So You Want To Play College Soccer? -13 Red Flags for Soccer Recruits to Avoid!

Success Stories: Amelia Stephens signs for D1 William & Mary!

June 01, 2025

In Today’s Daily Edition

Welcome to our essential daily blog series on college recruitment! Whether you're just beginning your journey or are already deep into the process, this series is designed with you in mind. We'll delve into crucial topics like crafting an impressive highlight video, developing a strategic college list, and mastering the art of securing scholarships. Regardless of where you stand, our series is filled with essential tips and guidance to propel you towards success. Join us every day as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

  • 13 Red Flags for Soccer Recruits to Avoid!

  • Success Stories: Amelia Stephens signs for D1 William & Mary!

  • Sign up for "So You Want to Play College Soccer Daily"

13 Red Flags for Soccer Recruits to Avoid!

The college soccer recruiting process is both thrilling and challenging. It’s a chance to showcase your skills, connect with passionate coaches, and find the perfect fit for your athletic and academic future. But, success in this process requires more than talent on the field. Avoiding common mistakes can make or break your chances of standing out to the right program.

Below are 13 common red flags that soccer recruits often overlook. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you maximize your recruiting potential and put your best foot forward.

1. Only Contacting 5-10 Schools

Reaching out to a small number of schools limits your opportunities. College soccer is highly competitive, and broadening your outreach to include programs at all levels increases your chances of finding the ideal fit for your goals.

Pro tip: Aim to contact 20-30 schools, spanning different divisions, to keep your options open.

2. Focusing Only on Division 1

While Division 1 programs are often viewed as the top tier, many quality teams and resources are available in Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA programs. Schools in these divisions can offer excellent experiences both on and off the field.

Pro tip: Explore opportunities across divisions to ensure you're choosing the best program, not just the most prestigious label.

3. Not Creating or Sharing Game Film

Game film is one of the most critical tools for college recruiters. Coaches rely on highlight reels and full game footage to evaluate your skills, decision-making, and potential. If you don’t provide this, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage.

Pro tip: Create a polished highlight reel and share it with every school you contact.

4. Waiting Until Junior Year to Start Recruiting

Starting the recruiting process too late significantly reduces your options. Coaches often solidify their recruiting classes early, so waiting until junior year leaves you scrambling to catch up.

Pro tip: Begin researching and contacting schools during your freshman or sophomore year to get ahead of the game.

5. Using Generic Emails

Sending generic, cookie-cutter emails to coaches won't leave a positive impression. Personalized messages demonstrate your genuine interest in their program and set you apart from other recruits.

Pro tip: Mention specifics about the school’s program, team, or coaching style in every email you send.

6. Skipping Program Research

If you're reaching out to schools without knowing much about their soccer program or institution, it shows. Coaches want recruits who are committed and knowledgeable about their team and values.

Pro tip: Spend time researching each school’s playing style, recent records, and campus life before making contact.

7. Ignoring Academics

Your academic performance matters more than you think. Coaches are looking for student-athletes who will thrive academically and represent their team positively. Poor grades can automatically disqualify you.

Pro tip: Focus on maintaining a strong GPA and meeting the eligibility requirements for your target schools.

8. Expecting Coaches to Find You

Recruitment isn’t passive. Waiting for college coaches to discover you will delay the process or result in missed opportunities. Be proactive in reaching out and attending showcases or camps to make yourself visible.

Pro tip: Don’t wait for a call. Make the first move and introduce yourself.

9. Only Focusing on Soccer, Not School Fit

While soccer is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The school you choose should also fulfill your academic, lifestyle, and personal needs.

Pro tip: Consider factors like academics, campus size, location, and culture when evaluating programs.

10. Being Unresponsive to Coaches

Not replying to coach emails or messages can make you appear uninterested. Consistent communication is key to building strong relationships during recruitment.

Pro tip: Respond to coaches quickly and professionally, even if it’s just to acknowledge their message and say you’ll follow up soon.

11. Ignoring Coaching Feedback

Constructive criticism from coaches is an opportunity to grow—not an insult. Ignoring feedback can signal to coaches that you’re unwilling to improve.

Pro tip: Thank coaches for their feedback, and show them how you’re working on the areas they pointed out.

12. Not Following Up After Contact

After you’ve reached out or had an initial conversation with a coach, it’s vital to follow up. This keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re seriously interested in their program.

Pro tip: Send a quick note after a showcase, call, or camp to thank the coach and reiterate your interest.

13. Neglecting Your Social Media Presence

Your social media profile is often the first impression a coach gets of you. Unprofessional posts or a lack of soccer-related content can hurt your chances.

Pro tip: Regularly update your profiles with accomplishments, highlights, and positive posts to showcase your character and skills.

Final Thoughts

By avoiding these red flags, you’ll improve your odds of successfully navigating the soccer recruiting process. Be proactive, stay organized, and focus on showcasing both your athletic abilities and your character.

Remember, recruiting is about finding the right fit for you as a student-athlete, not just landing at a big-name school. Your ideal program is out there. Take the steps to make it happen!

Success Stories: Amelia Stephens signs for D1 William & Mary!


We’re delighted to share that Amelia Stephens has committed to the Division 1 women’s soccer program at William & Mary. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as Amelia achieved this without participating in the Girls Academy (GA) or Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), which are often considered common paths to Division 1 opportunities.

Her success highlights how a combination of ability, preparation, and the right guidance can pave the way to significant achievements. Amelia’s dedication and focus on improving her game have been central to her reaching this milestone.

This is a proud moment, and we look forward to seeing her growth both on and off the field at William & Mary. Amelia’s story reminds us that every player’s path is unique, and there are many ways to achieve success in sports.

Are you ready to shape your soccer future? Visit us at stevecoxonsoccernetwork.com to set up a free 10-minute consultation and take the first step toward your own success story!

Want to Stay Ahead in the Recruiting Game?- Get Daily Tips and Updates Delivered Straight To Your Inbox!

Subscribe to "So You Want to Play College Soccer Daily", your must-have guide for navigating the recruiting process. Get:

✅ Daily updates on available spots and commitments
✅ Time-saving tips and strategies
✅ Exclusive Zoom calls with recruiting expert Steve

All this for just $10/month or $99/year. Don’t leave your future to chance—gain the edge you need in the competitive world of college soccer!

Time is running out. Sign Up Now and secure your edge in the changing world of college soccer.

Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

About: Steve Coxon College Soccer Network

Steve has 20 years of college-level experience, 17+ years in D1 as the Head Recruiter. He has facilitated more than $30 million in college scholarships.

Location - Connecticut, USA