Greg Goral is the longest-tenured and winningest coach in Campbell University volleyball history. He's in the thick of his tenth season with the Camels and entered the decade-mark of his career with a 136-124 record and a Big South Championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 2021. Coach Goral knows how to stick to it for the long haul to achieve a goal–an important quality for recruits like you. Here are his best tips to help you get to the next level.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Work ethic. Division I athletics is very demanding and in order to be successful, you have to be willing to do what it takes.
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
A short email with video clips.
Related: Send Tweet? Do's and Don'ts for Recruits on Social Media
When should an athlete contact you, what is the best way? (age, grade, time of year, email, phone, or other)
The best time of year is January as we get ready to plan which club tournaments we are going to recruit at. We are further ahead in the recruiting process so January of their Soph year is ideal.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the court?
I expect my athletes to achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher. Everyone attends EVERY class other than the ones we miss for volleyball. The work done in the weight room and on the court directly relate to how well you perform.
Always ask the coaches where you stand in their recruiting process. It will save you time and money.
-Greg Goral
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
Do: Email with updates and new video once every other month, email to set up a time to talk, provide the contact info for the person helping you in the recruiting process that is not part of your family – someone you can trust to pass on messages quickly.
Don't: Email every week or call unexpectedly.
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What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
The schools you hear back from are the level of play you fit at best. You may want to play at a higher level, but if you don't hear from Penn State or UCLA or your other dream schools, then continue your search at a lower level. And be realistic about your abilities. Also, always ask the coaches where you stand in their recruiting process. It will save you time and money.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Athleticism. How high someone jumps or how fast they are. Some skills are also easily visible.
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Do: Cut the video into short clips where you contact the ball.
Don't: Have a whole match recorded. Camera should be at standing head height or the top of the net on the baseline. Not a low angle or from the side.
Related: Volleyball Highlight Tape Tips
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?
Update every few months to show progression.
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?
They are shooting too high and aren't realistic about their abilities. There are thousands of schools. If you really want to play, you will do the work to find the place for you. If it's too much work, then you aren't cut out for college athletics.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
It can kill your recruitment.
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* Originally published on October 25, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
