Don't Stop at the Starting Line: Why the Real Work Begins After you Hit Send
- Jason
- Oct 17
- 3 min read
Getting your list of schools together, creating your highlight and drafting your first email can feel like climbing a mountain. For many families this is often the hardest part; just getting started. But the reality of the college volleyball recruiting process is that those tasks make up only about 25% of the recruiting process. The real work begins after that initial wave of emails and that's where many athletes fall short.
The First 25% - Getting Started
Research schools that fit your goals (academics, location, size...)
Draft your initial email
Create a highlight that shows you at your best (you only get 1 first impression
These steps do really matter in the recruiting process. Spend some time here, but remember that it doesn't all have to be perfect. There's more work to do!
The other 75% - Where Many Athletes Struggle
Consistent Follow-Up
This is honestly where a lot of athletes falter. The idea of being "ghosted" is difficult, but please understand that college coaches do not have to respond. There are too many athletes and not enough roster spots at the college level. Consistent communication is your way of making sure you don't get lost, even if they don't always respond.
Building Real Relationships
Once you get in touch with a school, they are very often recruiting the person more than the athlete.
You want to be able to show WHO you are and WHY they should pick you over someone else
Keep Your Info Updated
Be sure to update your contact info updated throughout the process.
Make sure UA is correct as college coaches typically go there first for info.
Track Your Progress
Get some affordable recruiting software like Productive Recruit
We use this with all of our individual athletes and it's really helpful
Spreadsheets are often messy and MOST of the info you're putting in them is already found inside of PR.
Always Look To Expand Your List
As you get started you will want to focus on a couple of schools
This can create some hiccups if those schools become uninterested
Always be willing to add and grow your list of schools
New opportunities can present themselves
Don't get STUCK!
Handling Silence and Setbacks
Staying in touch is difficult
College coaches are busy people
You are busy high school athletes
You will get told no by someone
Everyone has a lot on their plates. It's important to remember, the athletes that end up playing college volleyball are in the minority. There are a lot of athletes for college coaches to choose from. Always be willing to put yourself in the mix. You might not get a response to every text or email, but that doesn't mean you should stop.
Why Most Families Stop at 25%
The idea that "college coaches will find me if I'm good enough" is so detrimental to the recruiting process. You might think you're over the hump after that first wave of emails, but the athletes that get the best results are the ones that stick with it, stay consistent and don't STOP because of speed bumps along the way.
How to Keep the Momentum Going
Set weekly goals for reaching out and following up
Plan on monthly updates (minimum) with new film if and whenever possible
Celebrate small wins - every response and connection gets you one step closer!
The recruiting process is a marathon and not a sprint. The first steps are important but the final 75% percent is where you separate yourself off from the other 95% of high school athletes.
Join our the All-In Recruiting Community if you're looking for some extra nudges and more 1on1 support. Check out the link below for more info!
