Do you have what it takes to play Division 1?
Being an NCAA Division 1 volleyball athlete is no walk in the park. It’s demanding, both physically and mentally. We would describe being an NCAA Division 1 student-athlete as volleyball is your full-time job, and oh.. you have to go to all your classes and maintain high marks. If you aspire to compete at this level, you must be prepared to push yourself to the limits every single day. Here’s a glimpse into the grueling yet rewarding daily routine of a D1 student-athlete.
A typical Monday, Wednesday & Friday
5:45 AM: The alarm goes off. No time to snooze. You quickly get up and prepare for the day ahead.
6:15 AM: Breakfast. Fueling your body is crucial. You grab a nutritious meal and head out.
6:50 AM: Arrive at the gym. The early bird catches the worm, or in this case, builds the foundation for peak performance.
7:00 AM: Workout session. These morning workouts are intense, focusing on strength, conditioning and agility. It’s about pushing your limits and preparing your body for the rigors of the sport.
8:00 AM: Quick shower and rush to class. Missing class is not an option. You have to juggle academics and athletics efficiently.
8:30 AM – 2:00 PM: Classes. Depending on your schedule, some days might be longer than others, but the focus remains on staying on top of your academic responsibilities.
2:00 PM: Lunch. Whether it’s grabbing something at the meal hall, bringing lunch from home, or making a quick trip back home, you need to refuel.
3:00 – 4:00 PM: Treatment and practice prep. This time is dedicated to addressing any physical issues, getting taped up, and mentally preparing for practice.
4:00 – 7:00 PM: Practice and team video sessions. Practice is intense and rigorous, followed by video analysis to improve strategies and performance.
7:00 – 11:00 PM: Dinner, study, shower, and bed. After a long day, it’s time to eat, catch up on your homework, and get some rest.
A typical Tuesday & Thursday
These days follow a similar pattern but without the early morning workout. It’s a slight respite, allowing a bit more recovery time for your body.
Friday – Sunday
Travel and Compete: The weekends are dedicated to competition. You might leave on Friday, compete over the weekend, and occasionally travel on Wednesdays. These trips are exhausting but crucial for your development and exposure in the sport.
One more thing to consider…
Playing and attending school at a Division 1 school can be very costly. Navigating the scholarship opportunities can be a full time job on its own, never mind adding in the limitations of what you can and cannot discuss with a coach. Check out our article on Athletic Scholarships in Canada and the U.S. to learn more about opportunities.
The Takeaway
Life as an NCAA Division 1 volleyball athlete is undoubtedly TOUGH. It demands an incredible amount of dedication, discipline, and resilience. You need to be the first one up, the hardest worker in the gym, and a diligent student in the classroom. Balancing these responsibilities requires meticulous time management and an unwavering commitment to your goals.
If this excites you – definitely set up a free call with us to discuss your goals. Having someone in your corner who knows the NCAA rules of recruiting, along with coach connections is truly an invaluable asset that can take your recruiting to the next level.
Are you ready?
