How I Transformed My Game: Key Tips for Transitioning from College to Professional Volleyball

Transitioning from college volleyball to the professional volleyball level is no easy feat. The level of play is higher, the players are bigger, faster, and stronger, and the pressure to perform is ever-present. But it’s not just about physical strength or technical skill—your mental game is just as important. As a professional volleyball player, I’ve had to learn, adjust, and grow in many areas, and I’d like to share how I’ve prepared my game to play at the highest level.

1. Identifying Weaknesses and Attacking Them

The first thing I did when I realized I was about to enter the professional ranks was to assess my game. In my last year of college, I took a hard look at what I was good at and what wasn’t quite good enough to compete at the pro level. It’s easy to focus only on your strengths, but professional volleyball demands a well-rounded skill set.

For me, my strengths have always been my attack and serve. These were areas I could rely on, but I knew that passing—particularly platform passing—was my biggest weakness. While it was good enough for me to get by during my years at college, I knew it would become a greater problem as I moved up the ranks.

Once I pinpointed my weak areas, I made a plan to attack them. I committed myself to consistent improvement, always using the extra time I had to get extra reps and continue to learn how I could improve. 

Here’s the thing: it’s okay to have weaknesses, but it’s how you address them that matters. If you’re wondering if your skills are “good enough” for the pros, reach out! I’m happy to talk about it and give you some guidance.

2. Mastering Platform Passing: A Crucial Skill for Pro Players

During my time abroad I learned that Canada doesn’t emphasize hands passing float serves in the development of their youth. Looking back, I wish I could tell my younger self to focus solely on platform passing. In the pro ranks, platform passing is the foundation of everything—as an outside, if you can’t pass, it’s hard to stay on the court.

I dedicated every possible moment to improving this skill, whether through individual drills or watching countless hours on the best passer in the world. Fast-forward to today, platform passing is still a focus for me in my third year of professional volleyball. Even now, I’m still learning and striving to improve this skill, and it’s made me a much more well-rounded player.

Don’t be discouraged if you’re struggling with a skill—remember, I’m still improving, too. The key is to never stop working at it.

3. Learning from the Best: Watching International Volleyball Film

Playing at the professional level means you’re going up against some of the best players in the world. I knew I couldn’t rely on the same tactics I used in college, so I made a conscious effort to watch more international volleyball film. It was important to see how the best players at my position approached the game.

I studied their movements, their decisions, and their strategies. What were they doing that I wasn’t? How could I incorporate those elements into my own game?

But here’s the catch: not every player’s game is relevant to yours. For example, if you’re a 6’3” outside hitter like me, watching players like Wilfredo Leon, who touches over 12 feet and hit over the best blockers in the world, can sometimes be counterproductive. Instead, I focused on players with a similar playing style and size. This way, I could see what they were doing to succeed and apply those lessons directly to my own game.

4. The Mental Shift: Balancing Performance and Well-Being

Making the jump to pro volleyball is as much a mental game as it is physical. One of the biggest shifts for me was realizing that I needed to invest more in myself and my own game rather than solely focusing on the success of the team.

Volleyball became my life, but I quickly learned that I had to separate my identity as a person from my identity as an athlete. When you’re not playing well, it can feel like the world is crashing down. After all, the main reason I left family and friends behind to play overseas was for this sport. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure, but I’ve learned the importance of finding balance.

For me, I’m fortunate to have my wife by my side while I play abroad. She’s been an incredible support, reminding me that I am more than just a volleyball player. Having a release from the game, whether it’s through spending time on the phone talking with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or just stepping away from the court, has been essential for my mental well-being.

I’ve also learned that I perform best when I’m focused on enjoying the sport itself, not obsessing over the outcomes. When I remove internal pressures and remember that volleyball is just a game, and it’s okay to fail, I become a better player.

If you are able to figure these mental challenges out early on then the success you can have will be exponential. 

Conclusion

The journey from college volleyball to the professional level is a tough one, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to constantly learn and evolve. By identifying your weaknesses, committing to improvement, studying the best in the world, and finding mental balance, you can set yourself up for success.

Remember, there’s no perfect formula to make it in professional volleyball, but by attacking the right areas and staying committed to growth, you can achieve your goals.

If you’re curious about what it takes to make the leap or want some advice on improving your game, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s connect, and I’ll help guide you through the process!