I’m sorry to say to volleyball recruits in the 2021 and 2022 classes…you are the “COVID Class”(es) dealing with the “COVID year”. I don’t want to be a complete downer, but at the same time, I want to be real with you. (I promise this article ends with action steps, so please keep reading!)
What is the “COVID Year”?
The “COVID Year” is this past year of eligibility for players to compete in indoor or beach volleyball in 2020. Because of the COVID pandemic, the current college players can get their year back. If the player on a team’s roster in any class choses to, they can “repeat that year” of eligibility or, as coaches say, “take their COVID year” and get it back, so they would be a freshman again, a sophomore again, a junior again or a senior again. As a disclaimer, I’m not an expert with NCAA rules and don’t claim to be, but I understand them as a regular person would and also as a College Volleyball Recruiting Advisor, I understand how this effects recruits working through the process.
For the 2021 and 2022 class of uncommitted juniors and seniors, you may be finding that some coaches are stopping to recruit in these classes after they meet with current players on their team and these players decide to take their “COVID Year”. Therefore, the college volleyball roster is larger than the coaching staff anticipated a year ago and they have to manage the new, unexpected situation. Some recruits are finding that coaches they were talking to back and forth either don’t respond anymore (which is annoying, but happens) or they respond, apologetically, that they have had a change of course and are no longer recruiting in the 2021 and/or 2022 classes.
Action Steps for Volleyball Players (2021s and 2022s)
I’m assuming you are in the recruiting process now and haven’t found a fit (quite yet) to play volleyball in college. You may have hit bumps in the road this year, are overwhelmed and questioning what to do. Try these action items below, which I have done with players I’ve worked with! I would love to hear from you on any outcomes or if you have questions!
I want you to know that you will be OK, don’t panic, and you can work through this!
See these action steps below:
- Email the schools on your target list EVERY WEEK and work to find out where they are in the recruiting process (or their timing) of your position. The coaches know that you need to know! They get it. They will understand emails that are polite, yet direct and to the point. Send updated video (when you have it, not a must) in these weekly emails, get straight to the point and ask if you are a possible fit for their program and when are they trying to have the roster spot filled? Also, ask what you can do to move forward and help them in their decision making process? You are applying to schools, filled out FAFSA forms (as a senior) and would like to know as soon as possible, for example.
- Sign up for the PrepVolleyball.com Uncommitted Juniors and Seniors list. There is a free version and a paid membership version. The annual membership to this website is $49.95. I have no affiliation with this website:) I simply think it’s a great resource! Coaches can look through this list that are still recruiting 2021s and 2022s.
- If you buy a membership with PrepVolleyball in #2, then comb through their College Recruiting Needs List and see what schools listed NEED your position in your class (2021 or 2022). Click “more details” to learn about the school itself and any specifics the coaches are looking for to fit their program. Add these schools to your main target list and email them right away!
- Cast a wide net and open your mind to more possibilities! Add more schools to your target list and send them your Intro Email and Video. Look at all schools in the conferences that are on your list now. Be willing to look in all Divisions and NAIA, if it works for you and your family. Have a sense of urgency in the tone of your email outlining your strengths and why you want to attend their school and play for their program. Also, ask if they are recruiting your position in your class (2021 or 2022) and to please let you know, as this will help you in the recruiting process and you would greatly appreciate it!
- Ask your club director and club coaches for help! Keep them in the loop with everything you are doing in your recruiting process. Meet with them concerning your recruiting, show them your target list and ask them if they have any suggestions or ideas. The more you seek out their help and advice the more you will get.
- For 2021s, you need to take all of these action steps above and also have a “Plan B”.
- One option to start thinking about is taking a gap year and begin your first year of eligibility in 2022. In your emails to college coaches you can add that you are considering this. If you are young for your grade this could work well. You could take classes online in the fall of 2021, find a good gym for strength training and possibly practice at your volleyball club. Then, start college where you are committed in the spring of 2022 and be part of the team for spring training. You would be stronger from strength training with the team and become accustomed to how the coaches and the program works a little earlier.
- Another option to think about is attending a junior college and playing volleyball there for 2 years, then transferring to a 4 year school. This is a great option from a cost perspective and if you would like to stay closer to home and improve as a player. Also, if you would like to better your grades in preparation for a 4 year school.
My advice to you is to keep going and try all of these strategies I’ve outlined above. The recruiting process is challenging (now even more so), BUT you can do it, if you are willing to put in the work to be seen by coaches via email and get your name and video out there and in front of them. Moving forward in the recruiting process is still happening now during the pandemic. You have to be proactive and stay positive mentally to make this happen and I believe you will!
You can do hard things and you got this!!
If you have questions or are interested in working with me, don’t hesitate to contact me @proactivevolley or dianne@proactivevolley.com! Get my College VB Recruiting Checklist HERE which will help you feel confident you’re covering all of your bases as you start or go through the recruiting process!