Master the recruiting timeline with expert guidance from Better at Beach. Learn exactly when and how to help your daughter get noticed by college coaches.

Your daughter’s path to college beach volleyball starts now—not junior year. Most families wait too long, missing key opportunities. At Better at Beach, we’ve helped hundreds of athletes earn offers from top NCAA programs by following this exact timeline.

Start the Process Today!

Pre-High School (Ages 13–14): Laying the Groundwork for Success

Did you know?
82% of successfully recruited beach athletes begin their journey before high school.

Skill Development Priorities

• Master passing fundamentals with our Blueprint program

• Develop consistent serving techniques

• Build attacking basics

• Learn defensive positioning and footwork patterns

Physical Development

• Start bodyweight strength training

• Build flexibility and mobility routines

• Begin injury prevention habits

• Establish healthy nutrition habits

• Track physical progress: height and vertical jump

Academic Foundation

• Maintain a GPA of 3.5+ from the start

• Choose challenging classes

• Build solid study habits

• Research dream schools and set academic goals

Expert Tip:
“The biggest mistake we see is waiting until junior year. By then, 70% of D1 programs already have their top prospects.”
— Mark Burik, Better at Beach Founder

Freshman Year (Ages 14–15): Build Your Recruitment Profile

This is the year to get organized, get visible, and build momentum.

August–September

• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

• Create a recruiting profile on key platforms

• Start filming matches

• Join a structured training program

• Research schools that align with your goals

October–December

• Play in qualifying tournaments

• Update skills video monthly

• Stay above a 3.5 GPA

• Start position-specific training

• Begin strength and conditioning

January–March

• Attend college-run camps

• Keep your recruiting profile updated

• Train through Better at Beach programs

• Map out your summer tournament schedule

• Begin light outreach to college programs

April–June

• Compete in spring tournaments

• Update highlight reels

• Attend Better at Beach camps

• Choose your sophomore year classes

• Learn NCAA compliance basics

Success Story:
“Following Better at Beach’s timeline, my daughter had 12 D1 coaches reach out by junior year. The structure made all the difference.”
— Jennifer K., Parent of USC Beach Volleyball Commit

 

Sophomore Year (Ages 15–16): Gain Serious Traction

This is your daughter’s opportunity to stand out to coaches.

Academics

• Keep GPA at 3.5+

• Begin SAT/ACT prep

• Take honors/AP/IB courses when possible

• Document achievements and coursework

• Research academic requirements of target schools

Athletics

• Join our College-Bound Success Path program

• Compete in higher-level tournaments

• Attend college-specific camps

• Create updated skill videos

• Focus on refining advanced techniques

Communication

• Begin emailing coaches directly

• Attend recruiting showcases

• Update recruiting profiles monthly

• Stay active on social media (with purpose)

• Log all communication with coaches

Junior Year (Ages 16–17): Peak Recruiting Period

This is the most critical year in the recruiting process.

September–November

• Take SAT/ACT

• Send updated videos to coaches

• Attend fall showcase events

• Keep regular communication with interested programs

• Begin unofficial visits

December–February

• Register for spring tournaments

• Update academic records and transcripts

• Continue high-level training

• Narrow down your target school list

March–May

• Compete in key events

• Schedule official visits

• Refresh highlight videos

• Keep communication focused and strategic

June–August

• Train with Better at Beach summer camps

• Finalize your college list

• Complete official visits

• Prepare for verbal commitment discussions

• Begin planning senior year coursework

Senior Year (Ages 17–18): Make the Final Push

Stay on Track with Key Deadlines:

• Early Signing Period: November

• Regular Signing Period: April–August

Priorities:

• Complete academic eligibility requirements

• Finalize communication with coaches

• Make official commitment decisions

• Review scholarship options and offers

Start the Process Now!

Avoid These Common Mistakes

🚫 Waiting too long to start
Families that wait until junior or senior year often miss out. Starting early gives your daughter 3x more opportunities.

🚫 Neglecting academics
Strong grades aren’t optional—they can be the deal-breaker for offers and scholarships.

🚫 Dropping the ball on communication
Missing deadlines or failing to follow up with coaches can end recruitment progress instantly.

🚫 Lack of specialized training
College coaches expect high-level skill. Better at Beach’s training system prepares athletes to meet those expectations.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join our College-Bound Beach Volleyball Success Path and get:

• A step-by-step plan for every year

• Mentorship from elite-level coaches

• Video review and skill feedback

• Monthly Q&A sessions

• Priority access to elite camps and showcases

• Ongoing parent support throughout the process

Secure Your Spot Now

FAQs

When should my daughter start the recruiting process?
Before high school. By junior year, most top programs have already built their shortlists.

What should a recruiting video include?
Keep it to 3–5 minutes. Show key skills like passing, serving, and attacking. Film from a high angle and keep it updated.

What’s the difference between unofficial and official visits?
Unofficial visits are paid by your family. Official visits are funded by the school.

Do academics really matter?
Absolutely. A strong academic record can open doors that talent alone can’t.

Conclusion

The recruiting process for NCAA beach volleyball is competitive—but if your daughter has the talent and drive, we’ll help her turn those into opportunities. The earlier you start, the more doors you’ll open.

Don’t leave her future to chance.
Let Better at Beach guide her through every step with the College-Bound Success Path.

Get Started Today