Today I got the chance to speak with Dan Bithell who has been a volleyball coach at Pima Community College for over 20 years. He shared his thoughts on why junior colleges are often beneficial for college athletes and how to effectively navigate recruitment and being a college athlete. If you're considering JUCO, read on for Coach Bithell's tips, advice, and other things to consider about forgoing the NCAA for an alternate option.

1. What benefits are there for collegiate volleyball players to start out at a junior college? 

Coach Bithell started off by saying that it is often less “risky” for athletes to start out at a junior college. They will most likely be close to home and be able to save a lot of money. This also allows for them to stay with their families who can provide additional support. He added to his response by saying that it gives athletes good experience since they will most likely get more playing time than they would have at a Division I school.

2. What are the major differences between NCAA/NAIA and junior college programs? 

According to Bithell, the main differences are usually in terms of budgets and school size. He said that luckily at Pima, they have the financial resources to provide athletes with scholarships and academic resources so that they can succeed. He said that unfortunately many other junior colleges do not have the same funding as Pima Community College so they are unable to provide the same support systems.

Related: NCAA or Bust? 2 Things Potential JUCO Athletes Should Consider in Their Recruiting Process

3. What kind of atmosphere do you and the rest of your coaching staff try to create for your players? 

Bithell wants to create an atmosphere where his players have freedom to make their own decisions. He allows his players to challenge themselves and take risks. Then they can learn from their mistakes and continue to grow as a person and player, knowing that their coaching staff will always support them.

4. What changes have you made during your time as coach and what improvements are you still looking to make? 

Coach Bithell said that when he started coaching at Pima 22 years ago, the landscape of athletics at the school was very different. Athletics were considered a hobby, whereas now the school and his volleyball program take success on the field and in the classroom very seriously. He and his coaching staff have started to show more support for their athletes and have created academic resources for their players such as tutoring. He has also worked with Pima to make sure that his athletes are getting the necessary credits to transfer and be on track with their credits when it comes time to make the next step attending a 4-year program. One thing that he wants to continue to improve is all of the school's athletic facilities.

Related: College Volleyball Recruiting Fast Facts

5. Are there differences in the recruiting process for NCAA/NAIA programs compared to the process at a junior college? 

He said specifically for Pima, his recruiting takes place mostly in the school's “backyard.” He and his coaching staff do not go to any national tournaments or showcases unlike bigger NCAA programs because of a lack of financial resources. He instead tries to find kids local to Arizona and try to form relationships with them to make sure they are a good fit for his team.

6. What does your program look for in its recruits? 

Coming from a very competitive conference, he said he always looks to find talented players. Beyond that, he wants to look for players who have “high character.” He wants recruits that will buy into his program, understanding that they are joining something that is a little bit bigger than them. He wants athletes who will continue to push the Pima volleyball program in the right direction.

7. What are your pet peeves that recruits often do during the recruitment process? 

According to Bithell, sometimes parents can become too involved in the recruiting process. Their support is necessary, but athletes need to be able to show that they are able to do things on their own. He added that oftentimes recruits feel like they have to hide their true feelings. Coach Bithell said that you should be honest with him and any other coach about their true interest in his or any program.

Related: 4 Common Mistakes Made in the Recruiting Process (and How to Avoid Them)

8. What would you say helps volleyball players make the next step at the college level?

There is a step up in the speed and sophistication of the game at the college level. Talent will help with this step, but there is more to it than just that. Being able to push yourself to get stronger and better is imperative. On the other hand, it is also important to understand rest and recovery. Many athletes who lack healthy diets and recovery tactics will often struggle. The last thing Coach Bithell added to this question was how important it is to have good time management skills. It is important to prioritize goals from the start because classwork and training can quickly stack up on a schedule.

Coach Bithell shows how important it is to have abilities beyond just pure athletic talent as a college athlete. It takes drive and determination as well as time management skills to be successful. It is important to always be yourself and to always look for ways to improve.

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Image Credit: Tucson Sentinel

* Originally published on November 14, 2022, by Royce Linder