Committed Early? 6 ways to Protect a Roster Spot
Dear Coach Bryant:
My daughter is a junior in high school and just committed to play volleyball in college. We’re thrilled about this opportunity, but there’s a long time between now and when she enrolls. How can we help protect her commitment? I’ve heard unsettling stories about kids who committed early only to have things change unexpectedly before they arrive on campus.
Sincerely,
Guarded in Greensboro
First, congratulations to your daughter! Committing to play college sports is an exciting milestone, but you're right—there's still plenty of time before her college journey begins, and until there’s a written agreement (typically signings begin in November of senior year), things can feel uncertain. Here’s how your daughter can protect her commitment and minimize the risk of any unwelcome surprises:
Keep Training Hard: Coaches are drawn to players who continue to push themselves and improve even after they've committed. Staying in peak physical condition and consistently honing her volleyball skills ensures your daughter remains the athlete the coach recruited.
Excel in the Classroom: Academics matter immensely. Your daughter must maintain or even improve her grades. Coaches frequently monitor academic performance, and a strong academic record reinforces their confidence in her overall reliability and discipline. It's important to note that even after a written agreement is signed, the admissions office can rescind an offer if academic performance significantly declines during senior year.
Stay in Touch with the Coach: Encourage your daughter to check in every 4-6 weeks. These updates should include highlights about school, volleyball successes, and personal growth or life updates. Regular communication helps solidify the relationship and demonstrates ongoing interest and commitment.
Follow the Team on Social Media: Engage with her future team by following their Instagram or X accounts. This not only shows genuine interest but helps her stay connected to the team culture and aware of key updates.
End Other Recruiting Communications Respectfully: Even though she's committed, your daughter should conclude other recruitment interactions cordially and with gratitude. Keeping those relationships positive leaves doors open should circumstances unexpectedly change.
Have a Trusted Coach Advocate for Her: It doesn't hurt for a private or high school coach to reach out and "vouch" for your daughter with a simple affirmation such as, "You got a great kid" or "Great grab!" This additional reassurance helps put the college coach's mind at ease, reinforcing their confidence in their recruiting decision.
While there's no foolproof guarantee that a commitment made now will hold up a year or two from now, consistently demonstrating dedication through academics, athletics, and clear communication significantly reduces risk. Your daughter’s proactive approach is the best strategy for protecting her exciting future in college volleyball!
Best,
Coach Bryant
