For volleyball, so much of recruiting and exposure comes from Instagram. Creating content and putting yourself out there is very important. My daughter was a little uncomfortable with this at first. She wasn’t used to sharing so much of herself online. But she quickly learned and understood that this is a part of the process.
We started by creating reels—shortened versions of her highlight video, like a trailer to the full feature. Each reel showcased her best moments on the court, condensed into a quick, engaging clip. As we posted these reels, we saw how impactful social media could be in the recruiting process.
In today’s digital age, a strong social media presence is a powerful tool for getting noticed by college coaches. Here’s why it matters:
Visibility
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow you to share your achievements, highlight videos, and updates with a wide audience, including coaches and scouts. Every post has the potential to reach someone new, increasing your chances of being discovered.
Engagement
Social media enables you to engage with the volleyball community, join conversations, and demonstrate your passion and dedication to the sport. My daughter began to interact with other players, coaches, and volleyball enthusiasts, building connections and showing her commitment.
Brand Building
A well-managed social media profile reflects your professionalism and character. It gives coaches insight into your personality and how you might fit into their team culture. Through her posts, my daughter could showcase not just her skills but also her sportsmanship, work ethic, and enthusiasm.
Researching Schools and Programs
Social media was also a great way to learn more about the schools and their programs. We could see if they were high academic institutions, what kinds of team-building activities they did, whether they looked like they had fun together, and what their facilities were like. This gave us a deeper understanding of each program and helped my daughter find the right fit for her both academically and athletically.
Embracing social media transformed the way we approached the recruiting process. It wasn’t just about playing well; it was about sharing her journey, connecting with a broader community, and gaining valuable insights into potential schools. This digital presence helped her stand out and paved the way for new opportunities.