New 18 Player Rule for D1 Volleyball Scholarships: What You Need to Know
As of the 2025-26 academic year, a major change has swept through NCAA Division 1 (D1) volleyball programs, reshaping how scholarships are distributed and rosters are managed. The NCAA has introduced a new 18-player rule for D1 volleyball scholarships, a shift that promises to impact players, coaches, and programs alike. If you’re an aspiring D1 volleyball player—or a parent, coach, or fan—here’s what this new rule means for the future of the sport.
The Old System: A Headcount Sport with Limits
Historically, D1 women’s volleyball has been classified as a headcount sport. This meant that programs were limited to offering 12 full-ride scholarships per team, with no partial scholarships allowed. If you made the team and earned a scholarship, you received a full ride—covering tuition, room, board, and more. However, with average roster sizes often around 17 players, this left several athletes as walk-ons, funding their education through other means like academic scholarships or personal finances.
The New Rule: 18-Player Roster Limit and Equivalency Status
Starting this academic year, the NCAA has reclassified D1 women’s volleyball as an equivalency sport with a roster limit of 18 players. This change, part of a broader NCAA settlement following the House vs. NCAA lawsuit, eliminates the previous scholarship cap of 12 and aligns the scholarship limit with the new roster cap. Now, coaches can offer up to 18 scholarships—full or partial—to any of the 18 players on the roster.
Key Change: D1 volleyball programs can now distribute scholarships more flexibly, offering partial scholarships to more players rather than being restricted to 12 full rides.
What This Means for Players
For aspiring D1 volleyball players, this rule opens up new opportunities but also introduces some complexities:
- More Scholarship Opportunities: With the potential for 18 scholarships instead of 12, more players may receive financial aid. This could mean the difference between walking on and earning a partial scholarship to help cover costs like a new volleyball jersey or travel expenses.
- Partial Scholarships Are Now an Option: Coaches can now split scholarships, meaning you might receive 50% or 25% of a full ride. While this increases access to aid, it also means full-ride scholarships may become rarer at some programs.
- Increased Competition: With more roster spots potentially funded, competition for those spots may intensify. Players will need to stand out—both on the court and academically—to secure a spot and a scholarship.
- Walk-On Opportunities May Decrease: Since coaches can now scholarship all 18 players, some programs might reduce the number of walk-ons, focusing instead on scholarship athletes.
Impact on Coaches and Programs
Coaches now have greater flexibility in how they build their teams. They can spread scholarship funds across more players, potentially attracting a deeper roster of talent. However, not all programs will fully fund 18 scholarships—budget constraints at smaller D1 schools might mean they offer fewer scholarships or smaller amounts. Larger, well-funded programs, like those in power conferences (e.g., Big Ten, Pac-12), are more likely to take full advantage of the new limit.
Additionally, the shift to an equivalency sport means coaches can strategize differently. For example, they might offer larger scholarships to top recruits (like a star outside hitter) while giving smaller amounts to role players (like a libero), balancing the budget across the roster.
What Players Should Do Next
If you’re aiming for a D1 volleyball scholarship, here’s how to navigate this new landscape:
- Ask Questions: When communicating with coaches, ask how they plan to distribute scholarships under the new rule. Are they offering 18 scholarships, or fewer? Will you get a full or partial scholarship?
- Focus on Academics: With partial scholarships now an option, academic scholarships can help bridge the gap. Maintain a strong GPA and meet NCAA eligibility requirements (e.g., a minimum 2.3 GPA in 16 core courses).
- Showcase Your Value: Coaches will be looking for players who can make an immediate impact. Highlight your skills through club play, recruiting videos, and at tournaments where D1 coaches scout talent.
Looking Ahead
The new 18-player rule for D1 volleyball scholarships marks a significant shift in college volleyball, aiming to provide more financial support to athletes while giving coaches greater roster flexibility. While it creates more opportunities for scholarships, it also means players need to be proactive in understanding each program’s approach to the new rule. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, we’ll see how schools adapt—some may fully fund 18 players, while others may take a more cautious approach based on their budgets.
For now, aspiring D1 volleyball players should stay informed, keep pushing their athletic and academic performance, and reach out to coaches to clarify scholarship expectations. The court is calling—make sure you’re ready to answer!
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