Keep in mind, not all D1 programs are the same, much like not all athletes are the same. However, knowing what programs are typically looking for (and what role you would take) can help you as an athlete make more informed decisions on where you want to spend the next four years playing collegiate beach volleyball.
Division 1 Mid and Upper Level Recruits:
Division 1 athletes should expect a 12 month commitment to beach volleyball, whether you are in season or not. D1 athletes should expect to be playing year round, traveling, lifting regularly and much more. Programs within D1 will receive training from beach specific coaches and have a roster of typically 12-18 athletes.
Division 1 programs are looking to recruit athletes that have a significant amount of experience in competing in both the high school and club level. While playing indoor volleyball most certainly doesn’t hurt your volleyball skill set, if you are looking to play collegiate beach volleyball it is important that you invest your time into playing for a highly competitive beach team. D1 programs are looking for athletes who have 3-5 or more years club beach experience (3 years for a mid level recruit, 5 years for an upper level recruit), place (upper) or compete (mid level) high at national tournaments and have All-American, All-Tournament, etc. accolades (upper level).
At the D1 level, most athletes specialize as either blockers or defenders.
D1 Upper Level Recruit Averages | | D1 Mid Level Recruit Averages | |
| Blocker | Defender | Blocker | Defender |
| Height 6’0”-6’4” | Height 5’8”-6’0” | Height 5’10”-6’3” | Height 5’6”-6’0” |
| Able to hit and shoot all shots | Able to hit and shoot all shots | Able to hit and shoot all shots | Able to hit and shoot all shots |
| Block Jump 9’5”+ | Approach Jump 9’7”+ | Block Jump 9’5”+ | Approach Jump 9’5”+ |
| Approach Jump 9’10”+ | Focus on passing and defensive skills | Approach Jump 9’8”+ | Focus on passing and defensive skills |
| Focus on blocking skills | | Focus on blocking skills | |
Division II Recruits:
DII is quite similar to D1, as most DII programs are looking for athletes with multiple years of beach club experience as well as participation in nation level tournaments. DII will have 12-16 athletes on their roster, and will receive training from beach specific volleyball coaches or coaches that train both indoor and beach volleyball.
| DII Recruit Averages (some athletes may specialize, however not all) | |
| Blocker | Defender |
| Height 5’9”-6’2” | Height 5’6”-5’10” |
| Able to hit and shoot | Able to hit and shoot |
| Block Jump 9’4”+ | Approach Jump 9’2”+ |
| Approach Jump 9’8”+ | Focus on passing and defensive skills |
| Focus on blocking skills | |
Division III Recruits:
Many of the top academic schools in the country are Division III, so it is no surprise that DIII athletes are not only athletically competitive, but academically competitive as well. DIII do not provide athletic scholarships, however they have opportunities for athletes to qualify for financial aid through academic, merit or need based scholarships. DIII programs have 12-16 on a roster and will likely be trained by coaches who coach both the indoor and outdoor volleyball teams.
| DIII Recruit Averages |
| Height 5’3”-6’0” |
| Focus on ball control |
| Block Jump 9’2”+ |
| Approach Jump 9’5”+ |
NAIA Recruits:
Scholarships are available at NAIA beach programs, they can distribute scholarship monies however they choose by typically giving more to their top level recruits and less to lower level recruits. It is important to have national tournament exposure if you are looking to attend a school in the NAIA.
| NAIA Recruit Averages |
| Height 5’5”-6’0” |
| Focus on ball control |
| Block Jump 9’2”+ |
| Approach Jump 9’6”+ |
It is important to remember that all of the above information are averages, not exact. Your height or you block jump doesn’t take in account your effort, attitude, coachability or your skill set!