Frequently Asked Questions

It's never too early to start exploring schools. Take advantage of any opportunity to visit campuses during middle school and high school years. Campus visits, even informal ones, help build familiarity with different environments and program styles. As you progress through high school, dive deeper into school websites and athletic pages. The most valuable insights often come from current student-athletes at these institutions.

Everyone has a different timeline. Some players should start establishing connections with coaches during their sophomore year. Others going into their senior year. Be aware that NCAA rules restrict when coaches can respond. Create a target list of schools and begin sending introductory emails with your key information, academic status, and video highlights. Many programs start evaluating prospects seriously during their sophomore summer and junior year.

The formal recruiting process should begin freshman year of high school with academic preparation and skill development. Start tracking your key metrics, recording videos, and maintaining a recruiting profile. By sophomore year, you should be actively researching programs and understanding their requirements. Remember, recruiting timelines vary by division and program, but early preparation is always beneficial.

From day one of high school, focus on maintaining a strong GPA and planning your course load to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Take college prep courses when possible, and consider taking the SAT/ACT early to allow time for retesting if needed. Academic performance can significantly impact both admission chances and scholarship opportunities.

The NCAA recruiting calendar divides the year into different periods: contact periods, evaluation periods, quiet periods, and dead periods. Each period has specific rules about how and when coaches can interact with prospects. Understanding these periods helps you plan showcase attendance, campus visits, and communication strategies more effectively.

Speed requirements vary by division and program. As a rough guide, D1 programs look at 30m sprint times in the low 4.0s to about 4.2s and vertical jumps in the mid-20s, while D2, D3, and NAIA programs work across a wider range. Top-end speed is only one piece: first-step quickness, change of direction, and endurance all show up in testing. Technical quality, soccer IQ, work rate, and the ability to compete in games carry just as much weight.

The tests most college programs use are the 10m and 30m sprint, vertical jump, 5-10-5 shuttle, standing long jump, and the Yo-Yo test. Typical D1 ranges run from about 4.0 to 4.2 seconds in the 30m, mid-20s inches in the vertical, and 4.2 to 4.4 seconds in the shuttle. These are general numbers that vary by program and by position group — goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards are measured differently. Some coaches don't even care about the numbers. They want to see you perform in games.

Multi-sport participation is highly valued by many college coaches. Playing multiple sports helps develop different athletic skills, prevents burnout, and demonstrates overall athleticism. Many coaches prefer athletes who have competed in various sports through high school, as it often indicates better long-term athletic development and competitiveness.

Yes! High school soccer provides valuable experience in team dynamics, leadership, and competitive situations. College coaches often value players who show loyalty to their school program and successfully balance school and soccer commitments. The experience of representing your school and competing with teammates helps develop character traits that coaches look for in recruits.

There are endless showcases, camps, and tournaments that can help your kid. There are also a lot of places you don't need to go to spend your time or money. This is something that needs to individualized per player. Some camps are good for certain players and not good for others.

Video is HUGE these days. Many schools around the country can't get out to see every kid they'd like to. Sending a good email with quality video could open a door for you. Practice video, game video, different angles, it's all helpful.

Focus on finding the right fit rather than just the highest division. Academics > Athletics 99.9% of the time. Consider factors like academic programs, playing time opportunities, campus culture, and geographic location. Success and development can happen at any level – many MLB players have come from D2, D3, and NAIA programs. The key is finding a program where you can contribute and continue developing.

Quality over quantity is key. There is no right or wrong answer, but I will say, if you are living a life of showcases over game play, you're doing it wrong. These should include a mix of exposure showcases and skill development camps. Attend showcases when you're playing well and healthy – it's better to skip an event than perform below your capabilities. Focus on events where you'll be seen by coaches from programs that match your ability level and interests.

Evaluate showcases based on several factors: which college programs typically attend, the track record of the organization running it, the measurement technologies used, and the feedback provided to players. Look for events that provide verified metrics, video coverage, and detailed evaluations. Also consider the timing – attending showcases during active recruiting periods is most beneficial.

Soccer scholarships vary widely. Division I programs are capped at 9.9 scholarships on the men's side and 14 on the women's side, and most programs split that money across the roster. Division II programs have their own limits, while Division III doesn't offer athletic scholarships but often provides academic aid. NIL opportunities are increasingly supplementing traditional athletic scholarships at many schools.

Strong academics can significantly increase your total aid package. Many schools offer academic scholarships that can stack with athletic aid. Maintaining a high GPA and strong test scores opens more opportunities for academic scholarships & grants. There is also the potential for need-based aid. This is especially important in soccer where full athletic scholarships are rare.

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities allow student-athletes to earn money through endorsements, sponsorships, and other business activities. While separate from scholarships, NIL can provide additional financial benefits. Some programs actively help connect athletes with NIL opportunities, making this an important factor to consider in program selection.

D1 programs offer athletic scholarships up to 34 per team (more news coming in April of 2025), D2 programs have 9 scholarships, and D3 schools can't offer athletic scholarships but provide academic and need-based aid. Scholarship distribution varies by program – some might offer more small partial scholarships, while others concentrate larger scholarships on fewer players.

Partial scholarships can cover various percentages of college costs. They might include tuition only, room and board, or a percentage of total costs. These can be combined with academic scholarships, need-based aid, and other financial assistance. Understanding the total cost of attendance and all available aid sources is crucial when evaluating scholarship offers.

Evaluate programs across multiple dimensions: athletic development (coaching staff, facilities, player development track record), academics (majors offered, academic support, graduation rates), cultural fit (team culture, campus environment, location), and financial considerations (total cost, available aid). Research the program's competitive level, conference strength, and recent success in player development. Look beyond win-loss records to understand how players develop within their system.

Ask specific questions about player development plans, practice structures, academic support systems, and expectations for incoming players. Important questions include: "How do you develop players on the offensive side?", "What's your typical freshman experience like?", "How do you support academic success?", and "What's your weight training philosophy?" These questions help understand program culture and development approach.

Program fit should typically take priority over scholarship amount. The right program should feel like a place where you can succeed both athletically and academically.

Include a brief video and academic transcript. Be proactive but respectful of coaches' time.

Start with your best clips to grab attention.

Be especially diligent in updating coaches from your top-choice programs.

If you received feedback, mention how you're working to implement it.