When is the best time to start the volleyball recruiting process?
Every player’s recruiting journey is unique — shaped by age, skill level, goals, and academic priorities. There’s no single “right” path. On the continuum, there are people who cast a wide net, while others target specific school types that fit their player’s ability, academic and personal preferences.
I usually recommend the focused approach — matching your player to the right kind of school and program. After all, you want your athlete at a college they’d love - even if volleyball were off the table one day.
And remember: fostering a genuine love for the game and emphasizing academics and personal growth matter just as much as athletic success.
Volleyball Recruiting:
My Practical Guide for Players & Families
MIDDLE SCHOOL (7th–8th Grade): Build Skills + Learn the Game
Goal: Develop fundamentals and spark passion.
Try different positions — find what feels natural.
Join a club team that emphasizes player development, good coaching, competition, and fun.
Attend volleyball camps at high schools, colleges, or clubs to get new perspectives.
Watch high school and college matches — notice the speed and style of play.
💡 Tip: Keep volleyball fun and skill-focused. The best foundation for recruiting later is great fundamentals now.
FRESHMAN YEAR (9th Grade): Foundation & Early Exposure
Goal: Continue developing skills, build your profile and start getting noticed.
Continue playing and developing at the highest level you can while keeping grades strong.
Create a recruiting profile on NCSA, SportsRecruits, or FieldLevel.
Create a highlight reel — 3–4 minutes is plenty.
🎥 Need help creating one? Mercury Productions specializes in polished, college-ready volleyball recruiting videos that showcase your skillsets. I can help you stand out with professional editing, smooth graphics, and easy coach-sharing links.
Research schools matching your interest and abilities. Generate a spreadsheet with information about each college fit.
Visit some college campuses (big, small, city, rural) to see what feels right.
Enjoy being a high school student!
Keep social media positive — coaches do check!
SOPHOMORE YEAR (10th Grade): Gain Exposure
Goal: Continue volleyball training, and get in front of coaches.
Attend college volleyball camps at your target type schools.
Keep your highlight video and profile updated.
Reach out to college coaches and programs you are interested in. Share your recruiting video link and where they can see you play.
D1/D2 coaches can’t contact you until June 15 after this year — but they’re watching!
D3 and NAIA programs may start reaching out earlier.
Visit more college campuses (big, small, city, rural) to see what feels right.
Stay on top of grades and training — consistent effort is key.
JUNIOR YEAR (11th Grade): Peak Recruiting Window
Goal: Play hard, be team oriented. Connect directly with coaches and evaluate options.
June 15 after sophomore year: D1 & D2 coaches can now contact you.
Update highlight videos regularly — show growth and hustle.
Schedule unofficial or official visits to schools you like.
Compete in high-profile tournaments (AAU Nationals, JVA World Challenge).
Stay flexible — sometimes your position may not be open at your top college choices, but that can change quickly (Player transfers and injuries happen).
Continue developing your skills
Keep grades up, and be positive on social media.
SENIOR YEAR (12th Grade): Commit & Have a Backup Plan
Goal: Finalize your college path.
D1 commitments usually happen junior or early senior year; others can go later.
Continue conversations with coaches you have connected with.
Review your spreadsheet. Reach out to similar type programs if you want more options.
Keep your highlight video updated, and share with coaches you connect with.
Keep improving, keep grades high, and stay engaged.
If offers don’t line up — consider being a walk-on:
Advantages of being a walk-on:
Freedom & Flexibility – Less scholarship pressure and more academic balance.
Earn Your Spot – Many walk-ons earn playing time or scholarships later.
Financial Options – Academic aid and other scholarships may still apply.
Access to Resources – Facilities, coaching, trainers and networking.
Life Skills – Discipline, resilience, teamwork — all huge post-graduation assets.
Coach contact rules and typical commit times
There are rules about when coaches can initiate contact with players. Remember, players can reach out to coaches ANYTIME by phone, email or in person. Coaches cannot respond to younger players unless a player catches them on the phone or in person. Visiting your top college campuses and stopping by the athletic office to introduce yourself to a coach is an option. Coaching staffs can and do collect information they are sent - even though they may not be able to respond.
NCAA D1
Coaches can contact players June 15 after Sophomore year
Typical player commit - Junior year
NCAA D2
Coaches can contact players June 15 after Sophomore year
Typical player commit - Junior/Senior year
NCAA D3
Coaches can contact players Anytime - (non-scholarship)
Typical player commit - Junior/Senior year
NAIA
Coaches can contact players Anytime
Typical player commit - Junior/Senior year
JUCO
Coaches can contact players Anytime
Typical player commit - Junior/Senior year
Military Academies
Coaches can contact players June 15 after Sophomore year
Typical player commit - Requires a rigorous application process
ACTION PLAN SUMMARY
Every Year:
Keep grades up and social media clean.
Play hard, train smart, and stay positive.
Each Phase:
Middle School: Build skills, love the game.
Freshman: Create your profile + highlight video.
Sophomore: Attend showcases, keep video fresh.
Junior: Communicate with coaches and visit schools.
Senior: Finalize choices, stay open to walk-on opportunities.
🎥 Mercury Productions can help elevate your recruiting process with professional volleyball highlight videos and player updates — crafted to impress college coaches and reflect your player’s personality and strengths.
Here’s my guide to best cameras and tips for filming volleyball matches.
Let’s make your recruiting story stand out — on and off the court.