Kelli Miller Phillips has been coaching volleyball at Ball State since 2016 and in that timeframe has amassed a 108-64 record overall and a 64-31 record in the MAC. Not only that, but Miller Phillips has led the Cardinals to two MAC championships and is only the second coach in Ball State history to defeat a team in the NCAA volleyball tournament when her team toppled Michigan in 2021. Coach Miller Phillips knows how to make waves and reach her goals. Here's her advice to help you reach yours in the recruiting process.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
A hard worker. Someone who is not afraid to put in work is going to be successful in the classroom and also on the court. She is going to become all that she can be because she's willing to go harder and further than others. She's accountable and trustworthy because she maintains a consistent work ethic.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
If I see the recruit in competition, I'm drawn to those athletes who are fearless competitors. They are going max effort on every play and communicating with the rest of the team to help win points. If I don't see you compete, then you can send unedited video of yourself playing so I'm able to look at all your qualities and not just how you perform skills.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way?
Freshman year of college is a good time if you are more mature and have a little direction as to what you are looking for academically and athletically. Sophomore fall is usually a good time as well for those who maybe are a little less sure of what they're looking for as that still provides them plenty of time to explore options. Initially an email is the best form of contact to make sure we get your info on file.
Your process is very personal and it's a big decision for your life. Do your research, go on visits, reach out to schools you're interested in, work hard and then follow your heart.
-Kelli Miller Phillips
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?
I expect my incoming players to put in full effort in all areas: in the classroom, in the weight room and on the court. All three are incredibly important to her success as a student-athlete and our success as a program. Recruits must be willing to dedicate themselves to the program and university in an effort to be all that she can be.
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Do: Do your research and figure out what's important to you… Do you want to be far from home or close? Do you know what you're interested in studying? Have you watched a game and can you see yourself competing at that level?
Don't: [Send] mass emails without personalization to a specific program. Don't lie about your interests, accomplishments, athletic abilities, etc. Don't have your parents do all the communication for you. We want to hear from you.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Everyone has their own process, interests, and priorities so don't get wrapped up in what someone else is doing and think you need to match that. Your process is very personal and it's a big decision for your life. Do your research, go on visits, reach out to schools you're interested in, work hard and then follow your heart.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Athletic attributes: how high they jump, how quick they move, their fundamentals.
Related: Volleyball Highlight Tape Tips
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Do: Include more than just one quick edited clip where you're performing one skill and cut to the next. Show the play development and result. Do include all aspects of your game: if you play offense and defense, show skills for both. Also make sure you put which player you are in the video.
Don't: Make it all about the production and graphics and music. We want to see you.
What advice do you have for recruits who get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain the recruiting attention they desire?
Lots of athletes are going to be turned down to their “dream” school. You need to be realistic and get to work on what is the best fit for you and work towards achieving that. Be open to other schools who you may have initially dismissed. They may be a better fit than you think but you didn't give them a chance to show you that.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Social media is huge in recruiting. I check the pages of all my recruited athletes before deciding if I will pursue them. It shows a lot about your character and personality. We want people of high character in our program and social media can eliminate potential recruits quickly.
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* Originally published on October 10, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
