Navigating Your College Soccer Recruitment Process This Fall

For freshmen, recruitment is not a primary concern. Instead, you should concentrate on developing solid academic, athletic, and social habits.

• Academics: Establish good study habits, meet with your guidance counselor, review the NCAA’s academic guidelines, and aim to keep your GPA as high as possible.

• Athletics: Attend all practices and work on physical conditioning like speed and strength training. Evaluating game film and incorporating individual training will help you improve.

• Recruiting: Recruitment is not a focus yet, but you can begin learning about the process by watching college soccer games (ESPN+), practicing highlight reels, and discussing your goals with your family.

While sophomores aren’t yet actively recruitable, they can still begin preparing for the future.

• Academics: Keep up with coursework, maintain high grades, review the academic guidelines for the NCAA, and use tutors when needed.
• Athletics: Dedicate yourself to practices, continue training individually, and evaluate your own performance by watching film.
• Recruiting: This is a great time to begin building your online presence through social media and highlight videos. Utilize platforms like SportsRecruits to create a recruiting profile, and start following and engaging with college coaches.

For juniors, this is a critical time in the recruitment process. Coaches will be evaluating players closely, so it’s important to be proactive.

• Academics: Make sure you’re meeting NCAA academic standards and continue to prioritize your GPA.
• Athletics: Give 100% effort in practices, focus on individual training, and consistently evaluate your own performance through game film.
• Recruiting: Now is the time to start reaching out to college coaches, attending showcases, and updating your highlight reel every 2-3 weeks. Engage regularly with coaches via email and social media, and attend local ID camps to get more exposure. Work closely with your coaches and directors for advice and guidance on how to best navigate this crucial stage.
• Support: Complete the CRYSC Junior Survey and follow up with CRYSC CPP Director Anthony Presnell to establish and execute your individual recruiting roadmap!

Seniors should be in full recruitment mode, actively narrowing their list of target schools, communicating with coaches, and fine-tuning their highlight reels.

• Academics: Ensure you meet all NCAA academic requirements and continue excelling in school.
• Athletics: This is the time to give it your all in practices, maintaining physical conditioning while reviewing film regularly.
• Recruiting: Communicate frequently with coaches, update highlight videos every 2-3 weeks, and attend local college games. Stay focused on your goals, use your coaches for guidance, and keep re-evaluating your school list to ensure it’s the best fit for you.
• Support: Complete the CRYSC Senior Survey and follow up with CRYSC CPP Director Anthony Presnell to establish and execute your individual recruiting roadmap!