Volleyball the next level?

Question
Hello, My daughter is a senior at Bedford H.S. in Temperance MI. Bedford H.S. has been the State Class (A) Champs or runner-up for the past 10 years.  She has been on Varsity since 10th grade & played AAU & USAV off season, But only in MI which starts in mid April (late) due to the fact volleyball for high school in MI, is in the winter.  She is a out-side hitter, and would like to play at the next level.  It seems that because MI playes volleyball (high school) in the winter and the fact she will be starting strong side hitter for the first year out of 3 because of the compititive level of our program that she is too late for recrutment?  She has had a few letters, but this year will be her year to play.  Outside hitters at Bedford are the many on the team.  Is it to late for her to get looked at by college coaches. She will going to college next fall 2001. Thank-you  

Answer
Kelly,

Playing late will be a problem BUT not the end of the world.  Do you have any tapes of your daughter from last season?  The first thing you should do is make a skills tape.  Have your daughter do what she does best on tape.  Do not edit it.  Have her take 10 - 15 swings from the outside, if she hits any other set have her do that also.  Show her serving to all the serving zones, have her do a passing defensive drill and have her set some balls if she has that skill.
Write to as many schools as possible, in the letter make sure you add your daughters height, SAT or ACT scores, GPA and any other information that may stand out, such as standing reach, vertical leap, block reach, things that may catch a coaches eye.
I was really lucky this recruiting season. I had a tough time getting players in the beginning of the recruiting season but in May I recruited a 6'2" girl from Maryland and a very powerful 5'10" outside hitter from Texas (who had 18 kills in our win over Iona tonight).  There will always be schools looking for players.  Send the letters and make the tape. While you are at it send a letter to me.

St Francis College
c/o Steve Hagenlocher
Head Women's Volleyball Coach
180 Remsen Street
Brooklyn NY 11201

Good luck and if I can help you in any way please feel free to call.

Steve