So You Want To Play College Soccer? - Cracking the Code: How to Succeed in College Soccer Recruiting!

87 female athletes have recently committed to 36 North East colleges for the class of 2027

September 21, 2025

Welcome to our essential weekly 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. 

In Today’s Edition

  • Cracking the Code: How to Succeed in College Soccer Recruiting!

  • Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN Score?

Cracking the Code: How to Succeed in College Soccer Recruiting!

The world of college soccer recruiting is both exciting and overwhelming for players and their families. With dreams of competing at the collegiate level, it’s easy to focus on top-tier programs while overlooking the most critical part of the process—finding the right fit.

As a former Division I soccer head recruiter, I’ve seen it all. My inbox was constantly flooded with emails from enthusiastic student-athletes and their families, complete with carefully crafted résumés and highlight videos. But too often, their talent levels didn’t align with the demands of our program. It was heartbreaking to see families invest time and money traveling to clinics, only to realize—before even stepping on the field—that our mid-major program wasn’t the right fit.

This inspired me to create a resource to help players and families understand the realities of college soccer and guide them toward programs where they could truly thrive. Aligning talent and goals is critical—not just to avoid wasted effort, but to save families from unnecessary disappointment and stress.

The Reality of Collegiate Soccer

For high school athletes dreaming of playing in college, the first step is understanding the competitive landscape. NCAA Division I programs get the most attention, but they’re incredibly selective. Only a small percentage of high school players make it to this level. Without clear and realistic goals, players risk missing out on opportunities at programs where they’re more likely to succeed.

Talent Isn’t the Only Factor

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any college soccer program. Coaches evaluate countless players each year, asking one critical question: “Can this player help our team compete at a higher level?” If the answer is no, even highly talented players may not make the cut.

For players and families, this means understanding your true level of ability is non-negotiable. Chasing programs where you don’t match the team’s style or expectations can waste valuable resources—both time and money—and lead to frustration. Instead, focus on programs where you’re competitive and can contribute.

How to Find the Right Fit

The key to a successful recruiting process is identifying the level of play that matches your skills, physical ability, and potential for growth. Here’s how to approach it effectively:

1. Analyze the Path of Others

Look at where your teammates and fellow club players have committed. If players with similar skills are signing with NCAA Division II programs, that’s a strong indicator of where you might fit.

Also, research your club team’s history. Which colleges regularly recruit from your club? Coaches often maintain relationships with certain clubs or regions, increasing your chances of being noticed.

2. Be Strategic with Resources

Instead of attending every clinic or showcase, focus on events where your talent will stand out. Participating in showcases tied to your skill level maximizes your chances of being seen by the right coaches. This approach reduces unnecessary expenses while targeting schools that are the best fit.

Steps for a Smarter Recruiting Process

1. Have Honest Conversations with Coaches

Ask your high school or club coach for a clear evaluation of your skills. Be open to their feedback—don’t just ask for what you want to hear. Coaches who know your abilities well can provide an unbiased perspective on where you’re most likely to succeed.

2. Monitor Response Rates

Track which schools respond to your outreach. If Division I programs aren’t showing interest but Division II or III schools are, it’s a sign to adjust your focus. Pay attention to patterns; they can guide you toward realistic and attainable opportunities.

3. Watch College Soccer Games

One of the best ways to understand the level of play in different programs is to see it firsthand. Attend live games or watch online streams. Pay close attention to the pace, physicality, and skills of freshman players—they’re the athletes you’d be competing against. Compare what you see to your current ability and adjust your target programs accordingly.

4. Study College Rosters

Review the rosters of schools you’re interested in. Look at where the players were recruited from, what leagues they played in, and their accolades. For example, if a roster is filled with players from elite leagues like ECNL or GA, and your experience is in a lower-tier league, you’ll need to assess whether you realistically align with that program’s standards.

Matching Ambition with Reality

Dreaming big is commendable, but setting realistic goals is essential for navigating the recruiting process successfully. When families focus on programs where the athlete’s skills, aspirations, and academic goals align, they reduce stress and improve their chances of finding the right fit.

Remember, the goal of recruiting isn’t just to play college soccer—it’s to find a school where you can grow, feel challenged, and succeed both on and off the field. With honest self-assessment, strategic planning, and research, the process becomes less overwhelming and far more rewarding.

Focus on realistic opportunities and commit wholeheartedly. Success isn’t measured by a conference title; it’s about finding a team and a community where you can truly thrive. By being realistic about your abilities and targeting the right programs, you’ll approach this process with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Get Expert Guidance for Your Soccer Journey

Have more questions about the recruitment process? Don’t tackle them alone. Schedule a free 15-minute Zoom call with Steve who can provide you with personalized support and a clear direction forward.

Join us as we empower you to take charge of your recruitment and turn your dreams into reality

🎯 Stop Wasting Time and Money on the Wrong Schools! What’s your CSN Score?

Your CSN # is the key to understanding which colleges are the perfect fit for your athletic and academic profile. It’s a precise measure that helps identify schools that recruit players with your unique resume and skills.

🚨 87 female athletes have already committed to 36 North East colleges for the class of 2027, with CSN Numbers ranging from 30 to 90. (Schools such as Syracuse, Cornell and Penn State have probably already filled their 2027 rosters!)

We've developed an algorithm that accurately predicts the types of schools that will recruit you based on your personal CSN number and each college’s CSN profile. 

Want to join them? Knowing your CSN # puts you on the path to achieving your college athletics goals and finding a school that values you.

📊 Discover where YOU stand and uncover the best opportunities waiting for you.

The CSN # (College Soccer Network Number) is your personalized recruiting tool to focus your efforts on the right colleges.

Why Get Your CSN?

✅ Target Schools with Laser Focus
Identify colleges that recruit players with similar profiles.

✅ Save Time and Money
Avoid camps and schools that aren’t a fit.

✅ Data-Driven Recruiting
Understand where you stand and what to aim for.

Take Control of Your Journey

Sign up for your CSN # today and focus on schools that match your soccer resume.

👉 Click here to activate your CSN # and start targeting the right schools today! After you purchase, you'll get an email from us requesting a bit of information—once received, we'll send you your personalized number within 24 hours.

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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