INSIDE RECRUITING: Random notes from around volleyball

You know the focus and business is heating up around Chicago, as the number of college coaches probably doubled today (and will increase by 400% come Monday/Tuesday). We had a chance to talk with several Power 5 programs just to see what we could learn about Recruiting the Class of 2025 and where things stand and "what's shaking".

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The remaining Top 10s (uncommitted) have started to make plans for their official visits and don't look for any big time announcements from them before those visits are taken. Sounds like they are pretty steadfast in taking visits, not being pressured and taking their time to truly find the right fit for their future.

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Going to be a very interesting scene at McCormick Place once the D1 coaches and 2025s start occupying the same facility. Definitely a double headed agenda as 1. Club programs and athletes are trying to win a Natty, but 2. Coaches are trying to check in with recruits, talk with them get a leg up recruiting wise while everyone is in the Windy City. Should definitely be able to get some clues as to who is interested in who by surveying the spectators at courts Monday-Wednesday.

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New regimes building relationships. Talked with 4 coaches who are in year 1 at a program. Each of them talked about trying to build relationships with recruits and install a baseline that will grow their program for years. So though they may not have made any splashy immediate signees they going through a necessary step to assure success this year and years to come.

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No rest for the kids. Talking with several recruits they talked about going to Orlando, then almost directly to Chicago. The week after Nationals is notorious for being a HUGE College Select Camp Week and also the next NTDP Training in Florida. So many of these top prospects are playing intense volleyball for nearly three weeks straight with little rest/break. No one can say these athletes are lazy. July will be a grind for many.

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Tip for Athletes......In my talks 3 separate coaches mentioned an athlete needing "to do a better job of promoting themselves on social media". Post highlights, let coaches know what court you are playing on. let us know what camps you are attending. Eyes are on your social it's your best resume.....Use it!

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Some VBAdreanline.com shout outs and predictions:

1. Most Clutch Commit: Texas A+M signing local baller Kirra Musgrove. New staff making a statement with the Top 10 Verbal.
2. Biggest Surprise Sign So Far: Sophi Randall too Illinois. We have covered Sophi for three years and she did have a breakout year, but with most commits being highly ranked or local kids Illinois getting her early has been the biggest surprise thus far. Also, a bit shocking on a national scale that of the Clubs that have 2+ commits thus far Kairos Volleyball out of Sioux Falls, SD is one of them.....and quite possibly in line to be the first club with 3!
3. Who will make biggest splash....Minnesota was a program I referenced earlier with a new regime building solid relationships with recruits has been more important that getting an "immediate verbal" like many of their rivals. I just have a feeling that the Gophers first 1 or 2 commits are going to be BIG. Love the kids they are in the running for.
4. Non-Blue Blood to get the biggest commit. I stated this earlier I really think that Vanderbilt is going to get 1 or 2 "Oh Wow Recruits" that will help Coach Nelson lay his foundation. They are in on some big ones and I think Nashville will be a destination for big recruits very soon.
5. Surprised, but shouldn't be.......As I have talked with multiple HIGH RANKING prospects one school keeps popping up in the "Finalists List" that isn't always on the tip of volleyball fans' tongues, but probably should be......PITT comes up often and usually the comment the follows is "Love the WINNING CULTURE that Coach Dan Fisher has created. They are competing with some perennial powers, but Pitt just seems to be that team (along with Louisville) that is on the cusp of entering that conversation.

Great news for volleyball and for these future college stars. With the announcement that the NCAA National Championship Match will be televised on ABC that has some top recruits getting excited. They understand that the event is only going to continue grow and should be a marquee national attraction when these 2025s start making an impact on the NCAA stage.