So You Want To Play College Soccer? - Don’t Attend a College ID Clinic Without Reading This First!

117 Female Athletes Commit to Northeast Schools for the class of 2027!

October 19, 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

  • Don’t Attend a College ID Clinic Without Reading this First!

  • 117 Athletes Committed for 2027! : What's Your CSN Score?

Don’t Attend a College ID Clinic Without Reading this First!

It’s that time of year! Colleges are all offering their Fall ID Clinics over the next few weeks! ID Clinics are a huge component in the recruiting journey, but there are plenty of things you should do—and not do—before attending one of these events.


After nearly two decades as a Division 1 coach and recruiter, I’ve attended more ID clinics than I can count. One question I hear repeatedly is, “What do you look for in a player?” It’s a great question, but the answer goes far beyond raw talent. Talent on the field is important, but much more factors into evaluating a prospective student-athlete.

An ID clinic is your opportunity to show coaches who you are—not just through your athletic performance, but also through your preparation, attitude, and adaptability. How you approach these clinics reveals as much about your potential as what you do during the session. Here’s what truly makes players stand out and leave a lasting impression.

Show Up Prepared

Preparation is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to catch a coach’s attention. It’s easy to spot athletes who have done their homework.

Have you researched the program? Do you understand how the team plays and what the coaching staff values in their players? Showing up with this knowledge demonstrates genuine interest in the program—not just checking off another event on your list.

Don’t attend a College ID Clinic without first emailing the coaches. Introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in their program, and personalize your message. Skip the cookie-cutter templates—a thoughtful, genuine email shows effort and enthusiasm, setting you apart from those who show up unannounced.

Did the coach reply? If not, and you haven’t had a conversation with them, I’d recommend reconsidering. Showing up unannounced is almost always a recipe for disappointment. Harsh? Maybe. But coaches attend these events with a list of players they’re focused on. They simply don’t have the bandwidth to evaluate every player equally.

It’s no accident when certain players are placed on the stadium field while others are sent to auxiliary fields with volunteer coaches. Preparation and communication make all the difference!

Your Background and Resumé Matter

While natural talent is essential, an athlete’s background and experience can make or break their recruitment chances. Coaches often notice when a player comes from a top program or has competed at a high level. These factors suggest you’ve experienced structure, discipline, and challenging environments, which prepare you for the demands of college sports.

Your resumé acts as your first impression. Notable accolades, strong performances in competitive leagues like ECNL or MLS Next, and evidence of thriving under pressure all speak volumes. If you’re not part of these leagues, don’t lose hope—but it’s crucial to align your expectations with the programs you’re targeting.

Do your homework before attending a camp. Look up the college program’s roster and see if players with your experience and qualifications are part of their team. If your resumé doesn’t align, you may need to adjust your approach or target different schools.

Highlight Your Strengths

When it’s time to perform, focus on what makes you unique. Whether it’s speed, technical ability, leadership, or tactical awareness, lean into your strengths and showcase how you stand out from the rest.

That said, college coaches value players who balance individual impact with team contributions. Can you shine without overpowering the team dynamic? Being a vocal and positive leader on the field also stands out. Coaches notice players who lift their teammates with words of encouragement and enthusiasm, even after mistakes.

Bounce Back from Mistakes

Mistakes happen—that’s part of learning and growing. What coaches care about is how you handle those moments. Do you brush yourself off and refocus, or do you dwell on the error? Resilience and composure under pressure are key qualities we look for.

Want to make an even better impression? Ask questions or seek feedback during the camp. This shows self-awareness, a willingness to learn, and humility. Players who are adaptable and eager to improve are far more appealing than those who play it “safe” and avoid stepping out of their comfort zone.

Arrive Fit and Game-Ready

Your fitness level is one of the first things a coach notices. How you move, recover, and compete speaks to how seriously you’ve trained and prepared for this opportunity. You only get one first impression, and showing up fit and sharp signals you’re ready for the demands of the game and that you respect the opportunity to showcase your skills.

Leading up to the clinic, create a training plan that sharpens your speed, stamina, and agility. On top of that, focus on proper nutrition, hydration, and rest in the days before the event. Fuel your body with balanced meals, stay hydrated, and prioritize quality sleep. Fatigue affects decision-making and performance, so show up rested and energized.

Build Professional Connections

Introducing yourself to the staff during a clinic might feel nerve-wracking, but it leaves a positive impression. Whether it’s at check-in, between sessions, or during a casual moment, take the chance to approach the coaching staff. A friendly and confident introduction makes you memorable.

Keep conversations professional. Recruiting rules limit what coaches can discuss during camps, so stick to building rapport, not negotiating scholarships or roster spots.

Standout Behaviors

Beyond skill and talent, coaches look for personal traits that make an athlete an excellent addition to the team. Here are the key behaviors that always stand out:

  • Work Ethic
    Hustle on the field. Chase down loose balls. Fight to recover when possession is lost. Relentless effort doesn’t go unnoticed.

  • Respect for Others
    How you treat staff, teammates, and even camp counselors matters. Coaches pay attention to your behavior off the field just as much as on it.

  • Team Mentality
    A selfless player who prioritizes teamwork and lifts others up is invaluable. Show that you’re ready to be part of something bigger than yourself.

  • Positive Energy
    Enthusiasm is contagious. Passion and love for the game don’t just inspire others; they make you stand out in the best way.

  • Follow Through
    If you impress at camp, a coach may have a brief conversation with you about next steps. If that doesn’t happen, don’t be discouraged! Send a follow-up email after the camp, referencing a specific conversation or moment during the session. Thoughtful communication shows you’re truly invested in their program.

Final Thoughts

ID clinics go far beyond displaying your talent. Coaches aren’t just looking for great players; they’re looking for prepared, coachable, hardworking, and resilient athletes. Your character matters just as much as your performance. They are going to spend the next 4 to 5 years with you, so they want to make sure you are a fit on and off the field.

Every moment at these clinics is a chance to demonstrate why you’re a great fit for a program. Approach the opportunity with preparation, leadership, and determination. When you showcase what makes you unique, both on the field and off, you’ll leave a lasting impression.

This is your moment. Make it count!

Want to find a comprehensive list of all the ID Clinics in your area?
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🎯 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.

🚨 117 female athletes have already committed to 43 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