The process of recruiting for college soccer is highly competitive and not solely based on your performance on the field. According to the NCAA, only 7 percent of high school players make it to the collegiate level.
If you’re dreaming of playing college soccer, get ready to go for the goal.
It’s really competitive out there, the NCAA D1, D2, and D3 men’s and women’s soccer are no joke – you’ll be fighting tooth and nail with a sea of prospective players vying for a mere 4 to 10 roster spots per team.
Don’t just sit down and hope for the best – take control of your future.
As someone who’s been there, done that, and lived to tell college soccer works, I’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to take the stress out of the process and put together comprehensive tips to boost your chances of coming out on top.
Know The Rules
You need to be in the know about the recruiting rules. Coaches and colleges are on the prowl for the best of the best, and they’ve got strict rules in place to weed out the rest.
Don’t be caught offside.
Make sure to know all the details of these rules to make sure you’re not sitting on the bench while others are out there playing.
Now, I don’t want to throw shade, but you need to be crystal clear on what you want from a college soccer team. And you better know now that they have expectations too.
Before you step up to the college soccer recruitment plate, make sure you’ve done your research and know the rules like your soccer cleats.
Trust me, it’ll give you an advantage in recruitment.
Be An Early Bird
Starting the recruitment process early and maintaining consistent effort is somewhat like planting seeds in the spring to harvest in the fall.
Waiting until your senior year is like trying to grow a garden in the middle of winter – it’s not impossible, but it surely limits your opportunities to showcase your skills.
Even though NCAA Division I and Division II coaches have restrictions on initiating contact before June 15 of a potential recruit’s sophomore year, players can take the initiative before that date.
Why not get a head start on the game? Remember you’re not the only one vying for recruitment.
Starting the recruitment process early involves conducting extensive research on the college you’re interested in attending.
This includes exploring various aspects such as academic programs, campus culture, and whether it’s a private or public institution, amongst other vital factors.
Similarly, it’s crucial to have a pragmatic understanding of your standing amongst other young soccer players and to determine which college soccer level would best suit your abilities.
This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and select a college that aligns with your soccer potential.
Fill Out The Recruitment Questionnaire
it’s important to research different programs offered by schools and identify the ones you want to join.
Once you’ve done that, the next step is to fill out the soccer questionnaire, which is provided by almost every college soccer team in NCAA Divisions 1, 2, and 3.
Timing is key here, the earlier you fill out the questionnaire, the better your chances of securing a spot on the team. Remember, you’re not the only one vying for a spot, so don’t wait too long.
Completing the questionnaire will put you in the college coach’s communication system, giving you a chance to showcase your skills and be considered as a prospective recruit.
Your Highlights
Having a highlight video of you playing soccer can greatly improve your chances of getting recruited.
However, don’t just put together any old footage – make sure it’s top quality and showcases your strengths and skills. This way, coaches can catch a glimpse of your greatness early on in the recruiting process and potentially add you to their shortlist of prospects.
Since coaches rarely have the time or resources to scout every single player, a highlight video can be your golden ticket to get noticed.
Think of your highlight video like a movie trailer – it’s the preview that gets coaches excited about the main event: YOU. And make sure to attach your video and resume to every email you send to schools that pique your interest.
Trust me, coaches appreciate the convenience of having everything they need right at their fingertips.
Get In Touch With College Coaches
To increase your chances of getting recruited for college soccer, reach out to as many coaches as possible.
As I said earlier and won’t stop emphasizing it, you are not the only one looking for the same opportunity, so don’t be shy about getting in touch with coaches.
However, make sure to only contact coaches who offer programs that fit your needs and preferences
Once you’ve identified the programs you’re interested in, reach out to the coaches and provide them with the necessary details. Remember, getting recruited requires proactive effort on your part.
Don’t sit around waiting for coaches to come to you like a lost puppy.
Attend Soccer Camps
Attending college soccer camps is an excellent way to put yourself out there and get noticed by coaches.
During the year, coaches are often busy with their teams, but in the summer, many of them turn to these popular soccer camps to find new recruits. Unlike a showcase tournament, soccer camps allow coaches to observe players in different situations over a few days.
Coaches evaluate the capabilities of potential recruits and see how players perform in various positions and formations and determine if they can adapt to different scenarios.
Attending a camp gives you that perfect opportunity to showcase your skills. If a coach sees that you can adjust to different formations and perform well in various positions, they’ll be more likely to consider you for their team.
Do The Talking- Not Your Parents
When it comes to getting recruited for a college team, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook: communication.
From the start, you need to be on your game when it comes to engaging with potential coaches.
Now, I hate to break it to you, but relying on your parents to do the talking isn’t going to cut it. I am not saying they can’t interfere, they can help, but if you want to impress those coaches, you need to be the one doing it majorly everything.
They want to see that you’re a leader, a responsible player who can handle the demands of college soccer.
And if you’re not the one doing the talking, it’s hard for them to see that in you.
Show those coaches that you’re a responsible, independent athlete who’s ready to take on the world.
Questions you may want to ask college coaches:
- What are your expectations of an incoming freshman?
- How long do you train each day?
- How often do you train each week?
- What does a typical training week entail?
- How many games do you normally play during a week?
- Does the program have a strength and conditioning coach?
- Does the program consist mainly of free weights, plyometrics, or other ideas?
- Does your program have a mandatory study hall?
Hold On Tight To Your Academics
Being a student-athlete means that you have to shine both on the field and in the classroom.
Having good grades can do wonders for your chances of getting recruited.
It’s easier to score an academic scholarship than an athletic one and trust me, coaches are on the lookout for smart players who can balance their studies and sports.
If you’re a straight-A student, you’re already ahead of the curve, you’ll have a smoother admission process into college soccer.
You won’t have to jump through as many hoops to get into a college soccer program. And if your desired college is strict on academics, you better hit the books harder than a soccer ball.
Without good grades, your coach will have to work double-time to recruit you, placing unnecessary strain on them.
Ultimately, prioritizing your academics is important if you wish to improve your chances of making it onto your dream college soccer team.
Don’t Sweat About The Division
Don’t believe the hype, because a college is D1 doesn’t mean it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
You might find a D2 or D3 school with a better soccer program or an NAIA or JUCO program that offers you a better scholarship. It’s like the old saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover or a college by its division.”
Every college soccer is different, so figure out what matters to you.
Do you want a better scholarship program, or looking to rack up some serious playing time? Maybe you have your heart set on a specific living situation or want to be in a particular state. Or perhaps you’re looking for a school with killer academic programs.
Whatever your priorities, make sure you know them before you start your search.
Remember, the division doesn’t define your destiny.
Train Well, Stay Fit
If you’re keen on securing a spot in a recruitment process, then it’s crucial that you prioritize your physical fitness and health. You don’t want to show up in front of coaches looking like a bag of potatoes.
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that just because you play soccer regularly, you’re already fit enough. To truly shine, you’ll need to engage in the right kind of training and maintain a healthy diet.
Recruiters are searching for players who can fit seamlessly into their team’s style and formation of play.
Before you show up to the coaches like a deer in headlights, you should prioritize your diet to prepare for those trials. You’re aiming for a higher level of play, so make sure your training program caters to the coaches’ style and preferences.
FAQs
How do you get scouted in Soccer?
To catch the eye of a soccer scout, you need to bring your A-game to the field and be in the right place at the right time.
These scouts are looking for players who have top-notch technique, tactical smarts, physical prowess, a competitive edge, and good sportsmanship.
How hard is it to make D3?
If you haven’t received any offers from Division 1 or 2 schools by the time your senior year in high school rolls around, it’s likely that you’ll end up playing Division 3.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
In fact, only 7% of high school athletes even make it to the D3 level, so you should be proud of your achievements no matter what level you end up playing at.
Is D1 better than D2?
It’s no secret that Division 1 athletes tend to be more competitive, with a better chance of earning scholarships and pursuing a professional career in their sport.
However, D2 athletes have their own unique advantages as well.
With a slightly less intense schedule than their D1 counterparts, D2 athletes have more time to focus on their academic studies and pursue other interests.
This can be a huge plus for those looking to maintain a well-rounded college experience, or those who have career aspirations beyond the athletic field.
Wrapping it up – How To Get Recruited For College Soccer
Although there are many important factors to consider when going through the recruitment process, don’t let the experience scare you.
Be proactive in asking questions, keep an open mind to schools you may not have considered before, and have a clear vision of what kind of environment you’re looking for.
Take the time to get to know your potential coaches and their program before making any decisions.
With a little bit of curiosity and a lot of foresight, you’ll find the perfect fit for you in no time.
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