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How to Get Recruited for College Soccer
- Dr. Rachel Rubin
- | January 3, 2025
Soccer is an enormously popular high school and collegiate sport among both men and women. Many students play for both their high school and a club team and want to continue playing at a high level once they enter college. However, only 7.8% of high school players continue in college, and an even smaller percentage are officially recruited: less than 2%!
Securing a scholarship on a college soccer team requires more than just talent—it involves preparation, persistence, and strategic planning. While external factors can play a role, the key to success lies in refining your skills and presenting yourself as a strong candidate. Below, we offer a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the recruitment process and maximize your potential for success in collegiate soccer.
Becoming a college level athlete in a popular and competitive sport such as soccer requires an immense amount of time, dedication, and planning. As you start speaking to college coaches, they will really want to get to know what kind of player, teammate, and student you are. They will be expecting you to show them that you can succeed both in a highly competitive soccer league and in rigorous academic courses.
How to Maximize Your Collegiate Soccer Recruitment Chances
College soccer coaches seek recruits who demonstrate strong academics, extensive experience with high school or club teams, exceptional physical strength and endurance, refined skills and technique, and a team-oriented mindset. While these are fundamental requirements, standing out in the recruitment process requires going beyond such basics. To really boost your chances of success, consider the following advice:
If you decide to pursue the collegiate soccer recruiting process, here are some of the most important things our athletic recruiting experts recommend you do along the way to improve your chances of playing for your dream school.
Start Early by Talking to Your Coach
Ultimately, because soccer is a team sport, precise quantitative rankings aren’t available, which makes it harder to know whether you have the potential to be recruited at any particular program. For that reason, it’s crucial that you have a frank conversation with your current coach about your abilities and chances for recruitment. He or she will have the most knowledge about what you can do to compete for a recruitment spot at your top-choice schools.
The vast majority of collegiate soccer coaches want to start evaluating potential recruits by sophomore year, if not before. So, if you’re a serious soccer player, you should plan to start talking to your coach and parents about whether you want to pursue the recruitment path relatively early in high school. However, if you’re already in your junior year or senior year, it’s not too late! You can still begin reaching out to coaches and making your case.
Play Club Soccer and Attend Collegiate Soccer Camps
Because the college soccer recruitment process is so competitive, high school players who only play for their school team rarely get recruited. Instead, to get the experience and exposure that are necessary to become a successful college soccer recruit, you’ll want to play for a competitive club team. Doing so means extra practices, long travel times, and highly competitive tournaments, but not doing so will likely hinder your recruitment chances.
Each summer, NCAA-affiliated colleges host soccer camps designed for high school athletes who aspire to play at the collegiate level. These ID camps offer a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, gain insight into college soccer, connect with peers from across the country, and interact with coaches from various programs. Participating in these camps can be a crucial step in preparing for recruitment.
At these camps, you’ll experience the structure and intensity of collegiate soccer training. Expect sessions focused on strength conditioning, tactical drills, and skill development. By the end of the camp, you’ll have sharpened your abilities, improved your understanding of the game, and gained valuable insight into the demands of collegiate-level play. The knowledge and connections you make can prove invaluable when engaging with coaches at your target schools.
Attend the Right Tournaments
Club tournaments are a key part of the recruitment process, especially for athletes aiming to join Division I programs. Unlike camps and clinics, these events allow coaches to see players in action during competitive games, evaluating not only individual skills but also teamwork and decision-making under pressure. Attending well-regarded tournaments can significantly enhance your visibility with college coaches.
When choosing a club team, consider whether they participate in tournaments that attract the programs you’re targeting. Once you’ve secured a spot in key events, take time to prepare. Research which schools had coaches present at previous tournaments and reach out to those programs in advance. Letting them know you’ll be participating is an excellent way to stand out and increase the likelihood of connecting with the coaches who can help shape your collegiate soccer journey.
Create a Targeted List Through Research
Building a college list is a complex process for any student, and for athletes entering the college recruiting process, the stakes are even higher. Beyond finding a school that aligns with your academic and personal goals, you also need to evaluate how well your skills match the level of competition on the soccer team.
Once you’ve assessed your overall competitiveness and consulted with your coach about your recruitment potential, dive into researching schools. Determine whether you’re better suited for Division I or Division III programs, and explore how your abilities align with the teams at those institutions. Understanding the competitiveness of each program and your fit within it will help you create a focused list of colleges where you can thrive both on the field and in the classroom.
Make A Strong First Impression with College Coaches
Once you’ve identified a few colleges where you’re serious about being recruited, it’s time to connect with the coaches and express your interest in their program. These initial interactions are an important opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and dedication, so approach them thoughtfully.
Whether you’re calling or emailing, preparation is key. If you choose to call, have important details ready, such as your GPA, team performance, and relevant stats. For emails, keep your message concise and professional. Attach your athletic resume and transcript, and highlight your genuine interest in both the team and the school. Let them know they’re a top choice for you.
Additionally, be sure to complete any recruitment forms or questionnaires available on the school’s website. These forms often request essential information about your accomplishments, goals, and physical attributes—details coaches need to assess your potential. Taking these steps shows initiative and positions you as a serious candidate for their program.
Build Connections with Coaches
Effective communication with college coaches is a long-term process that goes beyond initial outreach. You’ll need to keep the relationship active by sending updates throughout the season, including new highlight videos, recent team results, and academic achievements. Regular follow-ups demonstrate your commitment and keep you at the top of mind as they evaluate potential recruits. Be creative with your follow-up methods. Try email, handwritten letters, social media, direct messages, and phone calls (if appropriate).
When speaking with coaches, treat each interaction as a chance to learn and showcase your enthusiasm. Ask specific, well-researched questions about their soccer program, the team’s goals, and the school’s overall environment. Thoughtful inquiries show that you’re serious about their program and help you gain a clearer picture of how the team aligns with your athletic and academic ambitions.
Keep Your Grades Up
Maintaining a strong academic performance during the recruitment process is paramount. While impressing coaches with your skills and attitude is essential, it is equally crucial for them to advocate for you as a student to the admissions office. Academic excellence plays a significant role in your chances of being recruited as a soccer player. Coaches need to present a compelling case highlighting your academic capabilities alongside your athletic prowess to strengthen your overall profile as a potential recruit.
Striking a balance between sports and academics demonstrates discipline, time management skills, and dedication, all of which are qualities sought by college recruiters. By excelling both on the field and in the classroom, you increase your opportunities for securing a spot on a collegiate soccer team.
Chart Your Path to Soccer Recruitment
Soccer recruitment is not a one-size-fits-all process—it varies greatly depending on the athlete, their team, and the schools they’re pursuing. The key to success lies in staying proactive and engaged throughout the journey. Instead of waiting for coaches to notice you, take the initiative to showcase your talent, reach out to programs, and express genuine enthusiasm for the schools at the top of your list. With dedication and effort, you can create opportunities that align with your goals.
Ready to maximize your college soccer recruitment opportunities? Schedule a free consultation with a Spark Admissions expert today!
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