Yes, D2 Still Exists

*Originally posted 11/4/2021

D2 Regional Rankings

D2 AVCA Top 25

Shocking, I know.

As we hit November I think it's important that Division 2 volleyball programs still exist. While many see D2 schools as a "back up" option or even as a "lesser" or "let down" kind of option, none of that is true.

First, there is a HUGE difference between between the top and the bottom of Division 1 volleyball. Further more there is a HUGE difference between the level of volleyball on a conference to conference level between the top 10 conferences in the country and the bottom 10 conferences. The first mistake we make in the recruiting process is to treat all D1 schools as the same. On many different levels they are not.

Second, there are a lot of myths that tend to be discussed when it comes to D2. I would like to combat a few of those as simply as I can:

D2 schools are well funded

D2 schools have nice facilities

D2 schools have fantastic coaches

D2 schools play at a competitive level

The reason that I put the rankings list at the top of this blog is that I want you to be able to see what opportunities exist for athletes to play at a high level. These teams will be playing in the post-season; they will be winning conference championships and getting rings; they will be 1 of 64 teams still playing when the regular season is over; athletes on these teams will become All-Region and All-American athletes. The opportunity to do those things should NOT be downplayed. We make a mistake when we say arbitrarily that D1 is better than D2 because it isn't. To say that teams like Metro State (currently #1 in the country with a great coaching staff) couldn't beat 150 or so D1 schools is wrong. I'm not trying to make the argument that they are"like a mid-major" because I think that's an false premise. But, they are really good...so good that they could win at the D1 level if they choose. Take a look at programs in the WAC that have recently made the move from D2 to D1:

Tarleton - 13-12 overall

Cal Baptist - 13-8 overall

Dixie State - 5-13 overall

Tarleton and Dixie state have not cycled through their D2 rosters, while CBU might have at this point. I will note that CBU played very well in the WAC their first few seasons as D1 schools.

When it comes to "level of play" we have to consider that some D2 options are going to give athletes an opportunity to compete at a very high level.

But what about options? I think from a recruiting stand point we miss on really fantastic opportunities for athletes when we don't have the D2 discussions. That's one of the biggest reasons why I'm writing this - I want to remind everyone they exist!

Let's just look at schools within Texas and the surrounding states. For many athletes that "want to stay close to home" we are very limited when we ONLY look at D1 schools. Without taking into account the level of talent for an athlete, let's just take a look at total options "close to home:"

Texas

D1 - 24

D2 - 13

Louisiana

D1 - 12

D2 - 0

Oklahoma

D1 - 3

D2 - 9

Arkansas

D1 - 5

D2 - 7

Colorado

D1 - 5

D2 - 10

New Mexico

D1 - 2

D2 - 3

Missouri

D1 - 5

D2 - 13

TOTAL

D1 - 56

D2 - 55

By opening up your options to look at D2 schools, not only are you creating more opportunities to play at an elite level, but you are doubling your recruiting opportunities.

D2 coaches are targeting athletes early in the recruiting process just like D1 coaches are. D2 coaches can find athletes that are interested in their program and that will help them win in their conference and win nationally. D2 coaches are NOT waiting to see who the D1 schools recruit and then go after everyone else. Too many times I see the list of schools that athletes reach out to first and a majority of the time there are 0 D2 schools on the list. Many lists have only P5 schools on their list. That's great for some athletes, but just remember that less than 1/4 of a percent (0.23%) of HS volleyball athletes are playing at the P5 level (Blog link). This concept is the biggest reason why I wrote the blog "Aim for the Middle" back in March.

Athletes should be including D2 schools on their recruiting lists, not as a "back up school" but as a viable option for their athletic and academic future. There are fantastic athletes at that level (I coached teams full of them) and there are fantastic coaches and people coaching those athletes.

Not sure how to start your recruiting process? Take a look at my online recruiting program below!

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