College Volleyball in the U.S.

Discover what U.S. College Volleyball is all about and how we can help you get a Volleyball scholarship at an American university - while earning your degree at the same time. Let's make your dream reality.

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What Is College Volleyball In The U.S.

U.S. College Volleyball is the perfect opportunity to combine high-level sport with a university education. It offers a competitive and organized environment that closely mirrors a professional set-up, providing players with elite coaching, dedicated support, and often state-of-the-art facilities. Securing a college volleyball scholarship means you get to continue pursuing your passion at a high level while simultaneously working toward an internationally recognized degree, safeguarding your future.

Why College Volleyball is so Special:

Campus Hype & Team Spirit: Represent your university in front of up to thousands of cheering fans in every game you play. Your team becomes your family as you chase the dream of a national championship.
A Global Network: Build lifelong friendships and connect with people from across the globe, opening doors to international career opportunities.
Personal Growth: Thrive in a unique environment that builds resilience, character, and the professional discipline that will define your success for years to come.

For the most talented, college volleyball serves as a strategic stepping stone: many elite graduates go on to compete professionally in leagues around the world or join national teams, proving it is a viable route to the professional ranks. College Volleyball opens doors for your future career, whether in professional volleyball or the corporate world.

Combination

Train daily at a high level while earning an internationally recognized degree.

Funding

Academic and athletic scholarships cover tuition and living costs.

Career

Your degree and college experience open doors worldwide and are highly valued by employers.

Make it to The Next Level

Maximize your volleyball potential and use college competition as the ultimate proving ground to make it to the professional level.

Hear From Our Athletes

Read what our athletes have to say about their experiences with us.

Working with Smarthlete was the best decision I could have made. Without you, the recruiting process simply wouldn't have been possible. You took so many difficult tasks off my plate, and I am incredibly grateful for that. Thank you for everything - you guys were awesome!

Martin

Cumberlands University, NAIA

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Scholarships

We have already secured more than $23 million in scholarships for our athletes – and counting.

International

Over the years, we have helped thousands of athletes worldwide find the perfect university and the right scholarship in the USA. Currently, more than 400 former Smarthlete clients are studying at colleges across the United States.

Client Satisfaction

We support athletes and families personally, closely, and transparently – reflected in a 95% satisfaction rate.

Meet Our Volleyball Players in The U.S.

Our players currently in college have turned their dream of playing college volleyball in the U.S. into reality. With hundreds already placed at top universities, our athletes' stories and successes show what’s possible with the right support.

Santino Zucchiatti

Georgetown College

NAIA

Sofia Varela

Long Island University

NCAA DI

Maja Nöhrer

Northwest Missouri State University

NCAA DII

Success Stories

This is What College Volleyball is All About

Discover what it really means to live and play in the U.S. - this could be your journey next.

College Volleyball Passion

Interview with Maja Nöhrer

Day in The Life

U.S. College Volleyball

What Does a Day in The Life of a College Volleyball Player Look Like?

Depending on the time of the year, most college volleyball players start their day with morning practice, which means getting up early. These practices might include strength and conditioning workouts in the gym and typically last around an hour. After the early workout or practice, athletes go to the cafeteria to eat breakfast, followed by classes, usually between 8:00 a.m. and noon. After that, it’s lunch time together in the dining hall with their teammates or other friends.

Most programs typically have a 2 hour practice session in the afternoon. This is often the primary training session of the day. If not in practice, players may use this time for additional classes, attending labs, or study hall. Student-athletes can also be scheduled for ice baths, stretching, or physical therapy to prevent injuries and recover after training.

In the evening there is plenty of time to do homework, relax, and socialize. While you have a meal plan in college, you will most certainly also go out for dinner at times and find some other fun things to do with your friends. Right Visual/Photo:

What Does The Recruiting Timeline & College Volleyball Season Look Like?

Recruiting Timeline

The college volleyball recruiting process is highly competitive and requires early preparation. Coaches at top programs begin evaluating players well in advance, often securing commitments from their strongest prospects up to two years before enrollment. That’s why we strongly recommend starting your recruiting journey 18 to 24 months before your intended college start date.

Beginning early gives you the chance to connect with coaches, film updated game footage (highlights and full matches), complete all eligibility steps, and receive offers before roster spots and scholarship budgets fill up. While it’s still possible to start later, many of the best opportunities may already be taken - so getting ahead is the best way to keep your options open and secure the right fit.

College Volleyball Season

College volleyball seasons differ by gender: women's indoor volleyball is in the fall (late August to early December) and men's indoor volleyball is in the winter/spring (January to May). During the season, teams compete in tournaments and regular-season conference play, representing their schools in pursuit of a conference title and a spot in the National Championship Tournament. The schedule can be intense, with frequent travel and matches nearly every week, requiring players to balance academics, competition, and training at a high level.

The off-season or non-traditional season (in the spring for women and in the fall for men) focuses heavily on strength and conditioning, individual skill development, and team training. Teams may participate in exhibition matches or informal scrimmages, but the primary focus is on development and preparation for the following season. This year-round structure makes college volleyball both challenging and rewarding, pushing players to continuously improve and perform at their best while earning a degree.

How High a Volleyball Scholarship Can I Get?

The amount of college volleyball scholarship you can receive depends on several factors - most importantly your volleyball level, the division or association you’re targeting (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, or Junior College), and the specific college or university you aim to join.

Full-Ride Scholarships

A full-ride volleyball scholarship covers tuition and fees, housing, meal plan, books, and sometimes even travel or personal expenses. This is the highest level of scholarship support available. Only a small number of players receive full rides each year, typically top-ranked international or national-level players competing for major NCAA Division I or elite NAIA programs.

Partial Scholarships

Most college volleyball players receive partial scholarships, which cover a portion of total college costs (for example, part of tuition or housing). Coaches often divide their total scholarship budget among multiple players to build a strong overall team, meaning that performance, ranking, and potential all play key roles in determining how much aid you receive.

Academic and Additional Financial Aid

Many colleges also offer academic scholarships and need-based financial aid. In many cases, these can be combined with athletic scholarships to significantly lower your total cost of attendance. Strong grades and test scores can make a big difference, academically successful players are often more attractive to coaches and more likely to receive additional financial support.