Playing and Studying in the USA
The Basics — What You Need to Know
In the USA, the best women volleyball players at ages 18 to 25 play on university teams, not on club teams. Each university has a volleyball team (indoor, not beach), and the players are students there. Universities also have teams in other sports, and players on all teams are student-athletes. They study for a high-quality education while training and competing in their sport. Volleyball players from other countries are welcome to be student-athletes in the USA.
Every student-athlete goes to classes, works on her studies, trains with her team, and competes against other university teams. Competition includes much travel. Some teams travel across the USA, often flying thousands of kilometers. Other teams travel in smaller regions, mainly by bus.
Student-athletes are not paid extra money to play volleyball. But, if you have an athletic scholarship, all your major living expenses are paid by the university. The school pays for your housing, food, books, and volleyball expenses — including travel, shoes, training clothes, uniforms, equipment, and medical care.
Your Studies
Student-athletes attend classes and study in the same way as all students. You will be busy with your studies and your team, but teachers and coaches will help you succeed. Teachers understand you have responsibilities as a volleyball player, and coaches understand you have responsibilities as a student. At most universities, advisors and tutors will help you with your studies.
How Long Will You Stay in the USA?
It's your choice! Your scholarship may extend a maximum of five years. You may play in official matches for only four years, but at some schools you may study and train for one extra year. Of course, you may end your scholarship and return to your home at any time.
If you are now a university student, read 'Age and Education Requirements" (next section).
Age and Education Requirements
You must finish high school in your home country before you enter an American university or college. Your age must be less than 25 years when you begin playing and studying in the USA.
If you have never studied at a university, you may go to the USA to play volleyball and receive a complete university education, from start to finish. Your scholarship may extend up to five years, but the number of years is your choice. You may end your scholarship at any time.
If you have studied at a university in your home country for less than four years, you may go to the USA to play volleyball and finish your studies. The amount of time you stay in the USA will depend on the number of years you have studied at your first university.
Your Expenses
With a volleyball scholarship, you will live comfortably and have few major expenses. Your university will pay for your housing, food, books, and volleyball costs. You will receive extra volleyball shoes, sport clothes, and travel bags. However, student-athletes must pay for some expenses:
• The biggest expense for most student-athletes is airline travel between their homes and the USA. See Housing, Food & Travel for details.
• Most students must take one or two examinations to qualify for an athletic scholarship. See Required Exams for details. Your cost for these exams can be from zero to $300.
• Some universities will require you to pay $40-$80 to register as a student.
• To receive your visa to the USA, you must pay a government SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). In most countries, the fee is between $100 and $200.
• All student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to receive a scholarship at a Division I or II university. The cost is $85.
• At some universities, medical insurance is a big expense. Ask coaches about it!
• You must pay for your personal expenses, including cosmetics, telephone calls, non-volleyball clothes, and extra food (beyond your meals). Some universities give student-athletes extra money for these expenses. Ask coaches about it!
Remember to ask coaches two important questions: "What will my scholarship not pay for? What expenses will I need to pay myself?"
