Recruiting advice can vary by division, so if you're a recruit looking at the D3 level, pay attention! Babson College volleyball coach Eric Neely has some advice for you. 

What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit? 

This depends on the position on the court. For hitters, I am looking for someone who is a terminator who ends plays with an exclamation point (good or bad). For setters, I am looking for athletes who can deliver a hittable ball on the widest variety of passes and digs. For defenders, I am looking for consistency in serve receive and smooth mechanics.

What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?

Contact me by phone or text. If you are sending an email, be VERY specific to why you are interested in my school. Have at least a short video showing you do something awesome.

When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)

Any time of year, as soon as they know they are interested. The key is to differentiate yourself from the 100s of emails I get a week. Tell me why you are interested in MY SCHOOL specifically and show me that you didn't send this exact message to 50 programs.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?

I expect players to work hard in all 3 of those areas. Our school is very demanding academically and players need to be able to budget their time and deal with the stress of many things competing for their attention.

What are some mistakes to avoid?

Don't have your parents make the initial contact. It's appropriate for them to be involved, but don't let them do all the talking. Don't send me a generic message.

What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?

Be forward, direct, and ask tough questions of me and other coaches. Demand straight answers from coaches: “How many players are you talking to at my position? Where do I stand compared to other recruits at my position? How do I compare with the players already on your roster?”

What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape? 

Generally: succeed or fail with an exclamation point. I'm not interested in recruits who play it safe and don't stand out.

Related: How to Create a Volleyball Highlight Video Coaches Will Notice

What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?

I want to see real game play. I don't care about a coach tossing balls at you in practice. I don't need it edited or in slow mo. Make sure resolution is good and make sure I know who you are in the video.

When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?

I don't need dozens of films. Make a good video and then update it to keep it current to your abilities.

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?

Take the initiative. Don't wait to be noticed and contacted. Reach out with calls and texts initially to stand out because coaches get dozens of emails a day. Ask tough questions and don't let coaches string you along: if a coach says you are in their top 5, that means you are #5 – if you were #3, they would have said you were in the top 3.

How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?

Either make your social media private, or treat it as branding for yourself and carefully manage your messages.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on September 15, 2022, by 2aDays Staff