Our Many Advantages

ATHLETIC ADVANTAGES:

MORE PLAYING TIME - Even if you’re good enough to be recruited to a 4-year school, most freshmen will sit two to three years before they can challenge for playing time. Since two year schools are comprised of only freshman and sophomore players, the opportunities for increased play time and contributing to the team is greater.

QUALITY COMPETITION - Because of the influx of International student-athletes at the Junior College level and the high number of volleyball scholarships offered (14), competition at many two year schools is very strong. The level of play at some NJCAA schools often equals or even surpasses some of the better D-II schools or lower level D-I schools.  SCF recruits Internationally and plays in the Florida Region of the NJCAA Division I; the strongest region in the country.

FULL SCHOLARSHIP - Junior Colleges offer scholarships to a greater percentage of their athletes than most four year schools (14 scholarships for JCs versus 8 for NCAA D-II and 12 for NCAA D-I and NAIA schools).  As there are only 316 D-I and 275 D-II schools with volleyball programs, scholarship opportunities are very limited for most talented athletes.

QUALITY COACHES - Many two year programs have passionate and talented young coaches or older coaches who have long-term demonstrated success. At SCF, we are very fortunate to have an experienced coach with a proven track record of success with domestic and international coaching experience and a staff of dedicated and passionate professionals!

IMPROVE YOUR GAME AND POTENTIALl – Out of high school, many athletes are still not fully developed physically or technically. Playing at a Junior College provides athletes the opportunity to develop the skills and physical abilities needed to play at a higher level and continue their volleyball careers.

TRANSFER TO A 4-YEAR SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE - Today, a great number of 4-year programs are recruiting Junior College players because they bring maturity, experience and talent to the floor! As our Florida region is one of the strongest in the NJCAA, top 4-year schools that are looking for talent, are looking right here in Florida.  For many, a JC is the best guarantee of continuing their playing career at a 4-year school.

BETTER CROWDS - Embarrassingly enough, a number of JC matches enjoy a larger, louder crowd than many NCAA Division I programs. Nobody likes playing in an empty gym, but it seems to happen less at the JC level. At SCF, we consistently have one of the larger crowds in Florida.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND BALANCE - A major hurdle that some freshman Student-Athletes face is adjusting to and balancing the rigorous academic load of college, with the intense travel/training regimen of the sport. While JC's also travel and train, for the most part, class loads do not have the intensity of the elite universities and therefore a Student-Athlete can complete their course work in a much 'healthier' academic climate. Statistically, State College of Florida transfer students maintain high grade point averages at state universities in Florida.

ACADEMIC ADVANTAGES:

QUALITY INSTRUCTORS - Many instructors who teach at Junior Colleges often are more dedicated and focused on teaching than college professors. They are there for the purpose of helping you achieve your goals and not necessarily working on their own research or books. In addition, Junior College jobs are highly competitive, which leads to quality teaching.

TIME TO DEFINE YOU MAJOR -  Many students don’t know what to major in when they graduate from high school. Two out of three students will change their major at least once during their college career, according to MonsterTRAK. Community colleges are good places to explore fields that interest you before committing to a major.

EASIER TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE - For many, the transition from high school to a big college away from home is a very anxious and even stressful one.  A community college gives a freshman the opportunity to adapt to college life in an easier and less stressful way.  

Unlike many universities, where classes are often offered in large auditoriums, community colleges offer smaller class sizes; which are much more conducive to better learning.   The smaller teacher to student ratio in community colleges means that professors will have time to address the needs of students.  This more personal attention from professors will help the student athlete keep up with their studies and make learning much more fun and enjoyable.  

The community college option, among other benefits offers you the opportunity to improve your GPA, thereby increasing your chances of getting accepted at and receiving your baccalaureate degree from a four year school of your choice.

BARRIERS TO ADMISSION - Junior Colleges are much more forgiving of unique circumstances - learning disabilities, family hardships, events beyond a PSA's control - JC's provide the route to NCAA graduation, without having to deal with NCAA admission restrictions.

COMPLETE YOUR BASIC REQUIREMENTS -  You’re going to have to get your general graduation requirements out of the way one way or another. Community colleges are good places to earn these credits while still offering you the opportunity to finish your last two years at a 4-year school of your choice.

A DEGREE IN TWO YEARS - Research indicates that students who complete a two-year degree program at a community college are more likely to finish and get a four-year degree than those students who begin their educational experience at a four-year university. Another benefit is that even if you do not go on to get your four year degree after completing your community college education, you will find that your earning potential is significantly improved over those who do not have at least a two-year college education.

ACCEPTANCE TO FLORIDA STATE SCHOOLS – In Florida, state universities must accept students with a degree from the State College of Florida. Choosing SCF is an excellent avenue to being accepted into Florida’s colleges.

In summary, Junior College Volleyball is a smart option and one that should be taken seriously.  The best advice is to keep an open mind and you may well be surprised what a good fit it can be for you. 

Contributing source:   http://www.collegevolleyballcoach.com