Photo by US Sports Scholarships
This week: Yesterday, UpOnTop hosted it’s first of many Ask An Alumni Webinar.
First, thank you to Madison and Cassidy Lee, Leah Cooley, and Delaney Bolbach for volunteering their time to share their recruiting experience and providing amazing insight and advice! It’s one thing to talk about recruiting, but totally different to hear it from the athletes themselves.
Some key takeaways included:
“Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket". Build relationships with multiple coaches in case a preferred option falls through
Persistence in recruiting is a must. Frequently email coaches so your name is seen often
Attend as many showcases and exposure camps as possible
Don’t be afraid to approach coaches, advocate for yourself, and introduce yourself to recruiters at tournaments if you see them
There are always a lot of questions of the different types of college divisions, and what the differences are. Before we break those down, though, what’s most important to remember is keeping your eye on the prize: playing the sport you love, in a healthy environment, and it being PAID FOR! This can happen at NCAA, NAIA or JUCO (NJCAA), and no decision is permanent. There is always room for movement, growth and change.
Other things that are important to consider include location (whether you want to stay close to home), major you’re interested in, and what level of competition you’re interested in.
Feature | NCAA (4-year) | NAIA (4-year) | JUCO / NJCAA (2-year) |
|---|---|---|---|
Governing Body | NCAA (Div I / II / III) | NAIA | NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Assoc.) (Div I / II / III) |
Institution Type | 4-year colleges/universities | 4-year colleges/universities | 2-year community/junior colleges |
Level of Play | Typically highest overall competition | Comparable to NCAA DII | Varies, developmental focus |
Academic Commitment | Standard college degree track | Standard college degree track | Complete 2-year associate degree then transfer |
Scholarship Availability | Yes at D1 & D2; none at D3 | Yes (up to team limit) | Yes, varies by division |
Scholarship Limit (Women’s Volleyball) | D1: 12 full scholarship slots (head count) D2: 8 equivalency scholarships D3: No athletic scholarships | Up to 8 equivalency scholarships | Division 1: full ride (tuition, fees, board + supplies), Division 2: tuition/fees/books + supplies, Division 3: no athletic scholarships |
Scholarship Type | D1: head-count (full or slot) D2: equivalency (split among players) | Equivalency (split across players) | Head-count style based on NJCAA division |
Typical Scholarship Amount | D1: larger, more competitive D2: partial/full mix | Partial or full (but varies by school) | Often partial; some programs can cover most costs |
Roster Size | ~16–18 players+ | ~18 players avg | ~13 players avg |
Season Length & Commitment | Fall season, structured practice schedule | Similar to NCAA | Similar season, often intense and developmental |
Costs (Tuition/Fees) | Generally highest (4-year) | Often lower than NCAA | Lowest (2-year); often much lower costs overall |
Academic Eligibility Rules | NCAA eligibility standards | NAIA eligibility center required | NJCAA eligibility standards (often more flexible) |
Transfer Path | Can transfer to another NCAA/NAIA 4-year | Can transfer to NCAA or other NAIA | Common stepping stone to NCAA/NAIA after 2 years |
Typical Use Case | Athletes aiming for highest competition & degrees | Athletes wanting competitive play + scholarships | Athletes improving skills/grades before transfer |
Recruiting Platforms
There are 2 major recruiting profiles that high school volleyball athletes use: FieldLevel and NCSA.
Each profile type provides different types of support, both free and paid. Which platform works best for you is totally athlete-specific, but I will say that FieldLevel heavily relies on making connections. I think this is a good thing, as it’s more personal. NCSA can provide a much broader reach, but comes with a bit of a price tag if you really want to get the most out of it.
Book a One-On-One Meeting
You’re Not Alone! The recruiting process can be stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting, but it can also be exciting and fulfilling. You don’t have to do it alone! I’m SO thrilled to get to know you, your family, and be the stepping stone to get you to next level. The recruiting experience is playing the long game, so I’m happy to offer regular meetings and touch base regularly. To book a one-on-one, click here.
What I can do: I’m genuinely honored to be your recruiting resource. I will help you find colleges that fit your needs, review your FieldLevel and NCSA profiles, suggest highlight reels to put together, and connect you to schools who have recruiting needs to be filled.
What I can’t do: Remember, I’m your resource! This is your college recruiting experience, and although I will walk with you every step of the way, I can’t do this for you. You have to meet me halfway, draft the emails, put the reels together, and stay on the grind. This is a 3-5 year process, so ensure you’re mentally prepared for the marathon, not the sprint.