Junior College or NCAA Div 3 for Volleyball?

Question

Decison time is near for my daughter and we are reviewing her choices for starting college.

1) High acedemic D-3 where she can play, merit scholarships/grants/loans cover the bills

2) D-1 JUCO program with strong national program, athletic scholarship to cover bills

My daughter's dream is to play in D-1, she recieved some early attention, but she is also very focused on acedemics (Top 10%) and understands the the value of going to a strong acedemic school. As parents her mother (D-1 major university VB athlete) and I (NAIA -high acedemic college athlete) want to help her make the best decision for her. Any input for previous athletes who have made that decision would be helpful. I look forward to responses.

Answer 1

I go to a school with a DIII women's volleyball program in Southern California. A couple of these female athletes are pre-med majors and have plenty of time to get their work done. At the DIII level, coaches understand that getting work done, even during the season, takes priority over sports. Ideally, you guys should sit down together and make a list of pros and cons of attending the DIII school or going down the JUCO path. But most of all, actually go and visit the schools. Where-ever your daughter goes, she should at least be happy during with the social and academic settings off the court, because college is not all about acing girls off the court, or digging hits like there is no tomorrow, it is a once in a lifetime experience to treasured and cherished.

Answer 2

I think your daughter should think about whether she wants to make a 4 year committment right away, or just a 2 year committment.  I played DI volleyball and right now I am coaching DII volleyball.  There are definitely some differences between the divisions, but there are great players throughtout all divisions.  She should weigh her pros and cons, and not make her decision based on the division of the volleyball program.  She should look at the schools, which one has more to offer?  Can she see her self at the D3 school for the next 4 years?  Can she see herself taking pride in their volleyball program?  And then also look at the Juco...does she want to go to a school and then have to transfer again in two year?  Is finances a worry...I know a lot of jucos can pay full scholarships while D3 school can not offer athletic money.  There is a lot to think about.  She needs to sit down, weigh her offers and pick which school is best for her.  Tell her to sit down and look at each school's websites and determine which school looks like it fits her best...

Answer 3

I would go to the D-3 because she will be garunteed a starting spot early.  Also if she does really well in school and on the court she could maybe transfer to a school she would like even more.  Yes, I would say go to the D-3 college she would enjoy it way more.

Answer 4

While athletics is obviously part of the choice, don't forget to not go to a school just because of academics and athletics.  Don't ever lose sight of the fact that college is as much for learning about life as sports and education.  If she wants to go to a small school because it's a small school, go DIII.  If she wants a huge university experience, go DI.  There are going to be DI and DIII schools that will offer her great athletic and academic opportunites.  Also, there is nothing to do after college ball in the US, so be sure that academics comes first.  Getting set for life is more important than getting set on a court, though both have their benefits.

Answer 5

I think your daughter should attend the college to which she wants to go to more.....since they both seem like they have equal benefits, i think it all comes down to your daughters thoughs.....i think she should also choose the school that could help her achieve her dream of playing at a D-1 school, or moving on to professional volleyball

Answer 6

so ur making her play!! thats wrong!!!! it is her choice i know my mom made me and ui hated it and i lost all respect

Answer 7

She can always go back to a D3 school for more education.  Your only young once and playing a sport that you LOVE at maybe the highest level next to olympics is something that she'll never forget.  If she's good enough to have it paid for then she must have a shot at starting or at least playing at a later date.  Wow that's a hard thing to look back at and say "could of", or regret not trying.

Good luck with her decision.