Women's volleyball - top college options?

Hi there! I'm currently in my junior year and I love playing volleyball. I'd really like to compete at a high level in college. What are some of the top colleges for women's volleyball that I should consider?

Hi! It's fantastic that you're passionate about volleyball and want to continue playing at a high level in college. To help guide you, here's a list of some top colleges with well-regarded women's volleyball programs:

1. Stanford University: Stanford has a long history of excellence in women's volleyball, with the most NCAA championship titles of any program (nine!) and a consistently high national ranking.

2. University of Texas at Austin: Texas has a strong program that regularly competes in the NCAA tournament and has a history of deep runs, including championships.

3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Nebraska also boasts a competitive team that frequently ranks high nationally and has won several NCAA championships over the years.

4. UCLA: The Bruins have a competitive program that has experienced success at the national level and has a history of appearing in the NCAA tournament.

5. Penn State University: Penn State has built a strong reputation in women's volleyball over the years, through many Big Ten Conference championships and even NCAA titles.

6. University of Wisconsin-Madison: With a highly ranked program and frequent appearances in the NCAA tournament, Wisconsin's women's volleyball team is a top contender.

7. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: The Golden Gophers have a strong program that consistently ranks high and competes in the NCAA tournament.

8. University of Florida: Florida's women's volleyball team is consistently competitive in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and often makes deep runs in the NCAA tournament.

Keep in mind that there are many other great options for you to explore, depending on factors such as location, size, and academic offerings at each institution, as ultimately you want to choose a school where you'll thrive personally and academically, in addition to athletically. When researching colleges, also consider their culture and the level of support they provide for student-athletes. Reach out to coaches, watch games, and, if possible, attend summer camps or tournaments, where you can showcase your skills and gain a better understanding of the college volleyball landscape.

Finally, do be aware that competing at this level requires a significant time commitment, and you'll likely have to make sacrifices in other areas of your college experience - for example, you may not have time to join student groups that interest you. On the flip side, many athletes find that playing their sport at the highest collegiate level is incredibly fulfilling. You just want to make sure life as a high level D1 athlete would be right for you personally.

Best of luck as you explore your options and continue your volleyball journey in college!