So You Want To Play College Soccer? -Control the Controllables: Your Path to College Soccer Success!

Winners Stalk Success: How to Apply This Mindset to College Recruiting

June 22, 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. 

  • Control the Controllables: Your Path to College Soccer Success

  • Winners Stalk Success: How to Apply This Mindset to College Recruiting

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

Control the Controllables: Your Path to College Soccer Success

The journey to playing college soccer can feel overwhelming. Between showcases, highlight videos, contacting coaches, and balancing schoolwork, high school athletes often feel like there’s too much to juggle. It’s easy to focus on things that are out of your hands, like whether a coach opens your email or if someone else gets scouted instead of you.

But here’s the truth: success in the recruiting process comes down to focusing on what you can control. By centering your energy on actionable steps and maintaining the right mindset, you can set yourself up for success. Here’s how to take charge of your future as a high school soccer recruit.

1. Prepare Like a Pro

Preparation is the foundation of success, and it’s 100% within your control. Being well-organized and proactive puts you ahead of the game. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Build a Strong Highlight Video

Your highlight reel is often the first impression a coach has of your game. Make sure it’s high quality and professional:

  • Showcase your best skills, positioning, and decision-making abilities.

  • Keep it concise (3-5 minutes).

  • Update it regularly as your game improves.

Know Your Target Schools

Research schools that fit your athletic ability, academic interests, and personal preferences. Create a balanced list of dream programs and realistic options. This will guide your communication strategy and help you focus on the schools that matter most.

Stay on Top of the Process

Avoid missing deadlines for applications, NCAA Clearinghouse registration, or showcase events. Create a timeline with reminders for:

  • Application deadlines.

  • Sending updates to coaches.

  • Dates for camps or showcases.

2. Master Communication

The recruiting process is as much about how you present yourself off the field as it is about your performance on it. Clear and professional communication is something you can control at every stage.

Craft Polished Emails

When reaching out to coaches:

  • Address them by name.

  • Mention specific details about their program.

  • Share why you’re interested in their team.

  • Attach your highlight reel and include relevant stats (GPA, position, graduation year).

Be Responsive and Proactive

  • Respond quickly and politely to coaches’ replies.

  • If they don’t respond, follow up after a week or two with a friendly reminder.

  • Make it easy for them to connect with you. Prompt, consistent communication shows you’re serious about their program.

3. Focus on Your Mindset

Success in recruiting isn’t just about skills and stats; it’s also about how you handle setbacks and uncertainty. Staying mentally strong can help you push through challenging moments.

Stay Positive

Not every coach will reply to your messages, and not every showcase will lead to offers. That’s okay! Focus on the progress you’re making and celebrate small wins, like a coach requesting your reel or planning to watch you play.

Bounce Back from Rejection

Hearing “no” or being ignored is part of the process. Use it as motivation:

  • Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?”

  • Improve your fitness, sharpen your technical ability, or target different schools.

  • Keep going and stay focused.

Control Your Attitude

Show up with energy and enthusiasm every day. Coaches notice players who are not only talented but also disciplined and coachable. Maintain a can-do attitude during practice, games, and even sideline conversations.

Final Thoughts

The recruiting process is full of ups, downs, and uncertainties—but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow as an athlete and individual. By focusing on what you can control, you’ll not only make the process less stressful but also maximize your chances of finding the right college fit.

Work hard, stay proactive, and keep a positive mindset. And remember, every step forward—even the small ones—is progress toward your dream. Control the controllables, and success will follow.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

Winners Stalk Success: How to Apply This Mindset to College Recruiting

“Winners Stalk Success!”
This powerful quote posted by Greg Berge is more than just a mantra—it’s a mindset. But how does it apply to the college recruiting process? Simple: winners don’t wait for success to come to them. They actively pursue it with focus, discipline, and determination.

If you’re a high school athlete navigating the path to college soccer, adopting this mindset can set you apart. Here’s how winners stalk success—and how you can do the same in your recruiting journey.

1. Winners Always Show Up

Tip: Attend college showcase events and ID camps regularly.
Consistency is key. By showing up, you not only get on coaches’ radars but also demonstrate your commitment to the process. The more you’re seen, the better your chances of being remembered.

2. Winners Lead by Example

Tip: Take responsibility for your recruiting process.
Be proactive. Reach out to coaches early, send updated highlight reels, and stay on top of communication. Leading by example shows coaches that you’re serious about your future.

3. Winners Set the Standard

Tip: Create a standout player profile on recruiting platforms.
Make sure your profile is complete and compelling. Include your GPA, stats, playing history, and any other relevant details. A polished profile sets you apart from the competition.

4. Winners Create Great Habits

Tip: Dedicate time weekly to your recruiting efforts.
Set aside time each week to email college coaches, update them on your schedule, and ask for feedback. Staying organized and consistent will pay off in the long run.

5. Winners Compete Every Day

Tip: Approach recruiting with the same intensity as your games.
Treat your recruiting efforts like a competition. Research schools, tailor your outreach, and follow up consistently. The more effort you put in, the better your results will be.

6. Winners Hold Others Accountable

Tip: Collaborate with teammates and coaches.
Ask your coach for recommendations or feedback to ensure you’re on the right path. Working with others can provide valuable insights and keep you motivated.

7. Winners Protect Their Team Culture

Tip: Highlight your team spirit when talking to college coaches.
Coaches value players who contribute to team unity. Share examples of how you’ve supported your teammates and how being part of a team has shaped your character.

8. Winners Have a ‘One More’ Mindset

Tip: Go the extra mile.
Reach out to one more coach, attend one more camp, or film one more standout play for your highlight reel. That extra effort could be the difference-maker in your recruiting journey.

9. Winners Win

Tip: Success in recruiting is about persistence.
Stay disciplined, believe in your abilities, and keep adjusting your approach until you find the right fit. Winning in recruiting isn’t about luck—it’s about effort, resilience, and determination.

Final Thoughts

The college recruiting process is challenging, but by adopting the mindset of a winner, you can take control of your journey. Winners don’t wait for opportunities—they create them. They show up, lead by example, and go the extra mile to achieve their goals.

So, are you ready to stalk success? Start today, and remember: persistence, preparation, and passion will lead you to the right college fit. Winners stalk success—and you can too.

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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