the DIVISIONS overlap
The Divisions of College Soccer overlap. For example: the top of DIII is a better level than the bottom of DII and the bottom of DI. This also applies to the professionalism of the program, the funding, facilities, etc.! Understand that you likely need to look across multiple levels to find the right fit from a:
- Playing Level
- Style of Play that you can succeed in.
Just because you can play at that level doesn’t mean you fit the coach’s playing style! Do the homework and watch that team play!
climb up the ladder: not down
You should know that attracting interest from coaches is more important than reaching too high and not getting interest back at all. Adjust your search EARLY ON to include colleges of all levels, and then you can whittle down your list as you go. It’s much easier to work your way up the levels during your recruiting process than to try and fall down to the right level. Climbing the ladder is energetic, positive, and creates momentum. Falling down the ladder is filled with a lack of response, negativity, and is hard to stay motivated.
playing time
Figure out if you’re the type of player that wants to play right away, or if you’re okay just working hard for a couple of years to see if you can break into the starting team. (Hint: a couple of years of hard work just to see if you can break into the starting 11 by maybe junior year is the wrong choice for 99% of kids. It’s a lot harder than it sounds, and it’s not much fun. The trouble is, everyone is told that this is the right answer when you’re young! Know yourself, and understand that being on the field sooner than later in your career is usually the right fit! After all, over 3000 soccer players transfer per year…and the majority of those are to find a school where they can play more!)
communication urgency
Understand that the frequency and urgency a college coach communicates with you is a good indication of their interest in you. Do they send you a message every week, every couple of weeks, do they wish you happy holidays? Or are you the one constantly trying to communicate with them, having a hard time getting a response? Almost every college coach will text their top recruits on holidays and important dates, communicate frequently, and really try to drive the process. If they aren’t doing that with you, you may not be on the top of their lists, and only be brought in to fill the roster as more of a practice player. Think- is that the Experience you are looking for?
College coach interaction
A general rule of thumb is that once you have found colleges that interact with you, the more a coach communicates and wants you to attend their school, the more success you’ll have on the field at that school.
