Beach Volleyball Recruiting Guidelines

Beach volleyball is one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports in the country. Since its official adoption by the NCAA in 2012, the number of programs has expanded significantly. As of the 2025 season, there are over 100 collegiate beach volleyball programs, including 62 at the Division I level. This growth means more opportunities than ever for female student-athletes to compete at the next level.

The information below outlines the key questions and steps to help athletes and families navigate the recruiting process. It is intended as a practical starting point and not an exhaustive guide.

Part I: The Decision to Play

Do you want to play college beach volleyball? Playing in college is an incredible opportunity but requires a serious time commitment. College athletes must balance school, training, travel, and competition. Before jumping in, it’s important to consider whether this is a fit for your lifestyle, academic goals, and priorities.

SCHOOLS OFFERING BEACH

NCAA Division I	62
NCAA Division II	17
NCAA Division III	6
NAIA	Varies
Junior College (2 years)	Varies
Total (4 year institutions)	138

For a list of collegiate beach programs click HERE.

Junior colleges no longer count against NCAA eligibility, meaning athletes can compete for two years at a JUCO and retain full NCAA eligibility provided they meet academic transfer requirements.

Scholarship Opportunities by Division

NCAA Division I

Up to 6 full scholarships per team
Typically awarded as equivalency (split across multiple athletes)
Programs can have up to 14 athletes on scholarship

NCAA Division II

Up to 5 full scholarships per team
Also offered as equivalency
Academic and need-based aid often available

NCAA Division III

No athletic scholarships
Many programs offer strong academic and need-based financial aid

NAIA

Up to 8 scholarships per team (can be divided)
More flexible recruiting and aid rules

NJCAA

Aid varies by school and region
Can include tuition, books, and sometimes housing

Part II: Evaluating Fit

What level can I realistically play at? Evaluating your skill level honestly is crucial. Consider your height, athleticism, technical ability, and competitive experience. Speak with your coach and consider how your game compares with college athletes at each level. You also want to revisit the level of commitment you are looking for. As you consider different levels and college programs, you’ll want to have a vivid picture of the time expectations an athlete playing for that program has, as well as the rigors of the academic goals you have for yourself. For example, if you are looking to play at a Division 1 top twenty beach volleyball program and also intend to pursue a pre-med course of study, both typically require very high levels of discipline, effort and time commitment. Do the lab classes required for your major conflict with practice times? If so, is the school and/or coach willing to accommodate your schedule?

General Physical Benchmarks

Division I

Blocker: 5’10″–6’2″, Approach Jump 9’10″+, Block Jump 9’4″+

Defender: 5’7″–6’0″, Approach Jump 9’7″+

Division II

Blocker: 5’9″–6’2″, Approach Jump 9’8″+, Block Jump 9’4″+

Defender: 5’6″–5’10”, Approach Jump 9’2″+

Division III

Blocker: 5’9″–6’1″, Approach Jump 9’6″+, Block Jump 9’2″+

These are general averages. There are many exceptions based on skill, experience, and athletic potential.

Part III: Academic Considerations

Grades and test scores matter. While being recruited can help in admissions, you still need to meet the academic standards of each school. Academic performance may also qualify you for additional scholarships.

Be sure to research:

GPA and standardized test requirements
Available majors and academic support
Class sizes and graduation rates
The school’s ability to support your academic and athletic goals

Part IV: Location and Lifestyle

Where do you want to live?

Region: Do you prefer coastal, southern, urban, or rural settings?
Climate: Can you train outdoors year-round?
Travel: Is proximity to family important?

Lifestyle matters when choosing a school. The culture, campus size, and available resources can all impact your experience.

Part V: Program Evaluation

Not all programs are created equal. When evaluating schools, consider:

Program reputation and coaching style
Roster size and team culture
Balance of indoor and beach athletes
How playing time is earned
Opportunities for development and travel

Part VI: Getting Started

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center:
Develop a short highlight and full game video
Create a recruiting profile with GPA, test scores, physical stats, and video links
Send personalized emails to college coaches
Attend camps, showcases, and major tournaments
Meet with your club director or recruiting coordinator for support

Recruiting Timeline and Rules (2025–2026)

Division I

No recruiting contact until June 15 after sophomore year
Athletes may begin taking official visits August 1 before junior year

Division II

Same dates as Division I for contact and visits

Division III and NAIA

Coaches can contact athletes at any time
No official limits on visits (NAIA follows its own eligibility process)
Athletes may receive up to three complimentary tickets during an official visit. Transcripts and test scores are required to schedule official visits.