Exploring College Opportunities
Flight Volleyball ● Home ●
Navigating the college recruiting process is an ongoing journey for any Potential Student-Athlete (PSA) and their family. At Flight Academy Volleyball, we understand that finding the right college fit academically, athletically, and socially is a major commitment. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting our athletes with valuable resources and guidance every step of the way, making the path to college sports both manageable and rewarding.
Understanding Collegiate Volleyball Opportunities
1. NCAA Pathways
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) offers collegiate sports opportunities at three competitive levels: Division I, II, and III. With 345 schools in Division I, 289 in Division II, and 428 in Division III, the NCAA is a major gateway for athletes seeking a challenging academic and athletic experience. Exploring these resources will give you essential insights into eligibility requirements, scholarship information, and the recruiting timeline for NCAA colleges.
2. NAIA Options
Another excellent pathway for student-athletes to continue their volleyball careers is through the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). With 235 schools nationwide offering women’s volleyball programs, the NAIA provides a highly competitive level of play while also maintaining a supportive, family-oriented environment. One of the major advantages of the NAIA is its streamlined eligibility process and flexible recruiting timelines, which can open doors for athletes who want additional opportunities to pursue college athletics. In addition, many NAIA programs offer athletic scholarships and financial aid, making it a strong option for families looking for both quality academics and financial support. Far from being a “lesser” level, NAIA schools are known for their competitive teams and can be an ideal fit for student-athletes seeking both growth on the court and success in the classroom.
3. NJCAA and CCCAA Two-Year Programs
For those interested in beginning their college journey at a two-year school, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) provide excellent options. With over 300 NJCAA schools across the U.S. and 86 CCCAA schools in California, student-athletes can gain valuable experience, earn an Associate's degree, and prepare for a transfer to a four-year institution, where they can complete a Bachelor’s degree and utilize their remaining eligibility.
Starting Your Journey
Build your college list, including your “Dream,” “Target,” and “Fallback” schools. Review the websites above to discover which division and school environment align best with your athletic and academic talents. Remember, it’s never too early to begin the recruiting process. While it requires dedication and effort, Flight Academy Volleyball is here to provide the resources and guidance you need to help make your college sports dreams a reality.
Getting Noticed: SportsRecruits, University Athlete & NCSA
Making sure college coaches can easily find you, view your highlights, and track your progress is one of the most important parts of the recruiting journey. Here’s how we help you get noticed:
SportsRecruits (FAV Primary Platform – Included for 15U+ Flight Academy teams):
- Every 15U and older Flight Academy athlete receives a fully paid SportsRecruits account as part of club fees.
- Build a professional profile with your stats, academic info, highlight videos, and tournament schedule.
- Directly message college coaches through the platform.
- See exactly when a coach views your profile or watches your video.
- Both Flight Academy directors also see this activity, so we can follow up with college programs and help you gain even more exposure.
- A scouting tool used by college coaches at tournaments.
- Allows coaches to quickly find and track players during live events.
- Keep your profile and tournament schedule updated so coaches can connect with you.
Next College Student Athlete (NCSA):
- Offers another way to connect with college programs across all divisions.
- Provides educational resources, recruiting tips, and guidance.
- Great for additional visibility and outreach beyond SportsRecruits.
Maximizing Exposure at Tournaments
With profiles on both UA and NCSA, you maximize your exposure to college coaches at tournaments and through online searches. Make it a habit to update these profiles regularly with new stats, videos, and your event schedule. A proactive approach to your online presence helps ensure that coaches will find you at events and keeps you on their radar, increasing your chances of receiving interest and offers.
By utilizing UA and NCSA, you’re taking an active role in your recruitment journey, setting yourself up for greater visibility, and putting yourself one step closer to finding the ideal college match.