One of the best ways to maximize effectiveness throughout the college recruiting process is to target the right colleges and division levels. Not only is this a huge time saver when it comes to communicating with college coaches, but it also helps athletes and families find the right college fit. But in order to do so, potential recruits need to be aware of academic and athletic standards so they know they can compete at that level. This is where recruiting guidelines come into play.
How good do you have to be to play college volleyball? The best way to get accurate, up-to-date recruiting guidelines is to get them directly from the source when contacting college coaches. Different coaches and programs have different standards, even if they’re in the same division level. Additionally, guidelines can and do change over time. In this section, we’ve included some key guidelines that potential recruits can reference to target the right level of competition, but it’s still important to get updated guidelines directly from college coaches.
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Using the men’s volleyball recruiting guidelines
“What do college men’s volleyball coaches look for in recruits?” is a common question for us here at NCSA. It’s important to remember that there are currently 220 men’s college volleyball programs in the U.S. The athletic requirements to play on each team vary, sometimes even within the same division level. However, understanding the basic height requirements and skill level that programs are looking for can help athletes target the level of competition that’s best suited for them. In this section, we’ve outlined some guidelines to help men’s college volleyball players get an idea of what recruits look like.
What volleyball stats do college coaches look at?
College coaches reference measurables for volleyball vertical jump, approach jump, block jump, attack jump, height and standing reach (position dependent) to make sure you meet the baseline requirements for playing at that school. However, standards will change from school to school, and these are not set in stone.
Don’t forget that your volleyball statistics are only a part of your entire profile as a volleyball recruit. Coaches will look at these stats in addition to quality film showcasing recruitable skills. They also want to know about your intangibles, like leadership skills, athleticism and volleyball IQ. Experience also comes into play, and coaches will want to know about both your high school and club play.
Insider tip: Camps and showcases often offer an opportunity to get updated stats measurements to share with college coaches. Learn how to identify the right camps and combines with an NCSA workshop.
Libero volleyball skills and recruiting guidelines
Division 1; top Division 2
- Club experience: 3–5 years elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–4 year varsity starter
Division 2; top Division 3
- Club experience: 2–5 years national/elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–3 year varsity starter
Division 3; top NAIA
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
NAIA; junior college (CCCAA)
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
Setter volleyball skills and recruiting guidelines
Division 1; top Division 2
- Club experience: 3–5 years elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–4 year varsity starter
Division 2; top Division 3
- Club experience: 2–5 years national/elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–3 year varsity starter
Division 3; top NAIA
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
NAIA; junior college (CCCAA)
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
Outside hitter volleyball skills and recruiting guidelines
Division 1; top Division 2
- Club experience: 3–5 years elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–4 year varsity starter
Division 2; top Division 3
- Club experience: 2–5 years national/elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–3 year varsity starter
Division 3; top NAIA
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
NAIA; junior college (CCCAA)
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
Middle blocker volleyball skills and recruiting guidelines
Division 1; top Division 2
- Club experience: 3–5 years elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–4 year varsity starter
Division 2; top Division 3
- Club experience: 2–5 years national/elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–3 year varsity starter
Division 3; top NAIA
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
NAIA; junior college (CCCAA)
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
Right side hitter volleyball skills and recruiting guidelines
Division 1; top Division 2
- Club experience: 3–5 years elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–4 year varsity starter
Division 2; top Division 3
- Club experience: 2–5 years national/elite club experience
- High school experience: 2–3 year varsity starter
Division 3; top NAIA
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter
NAIA; junior college (CCCAA)
- Club experience: 2–3 years national club experience
- High school experience: 1–2 year varsity starter