Why College Volleyball?
Playing college volleyball in the USA is a great way to continue to develop as a player while getting a university degree at the same time.
On top of everything else, student-athletes learn to work and thrive in a team environment, which alters and shapes them into well-rounded, unselfish, team-oriented, and driven individuals. These qualities will help you be successful, whether on or off the court.
Scholarships
Most universities that offer college volleyball are women’s programs (1600), while there are also a few men’s programs (175). In addition to playing indoors, beach volleyball is the fastest-growing intercollegiate sport (150). Depending on your level, you can receive up to a full scholarship that covers; tuition, rent, living expenses, and sometimes even attractive pocket money.
In addition to volleyball scholarships, an athlete can qualify for academic scholarships (through grades and test scores) and international scholarships. It is possible to get a combination of the different types of scholarships.
The following items can be covered by a scholarship:
Tuition
vary from $10000,- to $65000,-
Training gear
Room&Board
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Books
Spending money
How are practice and season structured?
The training schedule is characterized by high intensity, and the coaching staff often includes several assistants and athletic coaches. Up to six training sessions per week on the court and numerous weekly strength and endurance workouts. You will get, amongst other things, personalized training gear with your school’s logo and have access to top-class facilities and resources like physiotherapy, weight rooms, and more.
A volleyball team has about 18 players on the roster, and games against other teams in the conference (usually 8-10 universities based on similar locations) are played in best of five sets format. The first team reaches 25 points and wins by at least two points wins the set. At the end of the regular season (approximately 18 games), the top-ranked teams from their conference will qualify for the conference tournament in which you can qualify for the National knockout tournament.
Overview of an academic year
Showtime! – You will officially begin with a 2-3 week pre-season in which you work intensively with your team on the pitch to prepare for the upcoming season. During the season, you practice almost every day of the week and play 1 to 2 games per week. If your team has done well in the Regular Season, it can qualify for “post-season competition” and continues in tournament mode until the National Championship played in December.
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5-month break to rest and individual preparation for pre-season.
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Sports & academics are 100% coordinated, so you have the opportunity to excel on both the volleyball court as well as in the classroom.
6:30
Weight/conditioningget ready for the
weight/conditioning training.
7:45
Shower/BreakfastShower and then have breakfast with teammates or friends in one of the dining facilities on the college campus.
8:30
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with teammates and friends, again at one of the various food halls available on campus using your prepaid ‘meal plan’ card.
12:30
Classes14:30
PracticeArrive at the training room to prepare for practice. You may get stretched out or taped by an athletic trainer (physiotherapist)
17:30
Recover/Shower/Dinner19:00
Study/LeisureTime to get some studying or homework done. When other sports teams are in action, a good college athlete supports their fellow athletes! The rest of the evening is your own!
Did you know?
- Our volleyball ambassador Ruth Zijlstra wrote history at Lynn university by winning the Sunshine State Conference. She is currently playing for Pharmafilter US Dames 1 in the Topdivisie.
- Tokyo 2021 Olympic champion USA had ten former college players on their roster.
- The University of Nebraska vs. The University of Wisconsin was the most-viewed college volleyball match ever with 18,775 attending and 1,188,000 people viewing live on television.
- The University of Nebraska, Lincoln holds the world record for the largest attendance ever at a women’s sporting event with a total of 92,003 fans
- Dana Rettke (University of Wisconsin) is the tallest college volleyball player (2.04m)
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