For passionate volleyball players, the end of college is not the end of the road.
Whether you want to continue playing professionally, explore coaching and refereeing opportunities, or even pursue further education, there are a variety of paths you can take to stay involved in volleyball after college.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the options available to you, from US-Based and international professional volleyball opportunities to networking and gaining experience.
By the end, you’ll understand the benefits of staying involved in volleyball and have the knowledge to start your journey in the right direction.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
After college, volleyball players may choose to continue to play competitively in professional leagues.
There are a variety of international professional leagues, both indoor and beach, which offer opportunities for players to continue their career.
Additionally, there are a variety of coaching opportunities available, both in the college and professional ranks, for those who wish to stay involved in the sport.
Finally, some players may choose to pursue other career paths outside of volleyball entirely.
Professional Paths for Volleyball Players
Volleyball players have a wide range of professional options available to them after college.
For those aspiring to compete in the sport at the highest level, professional leagues in the United States as well as abroad offer opportunities to make a living playing the game.
The National Volleyball League (NVL) is the professional volleyball league in the United States, and features teams from all over the country.
Players in the NVL have the opportunity to compete in the highest level of competition and make a living doing what they love.
For those interested in playing volleyball overseas, professional leagues in Europe, Asia, and South America offer the opportunity to play the game at a high level, often with more attractive salary packages than those available in the United States.
For those with playing experience at the collegiate or professional level, these leagues provide a great opportunity to continue playing while also experiencing a new culture and country.
For those not interested in playing professionally, there are still opportunities available to stay involved in the sport.
Coaching and refereeing are two of the more popular options for former volleyball players.
Coaching is a great way to stay involved in the sport, while also passing on your knowledge and experience to the next generation of players.
Refereeing also provides a great opportunity to stay involved in the game, as referees are needed at all levels from youth to collegiate and even professional matches.
Finally, for those looking to further their education, there are a variety of options available.
A master’s degree in sports management, kinesiology, or a related field is a great way to stay involved in the sport while also advancing your career.
Additionally, a doctorate in a related field is a great way to further your expertise in the area and open up more career opportunities.
Coaching and Refereeing Opportunities
Volleyball players who choose to stay involved in the sport after college have a variety of options, including coaching and refereeing.
Coaching is the perfect opportunity for players to stay close to the sport and share their knowledge and experiences with younger generations.
Coaching can take place at the recreational, club, high school, college, and professional levels.
Refereeing is another great option for volleyball players after college.
Referees are responsible for ensuring that the game is played fairly and according to the rules.
Referees must be knowledgeable about the rules of volleyball and must be able to make quick decisions and use good judgment during games.
Refereeing can take place at the recreational, club, high school, college, and professional levels.
Pursuing Further Education
For volleyball players looking to continue their education after college, there are a variety of options available.
For those who are interested in furthering their education, they can pursue a masters degree or doctorate in a field related to sports, such as sports management, sports psychology, or sports medicine.
A masters degree can be beneficial for those looking to become a coach or referee, as it can equip them with the knowledge and skills to excel in their respective roles.
Additionally, a doctorate can open up opportunities for those looking to pursue a career in research or academia, as it provides the depth of knowledge needed to succeed in these fields.
In addition to traditional degree programs, many universities and colleges also offer specialized certificate programs related to sports.
These programs can include anything from sports analytics to sports marketing, and can be beneficial for volleyball players looking to expand their knowledge and gain valuable industry experience.
Finally, for those looking to pursue a career in the sports industry, it can be beneficial to participate in internships or other experiential learning opportunities.
These experiences can provide invaluable insights into the industry and help volleyball players gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in their future careers.
US-Based Professional Volleyball Opportunities
For those looking to pursue a professional career in volleyball upon graduating from college, there are a variety of options available in the United States.
The most prominent of these opportunities are in the National Volleyball Association (NVA) and the Professional Volleyball League (PVL).
The NVA is the highest-level professional league in the United States and is composed of 32 teams spread across the country.
Players in the NVA can expect to receive competitive salaries and have the potential to earn endorsements.
The league also provides the opportunity to travel around the country as the teams compete against each other.
The PVL is the second-tier professional league in the United States and is composed of 24 teams.
While the salaries and endorsements are not as high as those in the NVA, the PVL still provides a great opportunity for players to continue their volleyball career while making a decent living.
In addition to the NVA and PVL, there are also a number of semi-professional and amateur leagues throughout the United States.
These leagues are typically less competitive and less lucrative than the NVA and PVL, but they still provide a great opportunity for players to stay involved in the sport while making some money.
Finally, there are also a number of collegiate and high school teams throughout the country that hire coaches.
These positions usually come with a modest salary, but they also provide players with the opportunity to stay involved in the sport while passing on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of volleyball players.
No matter which path a college volleyball player chooses, there are a variety of options available in the United States for those looking to pursue a professional career in the sport.
With competitive salaries, international travel, and the potential to stay involved in the sport for years to come, the opportunities for volleyball players after college are truly endless.
International Professional Volleyball Opportunities
For volleyball players looking to take their careers to the international level, there is no shortage of opportunities available.
Whether its playing professionally in Europe, Asia, or South America, or competing in international tournaments such as the Olympics, there are a wide variety of options available to volleyball players.
Playing professionally abroad is an attractive option for many volleyball players, as it allows them to experience a different culture, while also enjoying the challenge and reward of competing on a high-level.
Professional teams in Europe, Asia, and South America are always on the lookout for talented players, and those who are able to perform at an elite level may be able to secure lucrative contracts.
Of course, the competition for these spots is fierce, and it takes a great amount of dedication to make it to the highest levels of the sport.
In addition to playing professionally, volleyball players also have the option of competing in international tournaments.
The Olympics is the most prestigious of these, and many volleyball players aspire to represent their countries on the biggest possible stage.
Other tournaments, such as the World Championships and the FIVB World Cup, also offer players the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the world.
No matter what path a volleyball player chooses after college, there is no shortage of opportunities available to them.
From professional leagues to international tournaments, the possibilities are endless.
With the right attitude and drive, volleyball players can have a successful career, no matter where their journey takes them.
Gaining Experience Through Networking
For many volleyball players, gaining experience in the field is a top priority after college.
Networking is a great way to get a foot in the door in the volleyball industry.
By connecting with coaches, referees, and other volleyball professionals, players can find out about job opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships that can help them build valuable experience.
Additionally, connecting with experienced professionals can provide valuable advice and insight into the volleyball world.
Connecting with others in the volleyball community can also help players stay informed about tournaments, leagues, and other events that may be of interest to them.
Finally, networking is a great way to build relationships with people who may be able to provide career advice and help players get their foot in the door of the volleyball world.
The Benefits of Staying Involved in Volleyball
For volleyball players, staying involved in the sport after college can provide numerous benefits.
Those who choose to pursue a professional career in the sport will have the opportunity to hone their skills and compete at a higher level.
Playing professionally can also open up pathways to international competition, offering a unique and exciting experience for volleyball players.
For those who choose to stay involved in the sport through coaching or refereeing, there are many advantages as well.
Coaching can be a great way to stay connected to the game while learning the skills and strategies necessary to be a successful leader.
Refereeing can also provide a great way to stay involved in the sport while also developing the skills of impartiality and judgement.
For volleyball players looking to pursue higher education, there are many options available.
A master’s degree in sports management or physical education can help volleyball players to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become successful in the industry.
A doctorate in sports science or kinesiology can also provide an in-depth understanding of the science behind the sport, allowing volleyball players to better understand the physical and mental aspects of the game.
No matter what path they choose, volleyball players have numerous opportunities available to them after college.
From professional play to coaching to higher education, there are plenty of options to stay involved in the sport.
With the right attitude and dedication, volleyball players can continue to enjoy the sport for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Volleyball players have a world of opportunities available to them after college.
Whether they choose to pursue professional careers in the sport, coach or referee, gain higher education, or network to gain experience, they can find a place for themselves in the volleyball community.
With so many options, volleyball players can explore different paths and find the one that’s right for them.
It’s time to take the next step and make the most of the post-college volleyball journey!