Recruiting Process Fundamentals:


The college recruiting process for soccer scholarships is one of the most competitive in all of college sports. College coaches are evaluating / recruiting athletes in the eighth and ninth grade, and the top recruits are making their verbal commitments to programs during their 9th and 10th grade year. This means getting started in the soccer scholarship recruitment process is up to the recruit and their family.


There are a lot of colleges that have men's and women's soccer for high school graduates. The colleges and universities vary widely in size, location, and academic offering, and the soccer programs sponsored range from moderately to very competitive.


College soccer programs can be NJCAA (junior college), NAIA, NCAA DIII, NCAA DII, NCAA DI.

It is very important that you, as a family, factor in everything before making a decision. Location, size of school, type of school (private / public / religious), athletic level, cost you are able to spend and the level of academics.


NOTE: the "full ride" scholarship is, for the most part, a myth.


In addition, only a small percentage of high school soccer players get athletic based scholarships or even a roster spot on a college team. If you are offered an athletic scholarship you are in the minority.


It is very important that you pick the school that is the overall best fit for you regardless of if you get a scholarship or not. At times, academic or need based aid is more than what you can get in athletic scholarship.

CREATE SOCCER RESUME


You should put together a resume that includes your basic personal information, athletic accomplishments and provides information about your past teams, camps, tournaments and other soccer experiences.


Don’t forget to include athletic accomplishments in other sports as well. Coaches like to see athletic versatility and talent. Then list your scholastic accomplishments, include standardized test scores if available, and any extracurricular activities, such as school clubs or volunteer activities. Let the Coach know of any showcase tournaments you will be attending with your club team. That is a great way to be seen by a prospective coach.


Resume Tips

A Recruiting Timeline During High School

  • FRESHMAN YEAR

    Attend High School orientation

    • Set four year Academic Plan with your high school counselor
    • Speak with your Revolution coach and start an evaluation folder asking them to assess your playing skills regularly.
    • Set academic goals with family
    • Set soccer achievements for yourself
    • Wish List of college you would to attend
    • Be apart of school activities (i.e. student government, club…)
    • Community service opportunities

  • SOPHOMORE YEAR

    • Set Academic Plan for school year with counselor (Review & Revise)
    • Review grades and goals with parents
    • Start listing 20 schools you are interested in
    • Add to your Revolution file a contact lists (include school, coaches name, e-mail)
    • Attend “College Night” at high school functions
    • Sign up for PSAT
    • Meet with your Revolution Coach or Director of Coaching with your parents to go over your plans
    • Start gathering information to write your cover letter, and resume
    • Your Revolution folder should be filling up with information
    • Continue to visit college campuses
    • Focus on Grades!
    • Review NCAA College-Bound Student-Athlete Guide

  • JUNIOR YEAR

    • Review & Revise your four year Academic Plan with high School counselor
    • Have your Revolution college folder ready to use at all time
    • Visit college nights and college fairs
    • Verify SAT registration deadlines with high school counselor
    • Get letters of recommendation
    • Complete your Cover letter and Resume
    • Review your Revolution folder with your Coach
    • Visit colleges to find size and climate you preferred
    • Take SAT and ACT
    • Attend Financial Aid workshop
    • Start NCAA Clearinghouse Application
    • Take AP Classes or Honor Classes if possible
    • Have your top 10 preferred college list
    • Review college applications for admittance with your counselor
    • Your Revolution team is competing in College Showcase Tournaments
    • Really focus on your Grades -  “Demand Excellence”
    • Beware of Scholarship Scams

  • SENIOR YEAR

    • Apply to the University of Choice (Sept., Oct., Nov.)
    • Finalize application essay topics
    • Finalize your recommendation letters
    • Review application essay with parents and teachers for proofing
    • Get Financial Aid forms on Jan. 1st
    • Meet all application/ scholarship/ housing deadlines
    • Parents and student meet with school counselor to finalize transcripts
    • If necessary re-take SAT and ACT (last date in Dec.)
    • Send Mid-Year & Final Transcripts for Clearinghouse
    • Meet with Revolution Coach and Director of Coaching for assistance
    • Follow up on all letters written to college coaches
    • Have a strong soccer season
    • Take recruiting visits
    • Send final transcripts to the University you have accepted
    • Attend Financial Aid meeting
Share by: