Quicksets with Kenzie: College Recruiting, Part 2

"You'll never achieve your dreams if they don't become goals." --Anonymous

So, you play volleyball, and you think that you can make it to the next level? Some words to the wise: finding a college to go to is stressful enough; finding a college to play at and be happy at is even worse. There are so many factors, so many variables that at times it makes you want to scream.

Here are some more tips that will help you as you continue your search.

7. Once you've contacted the coaches, schedule a visit to the campus. Make sure you like the environment, the people, the goals of campus life. If it doesn't suit you, then you shouldn't go there. Volleyball is just one season. The rest of the time, you need to be happy with normal life on campus.

8. Spend the night with the team. So, you like the campus and you like the program? Now, you should spend a night with the team, get to know some of the players, ask about what they like about campus and sports life and what they dislike. Make sure that the girls on the team are people that you would be able to work with, because if you attend the college you'll be spending 4 years with some of them.

9. Make sure the college has the major you're looking for. Never compromise sports for education. Once you're out of college, you need to have a major that you're proud of and that you can succeed with. Remember, college and volleyball is 4 years. After that, you have the rest of your life ahead of you.

10. Explore the financial aid options if you need to. Many athletes receive some sort of financial aid. If you need aid, be sure to look into how much you'll be able to get and if it'll be enough to help you and your family while you attend the college.

11. Apply to the college as early as you possibly can. Be sure, of course, that this college is perfect for you first. But once you decide that a college is right for you, apply as early as you can. You never know what can go wrong (i.e. if you've forgotten to take a certain SAT/ACT test required for admission) and you want to give yourself enough time to go and fix whatever problems may arise.

Choosing a college to play at is stressful. However, if you do your research and do your work, you'll be happy with your selection in the long run.

And remember, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

Kenzie Aries