Presidents’ Day tournaments are among the most important recruiting weekends of the year. College coaches plan their schedules months in advance, and for many athletes, this weekend is a critical opportunity to be evaluated live.
Whether you are already communicating with college programs or just beginning the recruiting process, preparation and professionalism matter. How you prepare and how you carry yourself can directly impact whether you are noticed, evaluated, and remembered.
Below are key steps to put yourself in the best position heading into the weekend.
Start With Your Highlight Video
If you do not already have a highlight video, this should be a top priority. Video is often a coach’s first introduction to you. Having it ready before the tournament can influence whether a coach chooses to watch you play in person.
Position-Specific Video Guidelines
Liberos and Defensive Specialists (L/DS):
Show range and consistency in serve receive and defense. Include plays where you take the second ball after a setter dig. Diving plays alone are not highlights. Coaches prioritize control, positioning, and reliability.
Setters:
Show range and decision-making. Include more than outside or right-side sets. Feature middle connections, defensive plays, and blocking. Coaches want to see your ability to run an offense, not just deliver a set.
Middles:
Emphasize speed and efficiency. Show quick block closes, fast transitions off the net, availability in defensive transition, and hitter coverage. Movement and timing matter.
Pin Hitters (OH/RS):
Show complete play. Serve receive and defense are as important as attacking. Include a variety of shots, not just straight or seam swings. Blocking should also be featured.
Email Coaches Before the Tournament
Timing matters. Send your email early to increase the likelihood a coach sees it before the tournament begins.
Before reaching out, review last year’s college coach attendance on the tournament website. Coaches often return to events they have attended in the past.
Recruiting Email Guidelines
- Keep emails clear and concise. Do not overload coaches with unnecessary information.
- Always include your highlight video. Video significantly increases coach interest.
- List all positions you can play, not just the position you will play that weekend. Versatility is a major factor in recruiting.
- If a school on your list is not attending the tournament, email them anyway. Let them know you are competing and follow up after the event.
- If a school is attending, tell them you will send your match schedule once it is released, including facility location and division.
With advance notice and a strong highlight video, a coach may adjust their schedule or attend the tournament specifically to evaluate you.
About the Author
Lynnette Summins is the Recruiting Coordinator at Club Fusion, a JVA member club located in Batavia, Illinois. Here is her presentation to families focusing on the information in this article.
She is a Munciana Volleyball Club Alum (1993-2001), Georgia Tech Alum (2001-2004), Former college coach for D1 and D3 levels for 10 years (2007-2016), and Recruiting Coordinator for Club Fusion since 2023.