Last minute Guide to Get Recruited
The competition to get into to the school of your choice is one thing, but being able to play the game you love is a whole another battle. Talent in the Midwest just keeps getting better; great for coaches, but somewhat harder for players. If you are not in the 10% or more that was recruited early and heavily by a large, scholarship offering school, it can feel like your opportunity may never come. Here are three more ways to help get you on track to play in college.
Stand out
Pin-point what makes you a special player. Do you specialize is one area? Are you a physical player? Can you thrive under pressure? This takes a lot of self-reflection and if you struggle, ask a teammate, parent or coach. Reflect on the energy you bring to the court? Do you have that “it” factor that makes it hard for spectators to turn away? Maybe people tell you that you are fun to watch, or perhaps your peers always vote for you to be captain. Once you can recognize what it is you are really good at, whether or a skill or something else, take it and run. Amplify it, own it and DO IT – all the time.
For example, when I was player and felt overlooked by my coach in every possible way, I decided I was going to be the best server on the team so he would have to play me. I learned how to do a serve no one else at the time was doing. I practiced my side-spin serve every time we served and started doing it against my own team. The coach took notice and even started helping me make it stronger. Before long, I was leading the team in aces and always had a spot on the court.
Reach out
Players see lists of the all the scouts that will be at their up-coming tournaments and so many still never hear from anyone. Don’t be discouraged but remember the great stories that are made from walk-on’s and get encouraged! Go ahead and contact the program you have an interest in. Whether by phone, in person, email or Facebook. Put yourself out there! Yes, coaches will be getting contacted by so many players so use these tips to stand out:
-Be concise: Include important information in the subject line and first paragraph (position, Club, height, achievements, etc)
-Be complimentary: Tell the coach you appreciate their coaching style and philosophy. Express how you have followed their team, and have spoken to others who have played for them and the experience they had. Everyone appreciates genuine compliments.
** If you are emailing, enable the “read receipt” so you can have an idea of who has taken the time to read about you!
Branch out
This can mean a couple things. First, broaden your opportunities by considering new, less obvious schools. Perhaps a school not in your home state, or not the division you had originally hoped for. Think outside the box. A great place to start is with Google. Search for programs in your area or a new area and put yourself out there!
Branching out, also means ask for help. Talk with your coach on their thoughts of you continuing to play. Ask them to write a letter of recommendation for you or to film you so you can upload to footage to HUDL and other sites. Coaches do their job because they want to help you, so make sure to look to them as a valuable resource. They will have more connections and tips that will be helpful!
If you have a desire to play college volleyball, there is a way and there is still time. These tips just might have you find your spot!