This is a sample issue. So you know exactly what you're signing up for, here's what a real week inside Recruiting Edge looks like, grad-year specific tasks, goals, recruiting tips, and our regularly updated Needs List, delivered to your inbox every week.
Every issue includes sections for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors, plus a "Back Burner" list and real-time notes "From the Field."
Real issues also include the most recent update to our Needs List (updated the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month).
The Biggest Topics Being Talked About Right Now
Every week, this section breaks down whatever's actually moving in the recruiting world — rule changes, roster shifts, tournament results, or trends we're seeing across programs. It's the kind of context that's easy to miss if you're not deep in it every day.
Example from a recent issue: "Coaches are getting flooded with generic emails right now, and the generic ones are getting deleted without a response. Athletes who reference something specific — the program, a recent result, a coach they've watched speak — are the ones getting replies."
Freshmen - 2029 Class
Where you should be right now: Building the habit of researching schools and understanding what the process looks like, even before it feels urgent. The families who start early aren't scrambling later.
This Week's Task: Start (or add to) a list of schools you're interested in. Aim for at least 50 across D1, D2, and D3 so you have real options as things develop.
The Why/Goal: A broad list now means you're not starting from zero when it's time to reach out. Programs you overlook now might be exactly where you fit best.
Recruiting Tip: Follow 7-10 college programs on social media this week. You don't need a separate recruiting-only account to do this.
Sophomores - 2028 Class
Where you should be right now: Making sure your film and profiles are current, and starting to build real relationships with coaches — not just sending one-off emails.
This Week's Task: Make sure your most recent highlight film is uploaded everywhere coaches might look for it, including any recruiting platforms your club uses.
The Why/Goal: Coaches watch and rewatch film for athletes they're seriously considering. If your film is outdated or hard to find, that's a missed opportunity you don't get back.
Recruiting Tip: Send coaches a personal update occasionally that isn't just about volleyball — school, a big moment, something you're excited about. Coaches recruit the person, not just the athlete.
Juniors - 2027 Class
Where you should be right now: Actively communicating with the schools on your list every week — the ones you've talked to, and the ones you haven't yet.
This Week's Task: Reach out to at least 1-2 schools on your list this week, even a short check-in. Consistency matters more than any single email.
The Why/Goal: Coaches remember the athletes who stay in touch. Momentum in this process comes from repetition, not one perfect email.
Recruiting Tip: If a school you weren't initially excited about reaches out, give them a real look. Book the call. Plenty of great fits show up unexpectedly.
On the Back Burner
Not your main focus this week, but worth keeping an eye on:
Camp season — a campus visit beats a showcase almost every time. How's your camp schedule looking?
Film ownership — make sure you actually have access to and copies of your own film. Club platforms change rosters and access without much warning.
Your "why" — every school you talk to will eventually ask why you're interested in them. Have a real answer ready, not a generic one.
From the Field
A few things we're actually seeing right now:
Specificity wins. Athletes who mention something real about a program — not a form email — are the ones getting responses.
More film beats a shorter highlight. A tight 90-second reel is fine, but coaches evaluating you seriously want more to watch.
Focus matters. Spend your energy on the schools that make sense for your level, not just the biggest names.
Needs List Update!
This is where members get our latest Needs List — updated three times a month with which programs are actively recruiting which positions, by grad year.