If you’ve been asking yourself “is it too late to get recruited for volleyball?”, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common fears athletes have – especially when it feels like everyone around you is committing. The reality is, recruiting timelines can feel overwhelming, but they aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are countless examples of late recruiting success, and your journey is uniquely yours.
“I’m in 17U and all my friends are committing… am I too late?”
Short answer: no.
Long answer: you might feel behind, but that doesn’t mean you are behind. Every athlete develops at a different pace – physically, mentally, and skill-wise. Some players peak early, while others truly come into their own later in high school. If you’re starting your recruiting process in your 17U season, yes – you may have some catching up to do. But “catching up” doesn’t mean “too late.” It simply means being intentional, proactive, and strategic with your next steps.
What you don’t want to do
If you’re wondering “is it too late to get recruited for volleyball?”, the biggest mistake you can make is waiting until Grade 12 to start. While late recruiting success stories exist, the truth is that many roster spots are already filled by then. Coaches have often been building relationships with athletes for years—tracking their progress, evaluating their fit, and investing time in communication.
Waiting too long puts you in a position where you’re scrambling – not just to get recruited, but to get any spot available. And that’s not the goal. The goal is to find the right program, at the right school, where you can thrive both athletically and academically. That takes time, exposure, and consistent communication.
A real athlete story
Taya V. is a perfect example of how quickly things can turn around – but also how stressful last-minute recruiting can be. We initially met her during her 17U season, but she chose to go in a different direction with her recruiting at the time. Fast forward a year, to the weekend before her 18U provincials – her mom reached out to Six Pack Recruiting Sports in a panic. Taya was at the end of her final club season with no offers and no clear path forward.
Within 24 hours, we had her profile live. The following week, Six Pack Recruiting had eight coaches lined up to watch her at Provincials. Shortly after, she committed to her dream school – a program that hadn’t even been on her radar.
It worked out, but just barely.
Yes, it’s possible to experience late recruiting success, even weeks before school starts. But it’s not ideal. The margin for error is slim, the stress is high, and the options are limited.
If you’re still wondering “is it too late to get recruited for volleyball?”, take this as your sign: start now. Be proactive, get organized, and put yourself in front of the right coaches. The earlier you take control of your recruiting journey, the more opportunities you create – and the better your chances of finding the perfect fit.
