Country Fire Volleyball

Build a Targeted Recruiting List

How to Build a Targeted Recruiting List with CFV

At Country Fire Volleyball, we’re committed to helping you not only develop your skills but also take the next step in your journey toward college volleyball. One of the most important parts of this process is building a targeted recruiting list. This list helps you focus on schools that are a good fit for your academic, athletic, and personal goals. We’re here to guide you in researching schools, reaching out to coaches, and using the right tools to ensure you have a well-rounded list of programs to pursue.

1. Identify Your Goals and Priorities

Before you start building your list, take a step back and think about what you want from your college experience. As a Country Fire Volleyball athlete, you’ve already shown a strong commitment to developing your skills, and now it’s time to focus on what’s next.

  • Academic Considerations:

    • What major or field of study are you most passionate about?

    • Are you looking for a large university or a smaller, more personalized college experience?

    • Does the school have a strong academic program that supports your career goals?

  • Athletic Considerations:

    • What level of play do you aspire to compete at—Division I, II, III, or NAIA?

    • How does your current skill set compare to the team’s needs? As a Country Fire athlete, you’ve already been trained in the fundamentals and advanced skills, so consider where you can best showcase those strengths.

    • Does the program’s coaching philosophy align with your playing style and goals?

  • Personal Preferences:

    • What’s your ideal campus environment—close to home, or are you open to exploring out-of-state options?

    • Are you looking for a school with specific extracurricular activities or a strong athletic community?

Takeaway Tip: Use your experience with Country Fire Volleyball as a foundation for making thoughtful decisions about your next steps. Reflect on both your athletic and academic goals to build a list that feels like a perfect fit for you.

2. Research Schools and Programs

With your goals in mind, start researching colleges that match both your academic aspirations and volleyball abilities. This is where the magic of a targeted list happens—you focus on schools that will challenge you academically and help you grow as an athlete.

  • Division Level: Based on your athletic level and goals, decide whether you want to target Division I, II, III, or NAIA schools. Each level has different expectations, scholarship opportunities, and playing styles, and Country Fire Volleyball will help you assess where your skills best fit.

  • Academic Fit: At Country Fire, we believe in developing well-rounded athletes. Research schools that offer strong academic programs that match your career interests. Make sure the program you choose offers the degree and opportunities you’re passionate about.

  • Athletic Fit: Evaluate the volleyball programs based on their level of competition, coaching style, and overall team dynamic. At Country Fire, we focus on training athletes to be versatile and improve their court IQ—look for schools that align with that level of development.

  • Campus Culture: College life is about more than just volleyball. Research the campus culture and resources available for student-athletes. Do they have a strong academic support system for athletes? What kind of athletic facilities do they offer?

Takeaway Tip: Do your research early to find schools that align with your academic and athletic goals. Utilize online resources like school websites, recruiting platforms, and team profiles to gather information.

3. Make a List of Schools that Fit Your Criteria

Once you’ve identified schools that match your goals, it’s time to narrow down your options. As a Country Fire Volleyball athlete, you’ve already been preparing for this step through rigorous training and skill development. Now, you need to build a manageable list of schools that are the best fit for you.

  • Reach Schools: These are schools that may be slightly above your current skill level but could become a possibility with continued development and hard work. At Country Fire, we focus on pushing athletes to grow, and these schools should be on your radar as you progress.

  • Match Schools: These are schools where your skill set, academic standing, and athletic profile are a great fit. At Country Fire, we make sure that our athletes are trained to be competitive at this level, ensuring you’re well-prepared for these programs.

  • Safety Schools: These are schools where you’re highly competitive academically and athletically. You’ll likely have a higher chance of recruitment or admission, providing you with backup options.

Takeaway Tip: Strive for a balanced list that includes reach, match, and safety schools. Focus on finding programs that are the best fit for your long-term academic and athletic growth.

4. Track Recruiting Deadlines and Communication

At Country Fire Volleyball, we help our athletes stay organized and on top of important recruiting timelines. College recruiting operates on a specific schedule, and it’s important to be aware of deadlines.

  • Recruiting Deadlines: Understand the recruitment periods for each school. Division I programs may start recruiting earlier, while other schools may have different timelines.

  • Reach Out to Coaches: Now that you have your list, it’s time to start making contact. Send a personalized email to coaches, introducing yourself and sharing your recruiting video hosted on Hudl. Make sure to highlight your athletic achievements and academic standing.

  • Stay Organized: Keep a spreadsheet or use a recruiting platform to track your progress. Document your communications with coaches, recruiting visits, and any follow-up actions needed.

Takeaway Tip: Stay on top of deadlines and be proactive about reaching out to coaches. The more organized you are, the better positioned you’ll be throughout the recruiting process.

5. Evaluate Your List and Narrow It Down

As the recruiting process progresses, it’s important to reassess your list. After visiting campuses, interacting with coaches, and getting feedback, you may need to narrow down your choices.

  • Campus Visits: If possible, visit the campuses of your top choices to get a feel for the environment and culture. A school might look great on paper, but only by visiting will you know if it’s the right fit.

  • Coach and Program Feedback: After meeting with coaches, consider whether their coaching style matches your development goals. Your Country Fire Volleyball training has set you up for success, so make sure the program you choose can continue to help you grow.

  • Academic and Athletic Balance: Evaluate how each program balances athletics and academics. Choose schools where you can maintain a good balance between both.

Takeaway Tip: Narrowing down your list is a natural part of the recruiting process. Keep evaluating your options and make sure the final decision fits your long-term goals.

6. Leverage Recruiting Platforms like Hudl

At Country Fire Volleyball, we encourage athletes to utilize recruiting platforms like Hudl to increase exposure and stay organized throughout the recruiting process. Creating an online profile helps you easily share your stats, highlight videos, and achievements with coaches.

  • Create a Hudl Profile: Set up your profile to include a highlight reel and your latest stats. Make sure the video showcases your best moments on the court.

  • Share Your Profile: Send your Hudl link to coaches and add it to your email signature so it’s easy for them to view your profile.

  • Keep it Updated: Keep your Hudl profile current with new footage and stats as the season progresses.

Takeaway Tip: Hudl is an excellent platform to increase your visibility and stay organized during the recruiting process. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and accessible for coaches.

Final Thoughts

Building a targeted recruiting list is a critical step in the college recruitment process, and Country Fire Volleyball is here to support you every step of the way. By focusing on the right schools, staying organized, and actively communicating with coaches, you can set yourself up for success. The more you research and engage with the process, the more likely you are to find the right program that matches both your academic and athletic goals.

Next Steps:

  • Start Building Your Recruiting List today and research schools that align with your goals.

  • Schedule a Recruiting Consultation with our Recruiting Coordinator to refine your list and get personalized advice.

  • Create or Update Your Hudl Profile to start showcasing your highlights and connecting with coaches.

Contact Our Recruiting Coordinator
Schedule Your Recruiting Consultation