Are you a high school volleyball player looking to take your game to the next level?
With so many colleges offering volleyball scholarships, it can be tough to know where to start. Don’t worry, you are at the right place.
We have put together a list of the best colleges for volleyball athletes, from top-ranked programs to hidden gems. Whether you are looking for a school with a strong team culture, top-notch coaching, or academic excellence, we will help you find the perfect fit.
Before starting let’s take a look at Major benefits. Joining these colleges can boost volleyball careers and provide lifelong benefits. Like:
- Scholarship opportunities (full or partial).
- Best-in-class coaching and training facilities.
- Exposure to professional scouts and recruiters.
- Networking opportunities with other athletes and coaches.
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
- Chance to compete at national levels.
- Enhance education and career opportunities.
- Personal growth and development.
Let’s explore the best volleyball colleges for athletes together:
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
UCLA is renowned for its academic excellence, innovative research, and athletic distinction, ranked among the world’s top universities.“UCLA Bruins” is the name given to the athletics team that represents UCLA. The team competes in the NCAA Division I and is part of the Pac-12 conference. The Bruins teams have won numerous NCAA championships in volleyball (19 men’s and 17 women’s titles).
The Head Coach Alfee Reft led the team best guiding them to success. UCLA has produced talented players, including Brooke Harwood, Vivian Hickman, and Hazel Alevok who showcased their skills in various tournaments.
UCLA stands out because of its diverse environment exceptional athletic programs and top-tier coaching, particularly for both indoor and beach volleyball, and ranked top team for most NCAA team championships
University of Texas at Austin
It has a remarkable volleyball program with a rich history of achievements regularly placed in the top 5. Their volleyball team Texas Longhorns competes in the NCAA Division I and is part of the Big 12 conference.
The team has won back-to-back National Championships in 2022 and 2023 proving their dominance in the collegiate level. In addition, they won three of the last four Learfield Directors’ Cup titles.
Maiden Skinner, a player from the University of Texas at Austin was awarded the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 2023. Texas is noted for its outstanding training facilities and a strong culture of athletic excellence.
Stanford University
Stanford, known for its elite academic standards and competitive volleyball program, ranked among the top 10 nationally. The university team has secured seven NCAA National Championships, with titles in 1992, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, and 2006 with five runner-ups. They’ve also claimed 20 Pac-12 Conference titles and 14 consecutive NCAA Tournaments.
It has produced exceptional talent, earning 11 AVCA National Players of the Year awards and seven Honda-Broderick Awards. Sixty-two athletes have received All-American recognition. The program’s impact extended beyond collegiate achievements with 14 Stanford alumni claiming Olympic medals and seven representing the US Olympic Team.
John Dunning, a three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year, led the team from 2001 to 2016. Current head coach Kevin Hambly has continued the legacy, earning two Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards since 2017. Stanford is known for its supportive coaching staff, excellent training facilities, and a commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
The University of Nebraska features a highly regarded volleyball program consistently ranked in the top 5 nationally. The Cornhuskers have won five NCAA National Championships(1995, 2000, 2006, 2015,2017) and four NCAA Runner-ups.
They have dominated conference play securing 33 championships, including 12 Big 12 and 11 Big Ten titles. UNL has produced exceptional talent with seven AVCA National Players of the Year awards, five Honda-Broderick Awards, and 67 All-American recognitions.
Terry Pettit (1977-1999) coached UNL to two National titles and four Final Four appearances. John Cook (2000-present), a three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year, has guided the team to the three national championships.
The Cornhusker holds the highest average attendance in NCAA history at Bob Devaney Sports Center. Nebraska is recognized for its passionate fanbase and excellent athletic facilities, making it an ideal choice for competitive volleyball players.
Pepperdine University
It is recognized for its top-ranked beach volleyball program, often among the top 5. The Waves have won one NCAA National Championship (2005) and have appeared in four NCAA Championship matches. They have also won 12 conference titles, including five West Coast Conference (WCC) championships.
Pepperdine has produced exceptional talent, earning two AVCA National Players of the Year awards and 34 All-American recognitions. The coaching staff includes Marv Dunphy (1985-2009), a two-time AVCA National Coach of the Year, and Nina Matthies (2010-2013). Current head coach Scott Wong continues the excellence.
The Waves ranked among the nation’s top programs, making 24 NCAA Tournament appearances and 14 consecutive WCC titles from 2002 to 2015. Pepperdine’s home venue, Firestone Fieldhouse, has an electrifying atmosphere and a coastal location that provides excellent conditions for beach volleyball training, making it an attractive choice for athletes.
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State
The university volleyball program regularly ranks in the top 10. With seven NCAA National Championships- 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2017 and 11 NCAA Runner-ups, the Nittany Lions have established themselves as a powerhouse. Their conference dominance is impressive, with 18 Big 10 Conference titles.
Penn State, with its exceptionally talented players, has won 10 AVCA National Players of the Year awards, seven Honda-Brodrick Awards, and 104 All-American recognitions. Legendary coach Russ Rose (1979-2021) supervised the team to seven national and 17 Big Ten titles. Current head coach Katie Schumanccher-Cawley carries on the tradition of success.
The Nittany Lions have appeared in 39 NCAA Tournaments and held the No. 1 ranking in the AVCA poll 17 times. Their iconic home venue, Rec Hall showcases the dedicated “Nittany Nation” fan base. Its academic excellence is reflected in 10 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and four NCAA Top VIII Award winners. Penn State is renowned for its rigorous athletic training, supportive community, and impressive national volleyball legacy.
University of Florida
It maintains a highly competitive program ranked in the top 10. The Gators have secured one NCAA National Championship in 2017, two NCAA Runner-Ups, 23 Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships, and 14 SEC Tournament titles. With outstanding talent, Florida has earned four AVCA National Players of the Year awards, three Honda-Broderick Awards, and 64 All-American recognitions.
Iconic coach Mary Wise, a three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year, has mentored the team to success since 1991, securing one national title and 12 SEC titles. The Gators have appeared in 30 NCAA Tournaments and held the No. 1 ranking in the AVCA poll five times. The Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Donnell Center is the home venue.
Florida academic excellence shines through with 12 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and four NCAA Top VIII Award winners. The program is celebrated for its excellent facilities and competitive environment with the SEC.
University of Southern California, USA
Mainted its ranking among the top 10 volleyball programs for both indoor and beach volleyball. With three NCAA National Championships in 1981, 2002, and 2003, 14 NCAA Final Four appearances, and 22 conference titles. The Trojans have made themselves a strong contender.
USC alumni and current squad have earned six AVCA National Players of the Year awards, four Honda -Broderick Awards, and 73 All-American recognitions. Legendary coaches including Chuck Erbe (1976-1988), Mick Haley (2000-2017), and current head coach Brent Crouch continued high standards.
The Trojans have appeared in 36 NCAA Tournaments and held the No. 1 ranking in the AVCA poll 12. The Galen Center is the home venue. USC is known for its world-class facilities and renowned coaching, creating a perfect environment for aspiring athletes.
University of Hawaii, Manoa
The Rainbow Wahine volleyball program is especially recognized for beach volleyball with three NCAA National Championships (1972, 1975, and 1987), an eighth NCAA Final Four appearance, and 26 conference titles.
Hawaii earned four AVCA National Players of the Year awards, three Honda-Broderick Awards, and 61 All-American recognitions. Notable coaches, including Dave Shoji (1975-2017), a five-time AVCA National Coach of the Year. Robyn Ah Mow-Santos continues to excel.
The Rainbow Wahine has appeared in 37 NCAA Tournaments and held the No. 1 ranking in the AVCA poll six times, Stan Sheriff Center, their iconic home venue. Hawaii is known for its beautiful training environment, supportive community, and competitive beach volleyball scene.
Brigham Young University (BYU)
The volleyball program is a highly respected and successful institution, with two NCAA National Championships (1999 and 2014), 10 NCAA Final Four appearances, and 21 conference titles. The Cougars have established themselves as a powerhouse.
BYU earned three AVCA National Players of the Year awards, two Honda-Broderick Awards, and 55 All-American recognitions. Well-known coaches include Jason Watson (1998-2009) and Heather Olmstead (2015-present). Olmstead, a two-time AVCA Nationale Coach of the Year, has led the team to continued success.
The Cougars have appeared in 32 NCAA Tournaments, held the No. 1 ranking in the AVCA poll four times, and the Smith Fieldhouse, the iconic home venue. BYU’s commitment to academic excellence with 13 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and three NCAA Top VIII Award winners. BYU is recognized for its supportive athletic community and strong performance in national volleyball tournaments.
Eligibility requirements? To enroll in any university is mostly the same
- Good academic standing or grades (GPA 2.3 for NCAA, 2.0+ for NAIA).
- SAT / ACT scores (varies by college).
- Register with the NCAA or NAIA.
- Create an Athletic profile (NCSA, CaptionU).
- Submit transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Process of Joining:
- Research colleges and their requirements.
- Register with the NCAA or NAIA.
- Create an athletic profile.
- Contact college coaches via email/phone.
- Attend showcases and camps.
- Appeal to colleges and submit required documents.
- Secure scholarships (if offered).
All these colleges offer exceptional opportunities for volleyball athletes, combining rigorous academic programs with outstanding training facilities and competitive environments. Prospective athletes should focus on maintaining strong academic records while actively seeking recruitment opportunities through coaches and highlighting their athletic abilities. When choosing a volleyball college, one should consider both the academic and athletic programs to find the ideal match for their career goals.
