Ep #74: Men's NCAA Volleyball Recruiting Masterclass with Coach David Heller from Georgetown and University of Mount Olive

On today's episode, we’re joined by Coach David Heller, a 12 year NCAA Division 1/2 men’s and women’s volleyball coach at Georgetown and University of Mount Olive to give Australian and other international athletes the straight story on what recruiting looks like from the coach’s side. What actually wins you a roster spot, why the “full ride” myth causes so much stress for families & more.Claire and Coach David dig into the real structure of men’s volleyball in the US: how NCAA divisions work, where JUCO and NAIA can be a smart pathway, and why Title IX and limited scholarship caps shape everything from roster decisions to how much money is available. David shares practical ways to think about costs, stacking academic and athletic aid where it’s allowed, and how to talk about budget without tying your self-worth to a dollar figure.Then we get highly specific on video footage. David breaks down what each position must show first in a highlight video, what coaches consider fluff, the camera angle that best shows movement and decision-making, and why full-match film is the difference between hype and reality. Together, Coach David and Claire cover• cultural differences internationals face when arriving in the US system• why technical skill and high-level match experience can look different by country• how men’s volleyball scholarships work and why funding limits matter• men's volleyball opportunities in NCAA Division 1/2, Division III, NAIA and JUCO • why you don't see as much media about NCAA men's volleyball compared with NCAA women's volleyball• why there is no relegation or promotion between divisions• when parents should join recruiting calls and how money questions change the process• why your worth is not tied to the dollar value of your scholarship• what men's volleyball coaches want in highlight videos by position plus best filming angles• why full match footage matters and how transfers can backfire without the right fit• pro volleyball realities post college and the daily goal setting that supports big dreams• the personal checklist method for making a confident university decisionIf you’re serious about men's US College volleyball recruiting, building a scholarship plan, and creating a standout highlight reel, this chat is the blueprint. Subscribe for more honest recruiting guidance, share this with a teammate or parent, and leave us a review!