High School Season’s Over: Club Recruitment Tips

Anonymous Question from a Parent:

"We are finally done with our high school season, what should we do next?"

My Response:

With the conclusion of the 2024 Girls High School Volleyball season, it's time to shift focus as the 2025 Club Season kicks off. This transitional period, before the intensity of practices and travel tournaments begins, is an excellent opportunity to dive into the recruitment process.

Start by exploring Coachable247.com, an invaluable resource that offers an evolving, unbiased guide to navigating recruitment. It’s the perfect tool to help you understand the steps you need to take to achieve your volleyball goals.

Additionally, PrepDig.com provides practical strategies tailored to players at every stage of their journey. Take this time to reflect on your goals, research programs, and build or update your player profile. This preparation ensures you’ll be ready to showcase your skills to college coaches when the club season heats up. Remember, every player’s journey is unique—adapt these resources to fit your situation and make the most of this pivotal time!

Prepare: Build a Strong Foundation

Preparation is the key to a successful recruitment season. Establish routines and habits that set you up for success both on and off the court.

• Create a Game Plan: Define clear goals for your season. What skills do you want to refine? What tournaments will you attend? Work with your coaches to develop a roadmap tailored to your growth.

• Subscribe to PrepDig+: Gain a competitive edge by subscribing to PrepDig+. Access in-depth player rankings, scouting reports, and event coverage to stay informed about where you stand and how you can improve. This resource can help you refine your goals and stay motivated by understanding the competition.

• Develop a Daily Routine: Balance schoolwork, nutrition, practice, and sleep. Include a 20-minute daily workout—whether it’s yoga, core exercises, or cardio, staying active supports overall performance.

• Strength Training: Consult a professional for lifting advice, or reach out to college coaches to connect with their strength and conditioning programs. These resources not only help you physically prepare but also demonstrate your commitment to growth.

• Holistic Preparation: Prioritize your well-being by balancing training, recovery, nutrition, and mental health. A well-rounded approach ensures you’re at your best when it matters most.

  

Research: Explore Your Options

Use this time to thoroughly research the next steps toward your volleyball dream.

• Club Teams: Build strong bonds with your teammates through team outings and activities that foster camaraderie. Schedule regular check-ins with your club coach and director to discuss your progress, goals, and areas for improvement.

• PrepDig College Database: Leverage PrepDig’s College Database to explore schools that align with your academic aspirations and athletic ambitions. Look into team dynamics, coaching styles, facilities, and the level of academic support offered to student-athletes. This detailed research ensures you target programs where you can excel both on and off the court.

  

  
  

Resume: Showcase Your Best Self

Your resume and online presence are often the first impressions you make on college coaches—make them count.

• Keep Your Profiles Updated: Refresh your Instagram, Hudl, and YouTube accounts regularly with your latest highlights and accomplishments. If you haven’t created a free PrepDig Prospect Index, start one today to ensure your profile is accessible to college coaches. PrepDig’s platform also allows you to see which colleges have viewed your profile, giving you insight into programs that are showing interest.

• Highlight Your Achievements: Update your resume after every event, including awards, stats, and standout performances. This consistent effort demonstrates your growth and dedication as a player.

• Create a Highlights Reel: Develop a polished reel showcasing your best moments on the court. Share it widely and tag PrepDigCA to increase your visibility among college coaches and recruiters.

• Showcase Your Personality: Coaches recruit more than just athletes—they look for great teammates. Use your resume and social media platforms to highlight your work ethic, leadership, and team spirit to stand out from the crowd.

  

Network: Build Connections

Recruitment is as much about who you know as what you do. Strengthen your network to create opportunities.

• Engage with Coaches: Seek feedback on your performance and areas for improvement. Schedule regular meetings with your club coach and director to discuss your progress, align on goals, and stay on track throughout the season.

• Reach Out to College Coaches: With their season winding down, now is an ideal time to introduce yourself. Send an email expressing your interest in their program and include updates on your recent achievements. Use PrepDig’s College Database to find contact information and tailor your outreach.

• Learn from Others: Connect with committed athletes and those you admire to learn from their recruitment journeys. Gain insights into their experiences, tips for navigating the process, and advice on building relationships with coaches.

• Leverage PrepDig Articles: PrepDig’s in-depth coverage highlights players across the nation, providing valuable stories and perspectives. Use these articles to discover athletes to connect with, whether they are committed or in the process of being recruited. Reaching out to these players can offer inspiration and actionable advice, helping you chart your own path.

  

  
  

  Interview: Shine in the Spotlight

  
  

  Think of every tournament, showcase, or camp as an interview—a chance to prove your worth to college programs.

  
  

• Participate in PrepDig Events: Take advantage of opportunities to showcase your talents at tournaments, showcases, and camps. PrepDig hosts a variety of events across the country where you can gain invaluable exposure to college recruiters. Sign up for these events directly through PrepDig to ensure you’re in the spotlight.

• Share Your Highlight Reels: Include your highlight reel in your emails to college coaches. A well-crafted visual representation of your skills can leave a lasting impression and set you apart from the competition. For more information on sending emails, check out our article, Coachable247 Email Strategy with PrepDig+ Resources

• Be Professional: Approach every interaction with college coaches as a part of your interview. Communicate clearly and confidently, express genuine enthusiasm, and follow up after events to thank them for their time and reaffirm your interest in their program.

• Follow-up: Reach out to club coaches, opposing team coaches, or anyone who has watched you compete. Building these connections reinforces your professionalism and keeps you on their radar.

  

  Reward: Celebrate Your Journey

  
  

  If you commit to the process and embrace these steps, the rewards will follow—both on and off the court.

  
  

• Define & Achieve Your Own Success

  Success looks different for everyone. Whether it’s playing at your dream school, excelling in academics, or achieving personal milestones, make decisions that align with your happiness and long-term goals. Remember, success isn’t defined by others but by the fulfillment you find in your journey.

• Find Joy in Your Unique Journey

  Not every path leads to college volleyball, and that’s okay. Some players find purpose in pursuing a trade, focusing on academics, or exploring other passions. The ultimate reward is excelling at what you love and building a life that brings you joy.

• Set Yourself Up for the Future

  Athletics are an important chapter, but academics provide the foundation for long-term success. Whether volleyball remains part of your story or not, finding a school that supports your academic ambitions will ensure you’re prepared for the future.

• Sense of Achievement:

  Achieving goals—whether on the court, in the classroom, or in life—fosters pride and confidence. The true reward lies in knowing you gave your best effort, embraced challenges, and grew from the process, regardless of the outcome.

  

  
  

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