Can you get recruited for volleyball without playing club?

By Noa Saxton May 25, 2023 15:50

Volleyball is a popular sport played at both the high school and collegiate level. For many players, the dream is to continue playing at the Division 1 level in college. However, there is a common misconception that playing club volleyball is the only way to get recruited. While playing club can certainly increase your exposure to coaches and improve your skills, it is not the only path to getting recruited for Division 1 volleyball.

First and foremost, it is important to understand the recruiting process for college volleyball. Coaches typically start scouting players during their sophomore and junior years of high school. They attend tournaments and matches to evaluate players and begin making a list of potential recruits. They also rely heavily on recommendations from club coaches and other trusted sources.

This means that if you are not playing club volleyball, you may have to work a little harder to get noticed by college coaches. However, it is not impossible. Here are some tips for getting recruited for Division 1 volleyball without playing club:

Start early: If you want to get recruited for Division 1 volleyball, it is important to start early. This means focusing on your skills and athleticism from a young age. Attend volleyball camps and clinics to improve your game and get noticed by coaches. Playing in local leagues or on your high school team can also help you gain exposure.
Create a player profile: Just because you are not playing club volleyball does not mean you cannot create a player profile. A player profile is essentially a resume that highlights your volleyball skills, academic achievements, and personal qualities. It can be used to introduce yourself to coaches and showcase your potential as a recruit. Fan Arch's recruitment websites offer a platform for players to create their own profiles and make them visible to college coaches.
Attend camps and clinics: Attending volleyball camps and clinics can be a great way to get noticed by college coaches. Many camps are run by college coaches themselves, meaning you will have the opportunity to learn from them directly and show off your skills. Look for camps and clinics that are specifically designed for high school players looking to get recruited.
Contact coaches directly: If you have identified a few colleges that you are interested in, reach out to the coaches directly. Introduce yourself and express your interest in their program. Be sure to include your player profile and any relevant videos or statistics. While coaches may not respond to every email they receive, it is still worth making the effort to reach out.
Showcase your personal qualities: While volleyball skills are certainly important, coaches also look for players who possess certain personal qualities. These include things like leadership, work ethic, and teamwork. Make sure to highlight these qualities in your player profile and in any interactions with coaches.

In conclusion, while playing club volleyball can certainly increase your exposure to college coaches, it is not the only way to get recruited for Division 1 volleyball. By starting early, creating a player profile, attending camps and clinics, contacting coaches directly, and showcasing your personal qualities, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by college coaches. Remember, getting recruited is a process that takes time and effort, but with the right approach, it is definitely possible.