Volleyball Scholarships for International Students
Discover what college volleyball scholarships are and how to get one
If you’re an international student with a passion for volleyball, you can continue playing your sport while studying at an American university thanks to a sports scholarship. This guide will walk you through the process of understanding and securing a volleyball scholarship in the United States or Canada.
The American university system offers a unique opportunity to combine education and sport at a high level. This opportunity is not available anywhere else in the world, so don’t miss your chance! Learn more about volleyball scholarships in this article.
Understanding Volleyball Scholarships
Volleyball scholarships are a form of financial aid awarded to talented student-athletes. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of your university expenses, including tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and other fees.
Types of Scholarships:
- Full Scholarships: These athletic scholarships cover all your university expenses. They are highly competitive and awarded to exceptional athletes.
- Partial Scholarships: These athletic scholarships cover a portion of your expenses.
- Academic Scholarships: Awarded based on academic merit, these can be combined with athletic scholarships to further reduce costs.
When it comes to playing university volleyball, not all institutions are the same! Different divisions offer varying levels of competition, scholarships, and opportunities. Here is a quick breakdown of the divisions for university volleyball:
- NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): The primary governing body for university sport in the United States, with three divisions (Division I, II, and III) offering varying levels of competition and scholarship opportunities.
- NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics): Another governing body in the US, offering athletic scholarships at smaller universities.
- NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association): Governing body for two-year colleges, providing a pathway to four-year universities.
- U Sports (Canadian University Sport): The governing body for university sport in Canada.
What qualities do university coaches look for in a volleyball player?
University coaches look for a combination of athletic ability, academic achievement, and personal qualities. Here are some of the key factors they consider:
- Skill Level: Demonstrated proficiency in volleyball skills, including serving, passing, setting, hitting, and blocking.
- Athleticism Stats: Physical attributes such as height, block jump, attack jump, approach jump, standing reach, and strength.
- Game Sense: Ability to read the game, make smart decisions, and contribute to team strategy.
- Academic Performance: A strong academic record demonstrating the ability to succeed in university coursework.
- Character and Coachability: A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work well with coaches and teammates.
- Leadership Potential: Qualities that demonstrate leadership potential, such as communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to motivate others.
The key question now is: how can you highlight your strengths during the recruitment process to attract coaches and secure the best possible scholarship?
Your athletic abilities will be showcased through your highlight video, match footage, stats, awards, athletic profile, and direct conversations with coaches. Your academic achievements will stand out in your academic profile, school grades, accomplishments, and standardised test scores like the SAT or TOEFL. By presenting a strong athletic and academic profile, you increase your chances of earning a top scholarship offer.
What is the Process to Get a Volleyball Scholarship for International Students?
The recruitment process can be overwhelming, especially for international athletes unfamiliar with the system. This is where Keystone Sports excels. As one of the leading recruiting agencies for student-athletes, Keystone Sports provides guidance and support in securing volleyball scholarships for international students.
- Personalised Guidance: Keystone Sports offers one-to-one consultations to understand each athlete’s goals and find the best scholarship opportunities.
- Extensive University Network: With strong relationships across NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA institutions, Keystone connects athletes with top university coaches.
- Expert Application Assistance: From eligibility requirements to visa applications, Keystone ensures a smooth transition for international students.
University volleyball is a unique opportunity to continue playing the sport you love while pursuing a university degree. Complete our quick, free evaluation and explore your scholarship opportunities.
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Lorena Montañés
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