'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' Want to Impress Coaches? Here Are the Dos and Don’ts of Unofficial Visits

Summary of Matt’s Interview with Lafayette College Women’s Soccer – Coach Mick Statham

January 19, 2025

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our essential new 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 week as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

  • Want to Impress Coaches? Here are the Dos and Don’ts of Unofficial Visits!

  • Just Released! Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics  

  • Summary of Matt’s Interview with D1 Lafayette College Women’s Soccer – Coach Mick Statham 

Want to Impress Coaches? Here are the Dos and Don’ts of Unofficial Visits!

Harvard - Image by frimufilms on Freepik

What Are Unofficial Visits?

Unofficial visits give student-athletes the chance to explore college campuses, experience the environment, and evaluate if a school aligns with their academic and athletic goals.

Unofficial visits are self-funded trips to college campuses. Unlike official visits, where schools cover certain expenses, families bear the full cost of these visits. There’s no limit to the number of unofficial visits a student-athlete can take, making them an excellent way to explore schools throughout the recruiting process.

Certain rules apply, particularly for Division I (DI) schools. Athletes in most sports cannot schedule unofficial visits with a school's athletic department or talk recruiting with coaches until August 1 of their junior year. While families can tour campuses earlier, recruiting-related conversations are prohibited until this date. Always check the NCAA recruiting calendar to avoid missteps.

Tip: Avoid busy weekends, like homecoming or other major events, when hotel costs might spike.

Starting unofficial visits early, even before recruiting begins, can provide insight into whether you feel comfortable on a campus. Walk through the dorms, tour the facilities, and imagine yourself as a student living there for four years.

Unofficial Visits by Division Level

The rules for unofficial visits vary depending on the division level of the school.

  • Division II (DII), Division III (DIII), and NAIA schools have fewer restrictions. Athletes of any age can arrange visits with athletic staff and discuss recruiting opportunities.

  • Division I schools have stricter guidelines. Athletes cannot schedule visits through the athletic department or speak about recruiting with coaches until August 1 of their junior year of high school.

For upperclassmen visiting DI programs or recruits visiting other divisions, unofficial visits are vital for advancing your recruiting discussions. Before planning a visit, confirm the opportunity is realistic. Ask yourself:

  • Have you been in contact with the coach?

  • Has the coach reviewed your academic records or highlight video?

  • Have you or your high school/club coach discussed visiting?

If the answer is “yes” to most of these questions, chances are you’re ready to take that step. You can reach out to the coach yourself or ask your high school/club coach to assist in coordinating the visit.

For Younger Athletes

Underclassmen exploring DI schools can focus on general campus tours. Visit libraries, residence halls, and nearby areas to understand the school's atmosphere. Consider including some DII, DIII, or NAIA schools in your visits—sometimes, the best fit is where you least expect.

Tip: Pair visits to schools in the same region to save time and money. For example, if you’re attending a tournament or event in a certain area, check if nearby colleges align with your interests.

What to Expect During an Unofficial Visit

Each school’s setup is unique, but most unofficial visits include meetings with the coach to discuss athletic opportunities, a facilities tour, and a firsthand look at the campus. Depending on the timing, you may even attend a sporting event.

To fully immerse yourself in the college experience, consider these activities during your visit:

  • Sit in on a class or tour the library.

  • Explore housing options, both on and off-campus.

  • Eat in the student cafeteria to sample the food.

  • Set up meetings with academic advisors or training staff.

  • Walk the campus to absorb the atmosphere.

Bring a notepad to jot down your thoughts after the visit. While this might seem unnecessary, visiting multiple schools can blur the details together. Reflecting on your notes will help when it’s time to narrow down your options.

Planning Your Visits

Successful unofficial visits require planning and preparation. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Identify Top Choices
    Since travel expenses can add up, focus on 2-3 schools you’re seriously considering and that are manageable to reach, either by driving or as part of a larger trip.

  2. Select Available Dates
    Look at your calendar and choose dates that work for you and your family. Maximize your time by pairing nearby schools into a single visit—like planning trips to UCONN and Quinnipiac on the same weekend.

  3. Contact Coaches
    If NCAA rules prevent coaches from responding by email or text, call them directly. Mention your interest in visiting and ask about their availability to meet. Be persistent, and don’t get discouraged if it takes several attempts to connect.

Early planning, even as an underclassman, helps you refine your target list of schools and make informed decisions.

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

Prepare a list of questions in advance to ensure you address key concerns. Examples include:

  • Athletic Expectations: What skills and traits do they seek in a recruit?

  • Academic Requirements: What is the program’s academic standard, and what resources are available to support athletes?

  • Training and Commitment: What level of commitment is expected during holidays and off-season periods?

  • Current Team Dynamics: Will you meet players to get a sense of team culture?

  • Facilities: What training and recovery resources will you have access to?

Coaches appreciate prepared, thoughtful questions—it demonstrates your genuine interest.

Don’ts During Unofficial Visits

To make the best impression, avoid these common pitfalls:

  1. Stay Off Your Phone
    Being glued to your phone can appear disrespectful. The team and coaching staff are dedicating their time to you—be engaged and present throughout the visit.

  2. Be Humble
    Confidence is good, but arrogance isn’t. Avoid bragging about personal stats or achievements. Stay approachable and professional while being yourself.

  3. Don’t Wear Another School’s Apparel
    Skip outfits with logos from other colleges—it might suggest divided interest. Opt for neutral or school-appropriate attire.

  4. Be Respectful
    Show appreciation for everyone you meet, from coaches and teammates to academic staff. A thank-you note afterward is a great way to leave a positive impression.

  5. Keep Scholarship Talks Private
    Avoid discussing financial offers with other recruits or team members. These conversations should remain between you and the coaching staff.

  6. Have an Open Mind
    Keep a positive outlook, even if the school wasn’t initially a top choice. You might discover unexpected programs or features that make it your perfect fit.

Follow Up After Your Visit

Once home, send a thank-you email to the coach. Mention what you enjoyed about the campus and programs, and express your appreciation for their time. Include details about your upcoming events or competitions, so they know where to see you in action next.

Unofficial visits are a valuable part of the recruiting process, helping athletes and their families make informed decisions about which schools and teams align best with their goals. Planning, being mindful of the details, and making a good impression will maximize the impact of each visit.

Just Released! Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics

We’re thrilled to announce a unique chance to shine in front of college coaches.This spring, we’re hosting exclusive ID Clinics for both boys and girls at the brand-new Day Hill Dome in Windsor, CT. These clinics are the perfect chance to showcase your talent and elevate your game while connecting with top college coaches.

A Premier Showcase for Aspiring Players - Your opportunity to Shine and Get Noticed!

Whether you’re a male or female athlete, these clinics are designed to help you take a confident step toward your college soccer aspirations. We’ve invited college coaches from across New England and the Northeast, representing DI, DII, and DIII programs, making this an incredible opportunity to get noticed by the best in the game.

With only 50 player spots available per clinic, space is very limited. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and make the most of this exciting event!

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now

This is your chance to shine and take your skills to the next level. Slots are filling up fast, so don’t delay! Register today to lock in your place and ensure your spot at this high-profile event.

Summary of Matt’s Interview with Lafayette College Women’s Soccer – Coach Mick Statham Discovercollegesoccer.com

  • Recruitment Timeline: Coach Statham starts evaluating players seriously during the second semester of their sophomore year. Although NCAA rules restrict direct communication until June 15th of their junior year, the groundwork for recruitment begins earlier. This early start allows the coaching staff to gather information and observe players over time.

  • Targeted Recruitment Approach: The recruitment strategy is highly focused on players who have already been identified and communicated with. Coach Statham rarely attends games without a list of specific recruits to watch. This targeted approach ensures that the coaching staff's efforts are concentrated on players who have shown interest and potential fit for the program.

  • Tournament and Game Strategy: Coach Statham attends specific tournaments and league games, particularly within the Northeast region, to observe recruits. He prefers watching players in settings where they are more comfortable, such as local games, rather than during exhausting multi-day tournaments. This approach helps in assessing players' true abilities and resilience.

  • Role of Camps in Recruitment: While not a primary focus, ID camps are used to evaluate players' personalities and skills in a different setting. These camps provide a unique opportunity for direct interaction and coaching, allowing the staff to assess how players respond to coaching and their ability to integrate into the team culture.

  • Desired Player Attributes: On the field, Coach Statham looks for players with good technique, intelligence, and psychological resilience, especially in challenging situations. Off the field, he values personality traits such as warmth, kindness, and a willingness to contribute positively to the team environment. These attributes are crucial for maintaining the team’s culture and cohesion.

  • Transfer Portal Usage: Although the transfer portal has become a significant aspect of college sports, it is not a major component of Lafayette's recruitment strategy. The team currently has two transfers, indicating a selective approach to using the portal, focusing on players who can seamlessly integrate into the team.

  • Emphasis on Honesty and Clarity: Coach Statham highlights the importance of honesty and clarity throughout the recruitment process. He believes that being straightforward with recruits about what the program offers and expects helps ensure a good fit. This transparency is crucial for both the coaching staff and the recruits to make informed decisions.

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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