7 Suggestions for College Planning Success
1. Find the right SCHOOL.
Make sure your prospective school, not just the soccer program, is the right fit. Ask yourself, “Would I still attend this college if I no longer played on the team?”
2. Keep your eye on the ball when it comes to your high school GPA.
Consider taking Honors, AP or Dual Credit classes, which can go a long way when a coach evaluates if you can stand up to the academic challenges of college.
3. Know the four components college coaches look for in a recruit:
• Tactical Ability • Technical Ability • Physical Ability • Psychological Ability
4. Take advantage of the athletic website to learn more about the program.
The coach’s biography can provide clues to playing style, philosophy and success of his/her teams, while the roster page can allow you to see if you model the type of player (physical characteristics, youth accomplishments, etc.) the coach recruits for a given position.
5. Arrange for a campus visit.
While there, see if you can spend time with the team. Gain insight into the program and experience campus life to get a feel for what to expect as a student-athlete.
6. Attend a game.
This provides a chance to get a first-hand look at the team’s playing style in a game situation and to see how the coaches conduct themselves on the sideline. You can also see if you have the ability to contribute and make an impact on the program should you play there.
7. Reach out to the coaches.
Let coaches know you are interested in their program and school with a unique, personalized email. Show you’ve done your research and highlight why you think their school is a good fit. Include your academic and athletic information, as well as a highlight video and upcoming competitions in which you’ll be playing.
College Athletic Associations