Ahhhh summer! Relax in the peaceful bliss of days with no plans…maybe vacation, sunshine, and some fun! In between all of this summer relaxation, you may also be doing some college volleyball camps! In the spring or end of club season, when you’re starting to think about summer camps and planning, it’s important to think strategically about which camps to attend. As an incoming sophomore, junior, or senior having an idea that the college where you are attending their camp is recruiting your position in your class is a huge plus! Even better, is having an idea that the college coaches at the camps you are attending are actively recruiting you! This is a GREAT opportunity. Regardless of the scenario and regardless of your graduation class, there are some key things to think about and action to take, as you attend camps and showcases.
AS YOU ARE PACKING, GETTING READY, AND THEN ACTUALLY AT THE CAMPS REMEMBER THIS: Key points below to help you in your recruiting process and also help you create great experiences and memories at camp!
- Think of it sort of like a tryout (sorry I don’t mean to add pressure, but it’s the truth) and it’s your great opportunity to SHINE and show your stuff!!
- Take up space on the court with your presence, your voice, your energy, and your excitement to be there.
- Enjoy and cherish new players you meet, you could become friends and know many of them the rest of your life….really! 🙂
- Make everyone on the court around you better because you are there with them. You help to create their success and you lift them up!
- Have a “do or die”- “nothing drops” attitude. Especially on defense!
- Listen to your favorite music before you enter the gym or whatever you need to do to bring your best energy. (No headphones in or phones once you’re in the gym)
- Don’t wear a white, black, or gray t-shirt. Something with color, but it doesn’t have to be super bright. Coaches might say when talking about you “that girl in the green shirt”…something like that.
- You DON’T have to be a cheerleader, but lead with your calm and confident presence.
- If you’re losing a game or drill say things to your teammates like..”we got this, next ball, patience on this next play, no worries”
- Be coachable and always thank the coach for any feedback they give you at all. “Ok, thank you coach!” Or “Great, thanks coach!” Ask follow up questions after you try to make the correction.
- Thank the coaches, especially the head coach, at the end. Wait to talk to them because other players will do this also probably. Standing there after the camp, talk to them, and thank them. Ask them about anything you can work on back at home in practice. If you are an incoming junior or senior, ask if you can talk to them on the phone next week as a follow up? If you are an incoming freshman or sophomore, let them know you look forward to staying in touch!
Remember to always stay proactive in your college volleyball recruiting process. Stay persistent. Send a thank you email to the coaching staff (all of the coaches) and point out what you loved about the camp. What you learned from them that you will take forward in your volleyball game and keep working on. What you really liked about the school and seeing the campus and the area. Let them know you enjoyed meeting them and all of the other players at the camp. That you will be in touch soon! Remember keep emailing, keep going, keep working in your volleyball recruiting process…you got this!
(Photo Credit: Kamara White, volleyball player at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, WA.)