1. Recruiting by college coaches is often a two-way deal Many times it is the player that initiates the communication Very few kids are just sought out based on soccer alone If you do receive a letter or questionnaire from a school make sure you respond in a timely manner I ALWAYS suggest that the player (not parent) initiate and continue the communication

2. Many different levels and there is most likely a place for almost everyone. If you really want to play, you CAN make it somewhere NCAA Divisions I, II, II NAIA Junior Colleges Just know your level and ability. Ask your HS or Club coach for an opinion. Be realistic about scholarships and the opportunity to earn one. Walk-on a possibility???

3. Know what you are looking for and do your research Create a list of schools with a few “dream schools/programs”, 4 – 6 “realistic opportunity schools”, a few “not my top choice but I’d consider it…” Think about all aspects of the school, not just soccer, i.e – location/weather, class sizes, school size, potential academic major… I know that we coaches are influential, but what if we leave, or worse yet you get seriously injured? Get on the internet, go to games, make unofficial visits

4. Timeline of Recruiting **This has changed dramatically over the past 3-4 years and is possibly changing again as we speak … Freshmen – start to gather research, keep your grades up, meet with an academic counselor at school to make sure you are taking the right core courses, play in tournaments where coaches can begin to evaluate your game Sophomore – “see above”, contact coaches, take visits, attend ID camps, some (very few) are making commitments at this age Junior – “see above”, attend Jr Day to see a game, make unofficial visits, many are committing sometime during this year, PSAT, SAT, ACT, Clearinghouse Senior – “see above”, make official visit(s), apply for FAFSA, KEEP YOUR GRADES UP!

5. Why go to tournaments all the time? Be seen by schools you are interested in Be seen by new schools (attending tourneys in different geographical areas will expose you to different coaches) Coaches may watch for a friend if he/she can’t make it Get good games on video Play against good competition

6. Why are academics important? Your soccer career will eventually end, your work career and life will keep going….. There are two piles of letters...the ones a coach can get into school and the ones you can’t...which pile do you want to be in? Helps with academic scholarships The truth about athletic scholarships…

7. NCAA Rules for College Coaches No Texting! Letters and s after Sept 1 Jr year Phone calls (1 per week) and Home Visits after July 1 Sr Year Unofficial Visits can be made at anytime at your cost, you can stay with players, you can talk to coach about anything, you can make as many as you want Official Visits - make 5 after you start your SR year of HS You can call a coach anytime and discuss anything

8. How to contact a college coach Start with a letter and resume Letter- make it personal and never send a generic , always include any reference as to WHY you are interested in their school (friend, you saw them play, like their specific academic program, etc) Resume – grad year, position, # on field...don’t miss the obvious ones Follow up with an or phone call, be persistent Video is an option but not the ideal way to see a player many coaches have different ideas of what they want to see, so ask first what positions they are looking for in your class, will they accept recruited walk–ons,

Show sample resume and take questions………