I am almost recovered from my post Hawaii depression.  It is a wonderful feeling stepping off the plane in HNL and smelling the sea air mixed with the tropical flowers, especially after a long, long flight.  When I get on the plane at HNL to depart for the mainland (that is the rest of the USA by the way), I must look like a child who lost their puppy!  It usually takes me a couple of days to get through my own Blue Hawaii..... Flashing back, I was lucky enough to spend a bunch of time surfing, or trying to surf.  I am fortunate that my best friend is a 'local boy' w ..read more

 Hi Coach! Back in September 2017, you answered a question that I had about the value of sending my then 14 year old daughter to combines and showcases. I also got your book and followed some of your recruiting tips. Well since I posed that question to you, I want to let you know that she‘s committed to play next Fall at DI -  It was a long hard journey, but without your tips and advice I’m not sure where we would be or how we would’ve made it up to this point. Now that she has committed, what should she be focusing on as a HS senior between now and the day she reports next summer to ..read more

Even though COVID 19 has created a split screen of the college volleyball season, recruiting still continues.  To this end, Championship Combines is hosting a few recruiting combines this fall which empower high school age players and college volleyball coaches to pursue their recruiting goals. Please see below for direct registration and information links: October 18 - Minneapolis, MN - North Country Region Recruiting Combine - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-north-country-region-recruiting-combine-registration-120598355929 November 1st - Houston, TX - Houston Recruiting Combin ..read more

The hiding in plain sight of college volleyball recruiting is this - If a coach believes a player will make their team better, then they will recruit that player – If they don’t, then they won’t.  This is and always will be the bottom line of all college coaches’ recruiting efforts; improve the talent on the team.   Coaches, those that keep a job as a college volleyball coach for any length of time, are focused on making their team better through recruiting.  Volleyball abilities are the mandated, non-negotiable litmus test of being recruited.  College coaches understand th ..read more

What everyone had hoped was just going to be an issue for the spring sports of collegiate athletics, is now a trainwreck of fall collegiate sports. As I understand it, the NAIA, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III have said no fall sports or championships, and NCAA Division I said no fall championships except for Football.  But, the Big 10, Pac 12 and the MAC said they are shutting down all fall sports. The Big 12, SEC and a number of other conferences are still on for sports but since the NCAA said no championships, then their volleyball teams are just playing for a league title. For ..read more

 Dear Coach: My daughter was cut as predicted, she called her college coach today, explained a bit about what happened, and the coach was good.  My daughter said "I can have either of the previous two coaches call you..."  And she replied "No, I'm not worried about it one bit.  You're a good player and a good kid.  Thanks for calling to let me know what was going on, and call me any time if you need anything else." Wow!  We are so thankful right now.  Just wanted to let you know! H.C. The above email was received after the below question and my res ..read more

 Hello Coach - We need your advice. My daughter, a DS/L 2021, is likely going to be cut from her high school team this week.  This is a pretty big time high school program, there is a back log of DSs, and the talent is so deep, that the coach has the luxury of being able to play some favorites.   Meanwhile, she is committed to a D3 program.  She had D2 interest but because of academics, we felt the smaller D3 school situation was better.  She's been committed for a year.  But the old coach left after the season, the new coach came in, and we've really been ..read more

Hello, My daughter has been offered a 2 and 2 offer but the full scholarship are for years 3 and 4 as coach is at 12 counters her first two years. Clearly since the school is not bound by this offer for two years I am concerned given we have all the risk. Coach told us all the right things like he is making a 4/5 year plan with his team and expects her to make an impact right away. Said 3 or 4 times for us not to be concerned that the money comes in later years - as long as she is working hard and progressing she has zero to worry about. He is on a 4 year contract with possible 1 year extensi ..read more

Video is the primary vehicle for your recruiting efforts, even more so during the current pandemic.  While there is much uncertainty with the 2020 college volleyball season, college coaches will continue to recruit and families must continue to manage the recruiting process.   Since club volleyball was shut down in March, it is not possible for families to provide tournament video from the spring. So, volleyball video must be captured in whatever way possible this late summer and fall:   -       Club practices – If your state/county/city is allowing ..read more

What can you do right now??   A question you and your family are likely asking yourselves daily… what should we be doing? What can we be doing? As tough and frustrating as these times likely are – remember that everyone is in the same boat. Coaches are also navigating new territory with their own teams, recruiting and their daily tasks. Control what you can control:   1)    Maintain or increase your level of fitness -Sure, it’s nice to get a break from the required activities, but if you can put in the work now – you’ll be a little more prepared when it’s time to get ..read more