research Programs

When considering potential schools for recruitment, it is essential to develop a target list of 25-50 schools that align with your preferences. Factors such as location, academic majors, scholarship opportunities, division level, and the size of the school or city should be taken into account when creating your list.

Once you have your target list, it’s time to delve into researching each school and its volleyball program. Explore the academic majors offered, read about the current players and coaches, and assess the program’s past and current seasons to gauge its strength. This preliminary research will empower you to make informed decisions when reaching out to coaches.

Contacting College Coaches

Unlike some sports, there are no restrictions on when student-athletes can communicate with college coaches in volleyball. This provides a unique opportunity to connect with coaches, especially before upcoming tournaments. Consider sending an introductory email that includes your tournament schedule, online profile, highlight video link, and a personalized message expressing your interest in the coach’s program.

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For upperclassmen, following up with a phone call or inquiring about a campus visit after a club tournament can help gauge your position on the college coach’s recruiting list.

Focus on Your Game

While college coaches will assess your volleyball skills during club tournaments, they are also evaluating your communication skills and character. Observing how players interact with their coaches, teammates, and parents before, during, and after tournaments holds significant weight because coaches seek student-athletes with positive attitudes, strong work ethics, and a willingness to improve.

Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of your social media presence during tournaments. Social media plays a prominent role in digital recruiting, and college coaches often review student-athletes’ profiles. Maintaining appropriate posts and keeping your profiles public can greatly impact the recruiting process.

The Follow-up

One often overlooked step in the recruiting process is the follow-up. Just like in the sales industry, following up is a simple yet effective way to stand out. When reaching out to a college coach after a tournament, express gratitude for their attendance and continue the conversation by including a question at the end of your email.

Being proactive and maintaining communication with coaches can give you a significant advantage as a recruit. If you are equally matched in talent with another recruit, consistent communication and a good rapport with the coach can keep you on their radar and potentially lead to an offer.

FAQs

  • When should I start reaching out to college coaches?
    There are no restrictions on when student-athletes can communicate with college coaches in volleyball. Start reaching out as early as possible to establish connections.

  • What should I include in my introductory email to coaches?
    Your introductory email should include your tournament schedule, online profile, highlight video link, and a personalized message expressing your interest in the coach’s program.

  • How important is social media in the recruiting process?
    Social media plays a crucial role in digital recruiting. College coaches often review student-athletes’ profiles, so it is essential to maintain appropriate posts and keep your profiles public.

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Conclusion

Club volleyball is an essential component of the college recruiting process for aspiring women’s college volleyball players. By creating a target list, conducting thorough research, actively communicating with coaches, maintaining a positive attitude on and off the court, and following up with gratitude and questions, you can increase your chances of being recruited. Keep in mind that consistency and effective communication can give you an edge in the competitive realm of college recruiting. For more information about college volleyball recruiting, visit Alpinetgheep.