Define What You Want

• Think beyond volleyball. Consider academics, majors, campus size, location, culture, cost and overall college experience.
• Talk with your family and Flight coaches about your goals and what level may be appropriate for you.
• Be ambitious, but also realistic about your current athletic and academic profile.

Build Your College List

• Research programs that match both your volleyball goals and academic interests.

• Study rosters by position and graduation year to better understand a program's potential recruiting needs.

Create Your Athlete Profile

• Include your graduation year, position, height, reach, approach jump, block jump and other useful metrics.
• Include your high school, club team, jersey number and upcoming tournament schedule.
• Add your GPA, academic interests and other relevant student information.
• Keep everything updated throughout the season.

Create Quality Video

• Create a focused highlight video that quickly shows your strongest volleyball skills.
• Put your strongest clips early. College coaches may only watch a short portion before deciding whether to continue.
• Identify yourself clearly before each clip when needed.
• Upload additional game footage so coaches can evaluate how you move and compete during complete rallies.

Contact College Coaches

• Introduce yourself and tell the coach why you are genuinely interested in their school and volleyball program.
• Include your profile, highlight video and upcoming tournament information.
• Personalize your message. Avoid sending the exact same generic email to every program.
• Follow up professionally when appropriate.
• Ask your Flight Academy coach for help communicating with a college program when additional advocacy makes sense.

Use Tournaments, Camps & Clinics

• Before major tournaments, contact schools you are interested in and let them know your schedule and court assignments.
• Attend college camps and clinics at schools you are genuinely interested in.
• Use camps to experience the coaching staff, campus, training environment and program culture.
• Introduce yourself and build relationships whenever appropriate.

Take Care Of Academics & Eligibility

• Strong academics can dramatically increase your college options.
• Understand NCAA, NAIA and individual college eligibility and admissions requirements.
• Take required courses and complete eligibility registration when appropriate.
• Maintain good communication with your high school counselor.
• Develop the time-management habits you'll need as a college student-athlete.

Evaluate The Fit & Make Your Decision

• Visit campuses whenever possible and spend time learning about the complete student-athlete experience.
• Ask questions about playing opportunities, team culture, coaching philosophy, academics, travel and daily life.
• Consider the complete financial picture, not only athletic aid.
• Choose the university that provides the best overall combination of academics, athletics, finances, environment and personal fit.
• Once committed, continue training, improving and preparing to compete at the next level.