Learn exactly which beach volleyball tournaments give your athlete the best chance to get noticed by college coaches. This expert guide breaks down how to choose the right events and make every tournament count on your daughter’s recruiting journey.

Why Tournament Selection Matters

The tournament landscape can be overwhelming—and expensive. With hundreds of events nationwide, picking the wrong ones can waste time, money, and energy. At Better at Beach, we’ve helped hundreds of athletes build recruiting plans that work. Here’s how to identify high-impact tournaments that actually lead to college offers.

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Tournament Tiers: What Events Really Count?

Tier 1: High-Impact Recruiting Events

These events should be your top priority for visibility and exposure:

• NCAA-sanctioned tournaments

• National qualifiers (e.g., BVCA, AAU, USAV)

• College showcase tournaments

• Major regional championships

• Better at Beach Elite Camps

Tier 2: Strong Supporting Events

Valuable for competition experience and additional exposure:

• State championships

• Regional tournaments

• High-level local club events

• Select qualifying tournaments

Tier 3: Developmental Events

Good for younger athletes and skill development—not focused on recruiting:

• Local tournaments

• Club-hosted events

• Practice or series tournaments

Expert Tip
“Don’t just chase points. Prioritize events where your target coaches will be watching.”
—Mark Burik, Founder of Better at Beach

Season Planning Strategy

Pre-Season (Sep–Nov)

• Research college attendance at events

• Register early for national/showcase tournaments

• Budget and plan travel

• Schedule training around event calendar

Main Season (Mar–Jul)

• Peak recruiting period

• Highest coach attendance

• Prioritize showcase and national events

• Attend Better at Beach Elite Camps for targeted exposure

Post-Season (Aug)

• Skills camps or positional clinics

• Recovery and reflection

• Plan next season's recruiting calendar

Where Coaches Actually Show Up

Division I Coaches:

• National and showcase tournaments

• Top regional championships

• Better at Beach Elite Camps

Division II & III Coaches:

• Regional and state tournaments

• Local college-hosted showcases

• Summer camps with coach access

Success Story
“Thanks to Better at Beach's guidance, my daughter was seen by 15 coaches in one season—and is now committed to her dream school!”
—Michelle D., Parent of Pepperdine Commit

Budget-Friendly Tournament Strategy

Must-Have Events:

• 2–3 National-level events

• 3–4 Regional tournaments

• 1–2 Showcase tournaments

• 1+ Better at Beach development or elite camp

Cost-Saving Tips:

• Register early for discounts

• Share travel and lodging

• Group events by location to reduce travel

• Use tournament packages when available

Maximize Your Tournament Exposure

Before the Tournament:

• Research attending schools

• Update your recruiting profile

• Create a short highlight reel

• Email coaches in advance

• Set performance and networking goals

During the Tournament:

• Track coach attendance

• Focus on consistent performance

• Maintain a competitive, coachable attitude

• Stay professional on and off the court

After the Tournament:

• Send personalized follow-ups to coaches

• Upload footage and update profile

• Review game performance

• Adjust your recruiting plan

Common Tournament Mistakes

❌ Over-Scheduling:

• Leads to burnout, academic issues, and budget strain

❌ Poor Planning:

• Last-minute registrations = missed opportunities

❌ Wrong Events:

• Low coach turnout

• Skill mismatch

• Unnecessary travel expense

✅ Ready to Build Your Recruiting Season?

Maximize Your Tournament Impact

Join our College-Bound Beach Volleyball Success Path for:

• Strategic tournament planning

• Coach exposure tools

• Performance tracking and video review

• Weekly support from our expert team

👉 Optimize Your Tournament Strategy

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many tournaments should we attend each season?
A: We recommend 8–12 total events, including national, regional, and showcase tournaments—plus Better at Beachcamps for hands-on coach access.

Q: When should we start playing recruiting tournaments?
A: Start attending development events freshman year, then transition to recruiting-focused events by sophomore year.

Q: How do we find out which coaches will be at a tournament?
A: Our program provides updated coach attendance data and helps you reach out in advance to increase visibility.