What Parents Should (and Shouldn’t) Do in the Volleyball Recruiting Process

For most families, volleyball recruiting is unfamiliar territory. Parents want to help — but often worry about saying the wrong thing, pushing too hard, or missing something important. The truth is, parents play an important role in the recruiting process. That role just changes over time.

Here’s what parents should — and shouldn’t — do as their athlete navigates volleyball recruiting.

What Parents Should Do

1. Learn the Recruiting Process

Understanding timelines, rules, and expectations reduces stress for everyone.

Parents should:

• Learn basic NCAA, NAIA, and JUCO recruiting rules

• Understand how volleyball recruiting differs by level

• Know that timelines vary widely by athlete and position

Knowledge creates confidence — for both parents and athletes.

2. Support Development Over Exposure

Early development matters more than early attention.

Parents help most by:

• Encouraging consistent training

• Supporting healthy habits and recovery

• Allowing athletes to grow at their own pace

Exposure without readiness rarely helps.

3. Encourage Athlete Ownership

College coaches want to hear from athletes — not parents.

Parents should:

• Encourage athletes to send emails themselves

• Help review communication behind the scenes

• Support independence and accountability

Ownership builds maturity, and coaches notice.

4. Ask the Right Questions

Parents play an important role in evaluating opportunities.

Helpful questions include:

• Is this a realistic athletic fit?

• What is the academic support like?

• How does this program develop athletes?

• What is the team culture?

The goal is alignment — not pressure.

5. Keep Perspective

Recruiting can feel emotional, especially when comparing paths.

Parents help by:

• Staying patient during quiet periods

• Avoiding comparison with other athletes

• Focusing on long-term growth, not short-term outcomes

Every path looks different — and that’s okay.

What Parents Shouldn’t  Do

1. Don’t Lead Recruiting Communication

When parents take over communication, it can raise concerns for coaches.

Avoid:

• Emailing coaches on behalf of the athlete (except when appropriate)

• Speaking for the athlete during visits

• Negotiating too early

Coaches are evaluating independence as much as talent.

2. Don’t Chase Every Opportunity

Not every camp, showcase, or message is necessary.

Avoid:

• Overspending on exposure events

• Signing up for everything “just in case”

• Assuming more is always better

Strategic choices matter more than volume.

3. Don’t Compare Recruiting Journeys

Comparison is one of the fastest ways to create stress.

Avoid:

• Comparing offers or timelines

• Assuming early offers equal better outcomes

• Measuring success by social media announcements

Recruiting is not a race.

4. Don’t Let Recruiting Define the Athlete

Volleyball is important — but it’s not everything.

Avoid:

• Tying self-worth to offers or attention

• Allowing recruiting to overshadow school or health

• Forgetting that development continues beyond recruiting

Balanced athletes thrive long-term.

The Parent Role, Simply Put

Early on, parents help guide. Over time, parents step back. Throughout the process, parents provide support.

When parents stay informed, calm, and supportive, athletes are better positioned to succeed — on and off the court.

How Insanity Athletics Supports Parents

Insanity Athletics works with families to:

• Clarify the parent role at each stage

• Reduce confusion and anxiety

• Provide honest, volleyball-specific guidance

• Support healthy decision-making

Recruiting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — it just needs the right perspective.