As we approach the end of the school year, it is probably a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of academic success and the role it plays in the college recruitment process. When going through the college soccer recruiting process, you must understand that the University and what it stands for is based on academics. College athletics is only possible because of the academia for which the school was built.
Your academic obligations should always be at the forefront, as they will be one of the biggest contributors to allowing you to continue playing the sport you love. Before you even start to think about your college academics, you have to realize that in high school you are a student athlete, as well.
Your high school should be holding you to a high standard. If they are not, then it is your responsibility to do that for yourself. No excuses! Getting good grades is a must and, without this part of the formula, the recruiting equation will never be solved. Make sure you are on the right path with your high school counselor, taking good notes, studying, and asking for help when needed.
Never be embarrassed if extra help is needed! Teachers see asking for additional help as brave and are more willing to work with you because you have made an effort to show you care about your future. You must always remember that you are going to the school to be a student. Your Professors and everyone in the academic community will hold you to the same standard (and usually higher) than your fellow peers. This will be a lot to take on initially, but, with a commitment to work hard, you will come out on top!
The chance to play soccer in college is so much more than just the game itself. Opportunities will come, but only if you are willing to put the work in, in the classroom. I’m not going to sit here and say you can never play soccer collegiality if you get bad grades. What I can say is that it will be much much harder to be admitted if you do. Getting bad grades now is only setting up a pattern that will make college that much harder for you once/if you get in.
Keep doing the right things and your hard work won’t go unnoticed. Stay focused and do everything you can to become the best soccer recruit possible!
The College Soccer page on the CRYSC website offers a great starting point for parents and players interested in college soccer. For more information, visit our webpage here. For any questions or concerns, please contact CRYSC’s College Placement Director at [email protected].
