Introduction
Many times parents and players are seeking information on the college soccer and recruitment process. They are not sure where to turn for information. There are so many questions to ask. When do I apply to College? How important are test scores? How do I contact a college coach? Do I need a video? What is the NCAA Clearinghouse? How do I begin the recruitment process?
It is very important to know that no one course is correct for everyone. Each school and coach may handle the process differently for their prospective student-athletes. But there are many things you need to know about the process before you begin.
Our goal is to provide current and prospective SDFC players with a pathway that will prepare players on and off the field for college through the correct application process.
Even though the club has only been in existence since 2009, the club has graduated many players that have gone on to play college soccer and many of our current players have recently committed to institutes of higher education.
For a full list of our college commitments, please click HERE
NCAA College bound student-athlete handbook
Eligibility Center Homepage
Planning & Preparation Timeline for HS Athletes
Freshman/Sophomore
- Focus on Grades and completing core courses
- Begin enquiring into different college programs
- Begin to attend college ID camps to get to know a campus, other potential incoming players, current players and the coaching staff and what it takes to succeed
Junior
- Continue to build GPA and research college
- Begin to speak with club coaches about what level you could be a fit
- Compile a list of Schools
- 1-2 dream or ‘reach’ schools
- 2-3 attainable schools
- 2-3 ‘safety nets’
- Contact the coaches from those schools and introduce yourselves with a brief email.
- Make unofficial visits
Senior
- Narrow down your search and go on official visits
- Maintain GPA and look to improve test scores if possible
- Division 1 schools have typically finished recruiting their scholarship athletes by this point but are still actively seeking non-scholarship players. Divisions II and III are still actively recruiting all players.
2. Things to Consider
Divisions in College
- Division I
- Division II
- Division III
- NAIA
- NJCAA
Which schools to look at?
- School Size
- Available Major
- Types of financial aid available (Athletic, Academic, Needs based)
- Location (city v rural)
- Would you go to the school if soccer was unavailable (Injuries, at least 4 years)
Soccer
- Playing time - will I start freshman year, be a bench player or red-shirt?
- Can I ask a recruiting coach what their plans are?
- What position does the coach see you playing the most minutes?
- Style of play - Do you fit in/enjoy the coaching sessions and style of play.
- Time commitment - Different levels of commitment through the different divisions
3. Application help
Composing a relevant introduction letter
- Bullet points of what is needed
- Positive example of introductory letter - available soon
4.
Visits
- Info regarding unofficial/official, what to make the most of during visits etc