Former Cal State University East Bay volleyball coach Jim Spagle knows how to win. In his 22 seasons with the pioneers, Coach Spagle racked up an impressive 466-228 record, for the most wins in any sport in the university's history. Here's his best advice on how you can win your recruiting process.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Positional excellence: the ability to impact the game from their position on the court.
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What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
By sending me an email with both athletic and academic information. Including statistical info like their approach and block jump height, club and high school information, tournament schedule: along with academic information including both their transcripts and test scores; and finally their personal information like contact information and any references.
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
I would say the best way to contact me is email. Once a mutual interest is potentially established–then phone via call or text.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?
Academic success is critical. Definitely looking for athletes with at least a 3.0 GPA and solid test scores. They must also display expertise in the weight room (which can be determined through video tape), and the ability to make a great impact on the court, in the huddle, on the sideline, and between matches.
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
I would say mass emails to multiple coaches all across the country is a quick delete for me. So do not do that. Spelling my name wrong is another slight problem, but I will still read the email as spell check kills my last name every time.
Personalizing the email to include some information about my university helps and is a good thing. Being persistent is another good thing. Coaches get slammed with huge numbers of emails on a daily basis. Understand there are times when things come up and we do not always get to every email. Be persistent!
Related: 5 Important Email Tips During the Recruitment Process
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Instead of spending 100% of their time practicing volleyball on the court and playing in matches, spend 33% of their time improving their fitness with volleyball specific training with a trainer and 66% of their time with volleyball. They will see their level of play leave their peers in the dust if they did this.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Explosiveness. Not just in the obvious skill of attacking a volleyball, but explosiveness in footwork in the back row, be it a setter transitioning from back row to front row to set, or a libero flying across the court, or a front row player transitioning off the net and being available to attack. Also, their ability to lead their team–not with the phony jumping up and down after killing a volleyball or winning a point–but the direct communication between a struggling teammate, the ability to change the momentum of a match with a smart play, or doing the little things like covering a hitter who was just blocked.
Related: Volleyball Highlight Tape Tips
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
I am not big on edited tape. I want to see the entire skill session, not just the great stuff. Also, I do not care for the addition of some soundtrack or music.
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 would say the best thing to do is send a video after each match or tournament.
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?
Have a plan B, and also a plan C. Do not wait to send out your information to the B's and C's. Send it when you send out your plan A stuff!
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
I think it is huge. I have deleted kids off my recruiting lists if I happen to look up their social media stuff and see pics or information that leads me to even question their character and ability to succeed in college whatsoever.
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* Originally published on October 28, 2022, by 2aDays Staff