Understanding why club volleyball often carries more weight in college recruiting and how to maximize both opportunities
If you're serious about playing college volleyball, you've probably heard coaches and recruiters emphasize club volleyball over high school. But why does club carry so much more weight in the recruiting process? The answer lies in exposure, competition level, and the timing of the recruiting calendar.
While both club and high school volleyball have their place, understanding the differences and how college coaches view each can help you prioritize your time and maximize your recruiting opportunities.
Over 95% of college volleyball recruiting happens during club season, particularly at major tournaments where hundreds of college coaches gather to evaluate talent. High school volleyball is important for development, but club volleyball provides the exposure and competition level that drives the recruiting process.
Club volleyball tournaments are where college coaches do the majority of their recruiting. Major events attract hundreds of coaches scouting talent all in one place.
Pro Tip: A single weekend at a major club tournament can put you in front of more college coaches than an entire high school season. Coaches often watch 20-30 matches per day at these events.
Club volleyball brings together the best players from multiple schools, creating a much higher level of competition that better showcases your abilities.
Reality Check: College coaches want to see how you perform against the best competition. Dominating a weak high school schedule doesn't translate as well as competing successfully in top club divisions.
The club volleyball season aligns perfectly with the college recruiting calendar, while high school season often falls during NCAA blackout periods.
✓ PRIME RECRUITING PERIOD - Coaches actively evaluating and making offers
⚠ LIMITED RECRUITING - Coaches focused on their own season
Important: By the time high school season starts, many college rosters for the next 2-3 years are already filled through club recruiting.
Playing for a respected club program carries weight. Coaches trust certain clubs to consistently produce college-ready players.
National powers with multiple top teams
Example: TAV, Mizuno, Club Volleyball Academy
Strong regional presence, competitive nationally
Known for player development
Can still get recruited with individual excellence
Requires more self-promotion
Club Selection Tip: Choose a club based on coaching quality, playing time, and tournament schedule - not just the biggest name. Being a starter on a good team beats sitting the bench on an elite one.
Yes! High school volleyball still has important value, just not as the primary recruiting vehicle.
If you're in 9th-11th grade and serious about playing in college, club volleyball should be your primary focus. This is when coaches are actively recruiting.
Choose a club team with a strong tournament schedule that includes national qualifiers and championships.
High school season is great for working on leadership skills, trying new positions, and getting extra playing time without the pressure of college coaches watching.
Be the leader on your high school team. Coaches value leadership experience and team captain roles.
Be upfront with your high school coach about club commitments and vice versa. Most understand the importance of both programs.
If there's a scheduling conflict between high school playoffs and a major club tournament, prioritize the club event if you're actively being recruited.
While club film is more important, having high school highlights shows you can dominate at multiple levels and be a leader.
Create separate highlight reels: one featuring your best club tournament play, and one showing leadership/dominance in high school.
Playing with an older age group in club volleyball can accelerate your development and recruiting timeline, but it comes with trade-offs.
Decision Rule: Only play up if you'll get significant court time. Being a star on your age group is better for recruiting than sitting the bench with older players.
Research clubs in your area with strong coaching, good tournament schedules, and a track record of college placements.
Focus on club tournament footage. Learn how to create recruiting videos that showcase your skills.
Get volleyball coach contact lists and start reaching out before major tournaments.
Make sure you're at AAU Nationals, USAV Nationals, or other major events where coaches congregate.
Club volleyball is undeniably more important for college recruiting due to superior exposure, competition, and timing. However, high school volleyball still has value for development, leadership, and fun.
The smartest approach is to prioritize club during your recruiting years (9th-11th grade) while still participating in high school for the experience and extra playing time. Focus your recruiting efforts—film, coach contacts, and tournament attendance—on your club season.
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