NSSYour athlete’s film is buried.
Make the right clips and full footage easy to find.
Volleyball · Recruiting field guide
GET RECRUITED BY UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL COACHES. WITHOUT GUESSING WHAT TO DO NEXT.
A practical recruiting process built by a university and professional athlete.
Tell us about your athleteThe recruiting process can feel hard to navigate.
The process can feel opaque when nobody shows your family what to prepare.
Nobody tells you the deadlines.
Track dates and next actions for your own pathway.
Other families start earlier.
Learn the process while there is room to prepare.
NSS athlete spotlights
Tell us about your athlete“Next Step Selection has been a huge help in [further] pursuing my passion of volleyball. They have been a great guide in making the process less overwhelming and more clear and exciting. Helping me focus on the right areas, and connect with the right people. Thank you NSS.”
NSS athlete
Meet the founders
Brendon Lord
NSS co-founder who studied psychology while playing U SPORTS volleyball at Thompson Rivers and MacEwan. A FOG Volleyball Club alumnus, Brendon represented Team Alberta and has represented Canada on the FIVB Pro Tour in beach volleyball.
About NSS
Josh Watson
NSS co-founder, CCAA national champion, CCAA All-Canadian, and ACAC Player of the Year. Josh’s volleyball journey has taken him from Northwestern Polytechnic and NAIT to Mount Royal University, alongside representing New Zealand’s men’s indoor national team.
Recruiting basics
What coaches actually look at
Skill on film
Show the skills your position asks for in clear, useful footage.
Athletic profile
Share height, reach, vertical and speed where they help explain your position.
Grades and eligibility
Keep schoolwork on track and learn the requirements for your pathway.
Character and coachability
How you respond between points and support teammates is part of your game.
Communication
Write clearly, reply thoughtfully and ask useful questions.
Fit
Look at program level, position needs and roster timing together.
The recruiting timeline
A broad planning map. Your pathway and timing may differ.
GRADE 09
Build the base
Keep grades moving, play club or school volleyball, and learn NCAA, NAIA, U SPORTS and CCAA pathways.
GRADE 10
Start your profile
Collect film, build an athlete information sheet, make a target list and research camps.
GRADE 11
Reach out
Write personal coach emails, refresh film, ask about contact and visits, and check eligibility registration.
GRADE 12
Make your decision
Compare offers, ask hard questions, meet deadlines, apply and sign when ready.
Dates and contact rules differ by division and change. Check the governing body or ask NSS.
Court orientation · 01—06
Know your position.
Learn where you play, what your role asks of you and how to show it on film.
The 7 mistakes that quietly kill offers
Preparation creates options. Build habits you can repeat.
Waiting to be discovered. Build a target list and introduce yourself to programs that fit.
Sending generic emails. Name the program detail that makes your message personal.
Letting a parent do all the talking. Parents can support; the athlete should lead coach communication.
Unclear film. Put useful action first, keep it focused and label the athlete.
Ignoring school and eligibility. Track courses and learn the requirements for your pathway.
Overlooking social media. Review what a coach would see and keep it respectful.
Never following up. Send a polite follow-up and ask a clear question.
Your first email to a coach
NEW MESSAGE ● ● ●
Subject: [Grad year] [position] | [athlete name] | [club]
Hello Coach [last name],
I’m [name], a [position] in the class of [year] at [school/club].
I’m interested in [program detail specific to this school].
One strength I bring is [strength]. Film: [link]
Academics: [brief, accurate line about your studies]
Would [next step or question] be useful?
Thank you,
[name] · [contact details]
Film that coaches will watch
Give a coach the context to understand your game.
01Lead with your strongest useful clips. Keep the reel short and focused.
02Include a full match or set link alongside highlights.
03Show serve receive, passing or defense, attacking or setting touches, and serving.
04Label your jersey and position early so the coach can find you.
05Use a clear camera angle from behind or above the baseline; avoid music over the play.
06Update film each season so it reflects your current game.
Questions to ask a coach
01 How do you see me fitting into your roster?
02 What are you looking for in my position?
03 What is your timeline for decisions?
04 What does a typical week look like?
05 What academic support is available?
06 What is the scholarship or aid picture, if any?
07 How do current players describe the culture?
Know the pathways
The governing association for many college sports programs in the United States.
An association of college athletics programs, primarily in the United States.
The national governing body for university sport in Canada.
The national governing body for collegiate sport in Canada.
Scholarship and aid rules differ. Ask each program directly. Rules differ by division and change: check NCAA, NAIA, U SPORTS or CCAA directly.
Questions, answered.
Who is this for?
Athletes exploring university volleyball and the parents supporting them.
I’m the parent. How do I help?
Support logistics and questions, then let your athlete lead communication.
Does this guarantee an outcome?
No. No recruiting outcome is guaranteed.
When should we start?
Start learning as early as grade 9. It is never too early to learn the process, and it is never too late to ask about next steps.