Volleyball Recruiting Tips

Recruiting Videos

I want to share my insights on this topic, as I have watched numerous videos, created highlight reels, and listened to recruiting coaches discuss the importance of video in the recruiting process.

Volleyball Recruiting Videos recommendations:

✔ Keep it simple—no need for special effects, just clear player identification and the right plays.

✔ Avoid adding music, transition effects, or visual markers (arrows/circles) around the player. You can create volleyball videos with effects for fun for your friends. You will get a lot of interaction from them.

✔ Maintain a YouTube channel to host your videos and an effective recruiting profile page with key information that allows recruiting coaches to evaluate you and reach out to you or your coach.

✔ DO NOT start the video with serves, even if they are aces—this is the least important skill for coaches.

✔ Begin the video with a title screen featuring the player’s photo and key details: name, jersey number & color, position, graduation year, height, team name, and video date.

✔ Do not exceed 5 minutes.

Follow this video structure, recommended based on the position:

Hitters:

Hitting from the primary position (demonstrating different tempos)
Hitting from alternate positions
Passing from left-back, middle-back, and right-back
Blocking
Defensive plays
Serving (if there is time)

Middle Blockers:

Setters:

Liberos/Defense Specialists:

Volleyball Recruiting Emails

You must ensure you answer quickly and clearly why you are a great athlete and candidate.

The First Introduction Email:

✔ Start with an attractive Email Subject. For example: “2027 6’4” setter, All Star, playing up in U18, Premier.”

✔ Greet the coach by name (make sure it’s the correct one!).

✔ Explain why you are interested in the school and the team.

✔ Highlight important academic achievements (including grades) and athletic accomplishments (including physical stats), along with your future plans.

✔ Mention the soft skills that make you a great recruit and a valuable high-performance team player.

✔ Include a link to your recruiting profile page and social media.

✔ Provide your upcoming schedule.

✔ Offer your coach’s contact info (even if you have it on your profile page).

✔ Be polite and professional.

The Follow-up Emails:

✔ Keep the Email Subject the same, but add the name “Jane Scott 2027 6’4” setter, All Star, playing up in U18, Premier.”

✔ Include volleyball news and achievements, but nothing more.

✔ Add links to your updated highlights videos.

✔ Include your updated schedule.

✔ Keep it short and on the subject. DO NOT WRITE ESSAYS!

✔ Be polite and professional.

Other items to consider in the volleyball recruiting process

Academic Eligibility & NCAA/NAIA Requirements

✔ Maintain strong grades (GPA matters!).

✔ Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (if targeting NCAA schools).

✔ Take the SAT/ACT (if required by your target schools).

✔ Research each school’s academic standards and admission requirements.

Communication & Relationship Building

✔ Follow up with coaches professionally and avoid spamming them.

✔ Engage on social media (some coaches follow prospects on platforms like Instagram and Twitter).

✔ Be prepared for phone calls or online meetings—know your talking points.

✔ Ask thoughtful questions about the program, team culture, and playing style.

Campus Visits & Recruiting Events

✔ If invited, try to schedule unofficial or official visits.

✔ Attend camps and showcases where college coaches will be present.

✔ Observe how the team dynamic and coaching style fit with your personality.

Be Proactive & Organized

✔ Make a list of target schools based on your academic and athletic goals.

✔ Track which coaches you’ve contacted and their responses.

✔ Keep a folder of academic transcripts, test scores, and athletic achievements.

Know the Recruiting Timeline & Rules

✔ NCAA has strict contact rules (D1 coaches can’t respond until June 15 after sophomore year).

✔ Division 2, NAIA, and JUCO have different timelines—research accordingly.

✔ The Canadian schools are less rigid with the rules about contacting recruits.

✔ Understand scholarship offers vs. walk-on opportunities.

Athletic Development & Exposure

✔ Keep improving—strength, speed, vertical jump, and skills matter. ATHLETICISM MATTERS!

✔ Play in high-exposure tournaments.

✔ Update your highlight reel regularly (every few months with your best clips).

Character & Social Media Presence

✔ College coaches look at attitude, work ethic, and coachability.

✔ Avoid posting anything negative or inappropriate online.

✔ Be a good teammate and leader—coaches talk to club/high school coaches about you.

Scholarship & Financial Planning

✔ Not all schools offer full-ride scholarships (especially in Canada) – understand how financial aid works.

✔ Research athletic vs. academic scholarships (strong academics can help secure extra funding).

✔ Ask about scholarship renewals (some are year-to-year, not guaranteed).

Backup Plan & Fit Over Status

✔ Don’t focus only on D1 programs—D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO have great opportunities.

✔ Find a school that fits academically, athletically, and socially.

✔ Be open to redshirting or different roles on the team.

Decision-Making & Committing

✔ Once you get offers, compare playing time, school size, academics, and team culture. Research well.

✔ If you commit, stay in touch with the coaching staff and continue working hard.

✔ Sign National Letter of Intent (NLI) if applicable (for NCAA schools with scholarships).

Final Tip:

Recruiting is about being proactive, patient, and persistent. Coaches won’t always reach out first—you need to advocate for yourself …. Or have a recruiter do it for you!

If you have questions about our volleyball recruiting services for the NCAA, please, ask here.

(and YES, recruiting is more than just a volleyball profile page!)