This information is designed to familiarize you with the college recruiting process. While it is full of important information, it is not a substitute for your own work in this area. One of the most important sections of this information is the reference resource list. We encourage you to gather resources from this list and study them well. And study the schools as well, because no resources can tell you about every school. In short, this information is a beginning, not the end of your search for opportunities in college.
Why are you interested in playing soccer in college?
- It is the next level of the sport for you to reach, and
- Scholarship money is available.
But consider these other reasons as well, because at many schools:
- Your participation in soccer may make the difference in just getting in.
- Athletes get early class registration, allowing them to nearly always get the classes they want.
- Graduating in 4-5 years vs. 5-6 years can save you thousands of dollars.
- Athletic departments provide free academic tutoring, helping you with your classes
- Fall athletes get first pick of the dorm rooms, because they come to school early to train.
Getting through high school and ready for college can be an exciting, frustrating and gratifying time. Being prepared for the journey will help you connect with a college that is right for you! Your job is to determine if you want to play soccer in college and to learn of the differences in colleges and universities that might help you fulfill that dream. Today, colleges and coaches are looking for students with more than athletic abilities. Without considering athletic skills, the average admission requirement at the UC System is 3.8 and a 1210 SAT. The average cost for a four-year college education is $60,000 - $200,000. GOOD REASON to show that you are talented!! Competition can be fierce, so promoting & presenting yourself as a well-rounded student-athlete can separate you from the other player. There is a candidate waiting in the wings that has academics, athletics and more. You can be that candidate!! Start early!
To get into the college of your choice you must:
- Prepare academically
- Show your soccer ability
- Complete all administrative paperwork on time
- Develop contacts among potential coaches
- Follow-up on the contacts you make
- Choose the right college for you!
Emphasis on choosing the right college for you. It is vitally important you choose a college that provides you the school experience you want. It doesn’t help anyone for you to get a great scholarship to a school that doesn’t have the major course of study you want, or isn’t a place where you are happy.
Also, be aware that NCAA rules change from time to time. Go to www.ncaa.org to brush up on the latest rules.
Timeline of Preparations
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
More Information
Communication Essentials
Club, ODP, High School and Camps
What are coaches looking for?
Recruiting Basics
What does the player need to know about the College, Coach, Team and Scholarship options?
Online Resources
Steps to Take
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Freshman Year
Academics
- Good grades are important - There are not that many scholarships! Your grades and test scores can make the difference. Maintain YOUR highest grades throughout high school and show admissions officers and potential coaches that you are able to handle the demands of college life. Keep your grades up starting in your freshman year and you will benefit! Meet with your counselor to plan your year.
- If you hope to go to a top academic institution, it would be helpful to take honors courses if you can handle the load. Admission officers generally agree that getting a B in a tough course is often more significant than an A in a frivolous course. Take PSAT and Practice ACT tests as they are offered to ensure that you are prepared for the actual tests in future years.
- Be sure that you begin to take courses that will ultimately fulfill the requirements of the NCAA. Speak with your counselor about classes meeting NCAA requirements. Visit the NCAA website to learn what courses are required for Division I, Division II and Division III schools. Consider NAIA schools as well. Start to plan your classes accordingly. The NCAA website is: www.ncaa.org. Call 800-638-3731 for free current copy of “NCAA Guide for the College-bound Student Athlete” or click here.
- Begin a resume of community service activities, achievements, awards and academic results. Update it periodically.
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Sophomore Year
Athletic Exposure and Academic Emphasis
- Continue emphasis on the best grades possible. If pursuing a top academic school, take honors and AP courses if manageable. Meet with your counselor to make sure you are on track to take the 14-16 core courses (based on graduation date) that are consistent with NCAA requirements for Division I and Division II schools. Many universities accept the NCAA academic requirements (see NCAA guide).
- Take PSAT and Practice ACT, and possibly some actual SAT II tests following completion of certain courses (i.e. biology, language, and math). Do not wait until your senior year to take SAT II tests on courses you had as a sophomore. Take them as you complete the courses.
- Realistically consider your talent and the school that you might like to attend. Be honest in your personal assessment. Research colleges to determine which schools fit your academic and athletic abilities by asking for literature and visiting campuses.
- Create introduction letter (sample). You may begin to establish relationships with colleges of interest by visiting games and expressing interest through letters and emails sent to coaches.
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- You can call coaches, but coaches cannot call or approach you according to NCAA regulations. Review NCAA regulations regarding contact with coaches. The regulations have changed.
- Be visible to college coaches. Don’t miss College Showcase tournaments like Nomads or Las Vegas. Attend college soccer camps of interest over the summer.
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Junior Year
Taking Tests, Contacting Coaches and Visting Campuses
- Continue emphasis on grades and begin to take SAT, ACT and AP tests offered throughout the year. Be prepared to take SAT twice or more. Remember that your grades are the foundation for your ultimate success. Maintain YOUR highest academic standards. Meet with your counselor to plan school year.
- Understand the academic requirements of the schools of your interest. Determine where your soccer and academic abilities stand and approach schools that are consistent with your level of achievement.
- Make a list of favorite colleges and visit them on your own and with your family. Trim the list. Gather applications to schools of choice. You may begin receiving recruiting material September 1.
- Send email or letters of introduction with Soccer Profiles to the coaches of schools which interest you. (Sample letters and Profile). Inform them of your games/matches/tournaments. Some coaches like to see videos of you playing especially east coast or mid-west school where it is difficult for you to be seen. Ask and send if desired. Establish positive relationships with potential coaches following NCAA guidelines regarding contacting coaches and visitations. Beginning March of Junior year you can receive one phone call from Coach. During April, you can have one visit on HS campus. Starting July 1 after Junior year, off-campus contact and coach initiated call one per week is allowed.
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Senior Year
Maintaining Grades, Submitting Applications and Finalizing Acceptance
- In FALL, Meet with your counselor to review your transcript and to assure compliance with NCAA requirements. Apply for Student-Athlete status with NCAA Clearinghouse. 1-877-262-1492.
- Retake SATs if necessary (MAKE SURE you do not have scheduling conflicts!)
- After July 1 you can receive a weekly phone call. After Senior year begins, you can start to take those 5 official visits you are allowed for Division I schools. You will tour the campus, meet the team see a game, and stay overnight. Get to know the school and coach and the team’s style of play. Remember, the coach may not be employed at any particular institution for all your time at the school. It is important that you settle on a school that “fits” your academic, athletic and personal needs. The coach may be gone tomorrow!
- Submit applications for the schools of your choice. Keep grades up throughout the senior year. Some colleges withdraw enrollment invitation and/or scholarship if student’s academic levels decline in senior year. No time for “senioritis.”
- If you are accepted, finalize paperwork and Letters of Intent (if applicable) following NCAA regulations. For 2005, the Letter of Intent is sent to the player the first week of February.
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Communications Essentials
The more contacts you create, the more options you will have.
- All forms must be completed carefully and completely and returned promptly. All calls should be returned immediately. Show your enthusiasm!
- If your paperwork is incomplete with NCAA, the coach will be forced to consider other candidates and you might lose your chance for admission, financial support and/or time on the field
- Coaches prefer to pursue soccer players that have expressed serious interest in their school. Do not waste their time!
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Club, ODP, High School and Camps
Club, ODP, High School and soccer camps all play important roles in your soccer recruiting options. At every level of play you should give your best effort. Club play is essential as it develops players at a high level, some with opportunities to play at state, regional and national tournaments. While not essential, selection to play on an ODP team can be a real bonus since many coaches recruit from the state, regional and national teams. If you are selected to ODP and you can manage the additional load, it might be very beneficial. The high school game is up to you as is your decision to play in various camps offered through a college, ODP or otherwise.
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What are coaches looking for?
If you are ready to commit to the demanding schedule and stress, you should know that coaches are looking for students with personal character and integrity (coaches will make note of your conduct off the field before and after games) and your academic and athletic desire (or “heart”). Sometimes your athletic skill will make the difference. Coaches tend to focus on these characteristic in your game:
- Forwards who possess speed, confidence, tactical ability, fitness and the ability to score goals.
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- Midfielders who possess fitness, strength, tactical & technical ability to play under pressure.
- Defenders who possess speed, strength, discipline & the ability to win challenges while maintaining composure.
- Goalkeepers who possess confidence, athleticism, leadership and communication skills.
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Recruiting Basics
- Please understand the following statistics - out of the millions of kids that play age group/high school sports only 3% will participate on a college varsity sports team. only 1% will receive any type of college athletic scholarship.
- The coach’s “recruiting game” - a school may be in contact with as many as 250-350 players per year; 40-50 seriously (handwritten notes & letters, the one call per week, etc.); 6 to 12 all out! top 3-4 they will ask for early commitments.
- If you don’t have stellar grades, your athletic skills are even more important, as they may help you get a spot on the team!
- To find the right college for you, look up the institution on the Internet at the NCAA website www.ncaa.org - look at NCAA Sports Lists -pick soccer. For access to team websites for many NCAA and NAIA programs please visit their respective institution’s website. Learn about the requirements of that school.
- Make an effort to watch a practice and/or game of the schools that you are interested in.
- Consider what you know about the head coach? The coaching staff?
- Ask the schools if you may contact former and current players and/or parents.
- Determine if you would attend this school even if you had a career ending injury and could not play?
- Remember you can have five paid visits and add and drop as you go.
- Coaches prefer to pursue soccer players that have expressed serious interest in their school. Do not waste their time!
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What does the player need to know about the
College, Coach, Team and Scholarship options?
College:
- Does the college offer the academic program the player would ultimately hope to pursue? Are athletes given preference in scheduling?
- Where is the college/university located? Will the locale be good for the player in terms of weather and distance from family/friends?
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- What is the expected enrollment of undergraduates and graduates? What are the class sizes?
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- What are the student housing options? What transportation is available?
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- Is tutoring offered to student-athletes? Is there a fee?
Soccer Coach and Team:
- In what division and conference does the team play?
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- What was the team’s record in the past? What are the coach’s goals for the team?
- What style of play is desired for the team? Is the player comfortable with the coach’s style?
- How many players will be on the roster and how many will travel with the team? How many trips are planned for the coming season?
- What are the pre-season and post-season schedules?
- How often is practice during the season, and post-season?
- How will the team composition change with seniors leaving and red-shirt players returning?
- What position is the player being recruited for and how many others are already playing there or are being recruited?
- What is the medical coverage for athletes?
Scholarship Concerns:
- If not offered a scholarship, is the player a candidate for admission as a Walk-On player?
- If offered a scholarship, what expenses are covered, what is the duration and how can it be terminated?
- If offered a scholarship and the player is injured and can’t play, will the scholarship be lost?
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Online Resources
- www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
- Evaluates your academic record to determine if you are eligible to participate at a Division I, II college as a student-athlete.
- Authorizes school to send the Clearinghouse your transcripts, test scores, proof of graduation, etc.
- Authorizes the Clearinghouse to send your academic information to all colleges that you request.
- $30 Fee
- If you want to play DI or DII must register with Clearinghouse.
- Register AFTER your Junior year.
Listing of all NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes) schools
- www.livecareer.com
- Online career survey
- Provides details on areas that your son/daughter is interested in
- Provides recommended careers associated to interests
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Steps to Take
- Career Survey
a. Gives an indication of interests ensures you select a school that has a major in that interest
- College Counseler
a. Helps determine TYPE OF COLLEGE your son/daughter would be interested in.
b. Some of the questions include:
i. Size of school
ii. What they want to do in school, academically and socially
iii. Weather
iv. In State or Out of State
v. Campus Feel
vi. Play a sport
vii. Grades / Test Scores
viii. Costs
- Go online and create spreadsheet based on relevant criteria
- Start contacting school for information
- Contact coach, send introductory information
- Visit school
- FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP
Determine Financial requirement
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