Maya Diaz is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Vista for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX — Dreams of playing college or pro sports often begin well before an athlete's senior year of high school. But that recruitment process can add another layer of pressure amidst the homework, nightly practices and workouts. 

Desert Vista athletes and coaches have learned all about the demanding yet rewarding process.

“It was very different back then compared to what it is now,” volleyball head coach Audra Slemmer said, “I remember making VHS tapes and sending them to schools.”

Since Slemmer’s college days in 2004, recruiting has drastically changed. What was formerly physically mailing highlight reels to a few schools in the area became an Instagram account and an iMessage thread between coaches, recruiters and players.

But it ultimately starts from the lessons taught in club and school programs.

“In our program, I try my best with my coaching staff to provide them as much insight and experience that's going to help them be successful,” Slemmer said “I literally tell them, ‘This is going to happen in college, and if you can't figure this out, you're not going to be able to do it in college.’”

Slemmer has the credibility to back it up. The former Grand Canyon University setter has experienced the expectations of college athletics and uses her perspective to prepare her players for what's ahead.

The preparation has paid off for athletes like four-year varsity libero Kalli Lipo, a Desert Vista senior and Division I commit to the University of San Diego. She described the recruitment process as both exciting and overwhelming.

Lipo at her official visit with the University of San Diego

Her club team, AZ Storm Elite Volleyball Club, allowed her to travel across the country to tournaments for exposure. Lipo was introduced to coaches from USC and Pepperdine among many others

Lipo said she sent numerous emails and put together many highlight reels.

She also started a professional recruiting Instagram page with over 500 followers, including those from Miami, Auburn and Arizona State, the defending Big 12 Champions.

Social media has been increasingly important to modern-day recruiting. Platforms allow coaches to keep up with athletes year-round and teach athletes about their online presence.

While Desert Vista coaches help athletes prepare for the college level and assist college coaches in better understanding its student athletes, the school does not get involved with the recruitment process.

“I haven't talked to anybody about recruiting,” athletic director Darcy Boggs said, “more than likely, they're going to reach out directly to coaches.”

NCAA rules dictate on June 15, after the athlete’s sophomore year, college coaches can give students a call expressing interest in a prospective student-athlete.

“I had a bunch of calls throughout that week with a bunch of different schools, and then I had to narrow it down,” Lipo said.

She said the most stressful part about the process was ultimately having to choose one college from more than 20 offers she received.

“You're only 16 when you commit.” Lipo said, “The next four years of your life is going to be this one decision that you worked your entire life for, and your whole life will be affected,” Lipo said.

But through the guidance and support from her parents and coaches allowed her to stay calm and reminded her that “everything will work out.”