College volleyball is a sport that celebrates collaboration, making it a natural fit for those who thrive in a team environment. While collegiate federations provide a platform for athletic excellence, these institutions prioritize academic growth.
Video Source: Youtube – Cinematic recap of the 2022 NCAA volleyball championship, NCAA Championships
Numbers Breakdown
Data were last updated on January 2024
Men's
Div. 1
Div. 2
Teams
28
36
Avg. Roster Size
21
18
% Internationals
7
11
Women's
Div. 1
Div. 2
Teams
344
290
Avg. Roster Size
17
17
% Internationals
10
2
Women's
-
Teams
217
Avg. Roster Size
-
% Internationals
-
RepresentedCountries
First-year internationalstudent-athletes
Student-Athletes in Tokyo 2020 Olympics
High Standards
Sport Related
Facilities
Stadiums
Training rooms
Multiple gyms
Personnel
Coaching staff
Medical team
Strength & Conditioning
Technology
GPS Systems
Video analysis platforms
Treatment
Physical therapy
Recovery equipment
Lifestyle
Promotion
Social media
Interviews
Affiliate marketing
Live coverage
TV channels
Online platforms
Traveling
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
On-Field Examples
Candelaria Herrera
Torey DeFalco
Erika Zembyla
Off-Field Examples
Olga Zampati
Mayia Karagianni
Thea Sweder
Support System
Scholarship
Forms
Athletic
Academic
Financial Aid
Networking
Exposure to
Supportive alumni
Industry leaders
Employment
Opportunities
Coaching Clinics
University Staff
Internships
Graduate Assistant
Post-Graduation
Edge
Competitive Advantage
Proven discipline
Time management
Pressure handling
Support System
Counselors
Assigned by
Athletic Department
University
Study Hall
Athletes only
Studying spaces
Equipment
Tutoring
Provided by the athletic department
1 on 1 tutoring sessions
Homework support
Flexibility
Professors empathize about
Excused absence
Athletic Schedule
Post-Graduation
Timeline
Further education
Masters Degree
PHD
Sport Related
Facilities
Stadiums
Training rooms
Multiple gyms
Personnel
Coaching staff
Medical team
Strength & Conditioning
Technology
GPS Systems
Video analysis platforms
Treatment
Physical therapy
Recovery equipment
Lifestyle
Promotion
Social media
Interviews
Affiliate marketing
Live coverage
TV channels
Online platforms
Traveling
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
ON-FIELD EXAMPLES
Candelaria Herrera
Torey DeFalco
Erika Zembyla
OFF-FIELD EXAMPLES
Olga Zampati
Mayia Karagianni
Thea Sweder
Support System
Counselors
Assigned by
Athletic Department
University
Study Hall
Athletes only
Studying spaces
Equipment
Tutoring
Provided by the athletic department
1 on 1 tutoring sessions
Homework support
Flexibility
Professors empathize about
Excused absence
Athletic Schedule
Post-Graduation
Timeline
Further education
Masters Degree
PHD
Support System
Scholarship
Forms
Athletic
Academic
Financial Aid
Networking
Exposure to
Supportive alumni
Industry leaders
Employment
Opportunities
Coaching Clinics
University Staff
Internships
Graduate Assistant
Post-Graduation
Edge
Competitive Advantage
Proven discipline
Time management
Pressure handling
FAQs
August – December In-season
During this period, teams compete in conference and non-conference matches, typically playing two or three matches per week. Teams may also participate in invitational tournaments or classic events throughout the season. In late November through early December, the postseason begins if your team qualifies. The postseason includes conference tournaments, followed by the NCAA tournament.
January – May Off-Season
This period typically begins in the spring semester and lasts until the start of the next preseason in August. During the off-season, athletes focus on recovery, strength and conditioning, and individual skill development. Coaches may also use this period to recruit new players and plan for the upcoming season. Teams participate in exhibition games and tournaments, but these are typically not official NCAA events.
Coaches are not allowed to make any recruiting contact with a prospective student-athlete until after September 1st of their junior year of high school. However, student-athletes are allowed to contact coaches at any time, and coaches are allowed to respond to their inquiries student-athletes are allowed to contact coaches at any time, and coaches are allowed to respond to their inquiries.
Volleyball and beach volleyball are separate sports in the NCAA. They have different budgets and scholarships. Athletes can receive scholarships for women’s indoor volleyball or women’s beach volleyball separately. However, there are cases where an athlete plays both sports and gets a combined scholarship. In those situations, the scholarship is divided or shared between the two sports based on the college and the NCAA rules.