How to Become a Pro Volleyball Player in Florida

Becoming a pro volleyball player is hard work and only talented athletes succeed.

With its long stretches of white sand beaches and active athletics community, Florida is a good place to be if you want to become a pro volleyball player. Beach volleyball is especially popular in Florida, and pros can make a handsome salary from prize money. In 2010, for example, pro beach volleyball team Philip Dalhausser and Todd Rogers made a combined $387,700. Becoming a pro volleyball player in Florida requires a lot of hard work and talent, but the rewards typically outweigh the costs.

Instructions

1. Train hard to develop your volleyball skills. Attend volleyball summer camps in Florida. Join a volleyball team in your community. The University of Central Florida, Florida Southern College, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Southern Florida offer youth volleyball camps during the summer. Watch videos, read books and talk to experienced players to learn strategies.

2. Tryout for the school volleyball team. Try out in high school if your school has a team or wait until college. The University of Florida and Florida State University offer two of the strongest volleyball programs for men and women in the state. Other schools with volleyball programs include University of Tampa, University of Miami, Rollins College, Florida Atlantic University, Eckerd College and Jacksonville University.

3. Express your interest in becoming a professional to your coaches. They should be able to put you in touch with recruiters and scouts for top-level teams.

4. Consider trying out for the USA Olympic volleyball team, if you have the skill and experience. Top college players are often invited to try out for the Olympic team. Joining the Olympic team will establish you as a top player in the sport. Contact the US Volleyball Association in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for more information.

5. Join the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP). This organization sponsors pro volleyball tours and events that charge admission and usually offer prize money to winning teams.

6. Consider hiring an agent to help you find endorsement opportunities for volleyball-related products. Many pro athletes make a substantial portion of their living endorsing products for their particular sport.

References

• ESPN; Best-paid Athletes in 30 Sports; John Mastroberardino; April 2011
• USA Volleyball Florida Region: Florida College and Universities With Volleyball
• Sun Sentinel; Florida Pro Volleyball Players Gaining Respect; Sharon Robb; Oct. 1997

Resources

• Association of Volleyball Professionals
• US Volleyball Association