Over the past few years, men’s volleyball has been one of the fastest-growing sports at the high school level—and college programs are starting to take notice. With exciting athleticism, fast-paced rallies, and a growing fan base, it’s no surprise that more young men are picking up the sport and dreaming of playing at the next level.
However, it is extremely competitive for high school and club men’s volleyball players to continue their careers at the college level. Across the United States, there are now nearly 96,000 boys playing high school volleyball and more than 1,100 club programs offering boys’ teams. This rapid growth shows how popular the sport has become—but the number of college opportunities has not kept pace. Only about 200 to 250 colleges nationwide offer men’s volleyball programs across all divisions combined. Compared to the thousands of schools that sponsor women’s teams or other men’s sports, the gap is enormous.
Because the number of roster spots is so limited, even standout high school or club athletes face stiff competition for college recruitment. Scholarships are scarce—especially at NCAA Division III and many NAIA programs, where athletes often rely on academic aid or walk-on opportunities. Additionally, only about 22 states officially sanction boys’ volleyball at the high school level, forcing many players to rely on club volleyball for both skill development and competitive tournament play.
This is where NSR’s evaluation process gives athletes a clear advantage. By providing expert, in-person evaluations and connecting players directly with college coaches, NSR helps athletes understand their level, identify areas to improve, and increase their visibility in a crowded recruiting landscape. With tens of thousands of athletes chasing only a few hundred collegiate opportunities, having NSR’s guidance can be the difference between being noticed by coaches or being overlooked.
Despite the challenges, the continued growth of high school and club participation demonstrates strong interest in men’s volleyball—and with the right preparation and exposure, athletes can maximize their chances of playing at the next level.
NSR scouts will be out across the country this year evaluating players who hope to play at the next level. With major showcases coming up in cities like Chicago and St. Louis, there’s never been a better time for athletes to show their skills and get evaluated by college scouts.
Men’s volleyball is growing, but opportunities remain limited. If you’re a men’s volleyball athlete who wants to play in college, complete our athlete form today and talk to an NSR scout about your evaluation.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.