The Next 60 Days Matter: A Class-by-Class Summer Guide

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next two months can make a bigger difference in your volleyball career than the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While some athletes are taking time off, others are putting themselves in position to earn varsity spots, attract college coaches, improve rankings, and separate themselves from the competition before school starts. Summer is the chance for you to increase your stock, but only if you put in the work.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That doesn't mean volleyball has to take over your entire life. You can still hang with friends, travel, relax, and enjoy your break. But dedicate at least one hour or two a day to the sport, whether that's training, watching film, emailing coaches, lifting, or getting extra touches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You still have 20-plus hours in the day to enjoy summer. Think of it as <strong>sports-life balance</strong>, just like your parents talk about work-life balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've laid out a quick guide for each class heading into the 2026 school season. No matter what class you're in, here's where your focus should be heading into the final stretch of summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>🎓Class of 2027 (Seniors)&nbsp;</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">This is full-on recruiting season. You don't have ANY time to waste.</mark></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're still uncommitted, every day matters. College coaches are actively building their remaining recruiting boards, and the athletes who continue reaching out and improving their film are giving themselves opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Focus on:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sending updated highlight videos</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Attending college camps that fit your level</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Communicating with coaches consistently (i.e. now, beginning of hs season, once a month, end of hs season). Email until they say yes or no.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Improving physical strength and athleticism</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Preparing academically and completing admissions requirements</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Expand your college search. If you haven't got buzz from your dream schools or schools in your region, it time to search out of your comfort zone.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you plan to go D1 or D2, be sure you fully register for a an&nbsp;<a href="https://on.ncaa.com/aaaccount">Academic and Athletics Certification</a>&nbsp;account. You will need this to:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Go on a Division I official visit</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sign an athletics aid agreement for a scholarship</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Compete at a Division I or II school</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're already committed, don't coast. Show up to college ready to compete for playing time from day one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Keep your foot on coaches neck!&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>📈Class of 2028 (Juniors)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">This is arguably the most important summer of your recruiting journey.</mark></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches are evaluating your class heavily right now. The goal is to put yourself in position for June 15 communication opportunities next year and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Focus on:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Building quality highlight film</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Attending exposure camps &amp; showcases like our up on Stockup Showcase, held on 8/8/26.&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2291/register/nevada-stock-up-showcase" id="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2291/register/nevada-stock-up-showcase">You can register here</a></strong>.&nbsp;Use code: <strong>KantessaBryantMiller10</strong> to save at checkout</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Improving strength, speed, and vertical jump</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Becoming a six-rotation player whenever possible</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Developing a consistent serve (90% or higher rating) and serve receive game (2.0+ rating)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Continue sending out email messages to coaches.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Be versatile in every skill, but start honing in on a position you want to primarily play in college&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The athletes who make the biggest jump before their junior season often become the athletes college coaches prioritize.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>💪Class of 2029 (Sophomores)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">This is skill-development season.</mark></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You don't need to worry about offers yet. You need to become a better volleyball player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Focus on:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Thousands of quality ball contacts</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Improving footwork and movement patterns</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Get ahead of your peers Increasing your vertical and explosiveness</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Learning multiple positions</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Strengthening serve receive and defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Watching volleyball and<strong>&nbsp;increasing your IQ</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Private lessons</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Clinics and camps, especially those in the summer before junior season.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletes who become complete players early tend to have far more recruiting options later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>🏐Class of 2030 (Freshmen)</strong> </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Build your foundation.</mark></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The players who separate themselves at this age usually aren't the tallest or strongest. They're the ones who consistently work on their skills and fundamentals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Focus on:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Platform passing</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Serving consistency</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Proper approach mechanics</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensive movement</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Volleyball IQ</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fall in love with the process. The athletes putting in extra reps now are often the names everyone is talking about a few years from now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additionally, if you're serious about the sport. Now is a great time to register for free accounts on <a href="https://universityathlete.com/" id="https://universityathlete.com/">University Athlete</a> and <a href="https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/" id="https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/">NCAA Eligibility Center</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>👶Class of 2031 and Younger</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Have fun and learn the game.</mark></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, training matters. But developing a passion for volleyball matters even more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Focus on:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Touching a volleyball often</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Learning proper fundamentals</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Competing in different environments</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Building confidence</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Enjoying the sport</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The goal isn't to be the best 13-year-old. The goal is to become the best 18-year-old volleyball player you can be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>💭</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every athlete wants a different result this fall. More playing time. A starting position. College interest. A championship run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The difference usually comes down to what happens during the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two months from now, you'll either be wishing you had used your time differently, or you'll be glad you invested in yourself when others didn't.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Summer determines fall. The work starts now. Most importantly, you will be super proud of yourself when the results start resulting!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->