So You Want To Play College Soccer? - Embracing 'No': The Secret to Thriving Under Rejection!

Join Us Tomorrow for a Free Q&A About Your Soccer Journey!

November 09, 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

  • Embracing 'No': The Secret to Thriving Under Rejection!

  • 128 female athletes have already committed to 45 North East colleges for the class of 2027!

Why Rejection is Your Secret Weapon for Success

Rejection. It’s a word that makes most of us uncomfortable. Whether it’s in sales, job interviews, or college sports recruitment, the fear of hearing “no” can feel like a dead end. But what if we changed the narrative? What if hearing “no” wasn’t a setback but a stepping stone?

The truth is, rejection is one of the most powerful tools for growth. It’s not just an obstacle to overcome—it’s an opportunity to learn, refocus, and thrive. In fact, if you’re not hearing “no” often enough, you might not be pushing yourself hard enough.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. For every “yes” I’ve earned, I’ve faced countless “nos.” And while rejection can sting, it’s also a gift. A “no” isn’t just a closed door; it’s a chance to pivot, improve, and move forward. Let’s dive into why hearing “no” can be one of the most transformative experiences in your journey.

1. Rejection Brings Clarity to Your Path

A clear “no” is more valuable than you might think. Why? Because it provides clarity.

When an opportunity is definitively off the table, you can stop wasting time and energy chasing it. Instead, you can redirect your focus to the opportunities that are still alive. This clarity allows you to prioritize what truly matters and ensures your time is spent on pursuits with real potential.

Think about it: time is your most precious resource. Chasing every “maybe” can drain you, leaving little energy for the opportunities that count. A “no” sharpens your focus, helping you streamline your efforts and double down on the people, programs, or clients who are still engaged.

In the world of college sports recruitment, for example, hearing “no” from a coach is far better than being ghosted. Silence leaves you in limbo, but a direct “no” gives you the freedom to move on and invest your energy elsewhere.

2. Rejection is a Gateway to Insight

A “no” doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. In fact, it can be the beginning of some of the most valuable insights you’ll ever receive.

When you hear “no,” take it as an opportunity to ask for feedback. A simple, thoughtful response like, “Thank you for your honesty. Is there any advice you can share to help me improve? Or is there someone else you’d recommend I connect with?” can open unexpected doors.

This approach does two things:

  • It shows maturity and a willingness to learn.

  • It can lead to actionable guidance or even new connections.

Coaches, recruiters, and decision-makers respect individuals who demonstrate resilience and curiosity. By asking for feedback, you not only gain valuable insights but also leave a positive impression. Sometimes, the feedback you receive after a “no” can be the key to unlocking your next opportunity.

3. Rejection Fuels Your Drive to Succeed

Let’s face it: rejection hurts. But it also has the power to ignite a fire within you.

A “no” can challenge you to dig deeper, refine your skills, and push yourself to the next level. Many success stories are born from moments of rejection. Athletes, for example, often point to the times they were overlooked or cut from a team as the turning points in their careers.

Coaches love to share stories of athletes they initially passed on, only to watch them grow, evolve, and eventually excel. These moments of rejection become the fuel for greatness.

The same applies to any field. A “no” can be the motivation you need to work harder, improve your craft, and prove the doubters wrong. It’s not the rejection itself that defines you—it’s how you respond to it.

Why You Should Welcome Rejection

Hearing “no” isn’t the end of the road. It’s a tool—a powerful one—that can help you grow, sharpen your focus, and build resilience.

Here’s what a “no” can do for you:

  • Provide Direction: It frees you to focus on opportunities with real potential.

  • Offer Valuable Insights: It opens the door to feedback and new connections.

  • Inspire Growth: It challenges you to improve and push forward.

The next time you face rejection, don’t fear it. Don’t avoid it. Instead, embrace it. Respect it. Use it. Every “no” you hear brings you one step closer to the right “yes.”

So, the question isn’t, “How do I avoid rejection?” The real question is, “How can I use rejection to my advantage?”

The power of a “no” lies in how you choose to respond. Will you let it stop you, or will you let it propel you forward?

Rejection isn’t the enemy—it’s a teacher. And with every “no,” you’re learning, growing, and getting closer to success.

Looking for Information on Roster Openings, ID Clinics, or College Commitments?

Are you part of the graduating class of 2027, 2028, or 2029? If so, now is the time to arm yourself with the right information to make smart, informed decisions about which universities to target and which ID clinics to attend.

Navigating the college soccer recruiting process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s where The Recruiting Hub comes in—a FREE community designed to simplify your journey and set you up for success.

Why Join The Recruiting Hub?

Here’s how this free resource can help you take control of your recruiting future:

  • End the Confusion
    Get a clear, actionable plan tailored to your recruiting goals. No more guesswork—just a step-by-step approach to help you focus on the right opportunities.

  • Boost Your Visibility
    Learn how to maximize your chances of getting noticed by college coaches. From crafting standout emails to attending the right ID clinics, we’ve got you covered.

  • Save Time with Insider Tips
    Access expert advice and proven strategies without spending hours researching on your own. The Recruiting Hub gives you the tools you need, all in one place.

  • Stay Ahead of the Competition
    Discover the latest updates on roster openings, college commitments, and ID clinic schedules so you can act fast and stay ahead.

  • It’s 100% FREE
    Yes, you read that right. Joining The Recruiting Hub won’t cost you a dime, but the benefits could be priceless for your future.

Don’t Miss Out—Take Control of Your Recruiting Journey!

The enrollment window is closing soon, so don’t wait. Join The Recruiting Hub today and get the resources, guidance, and support you need to succeed in your college soccer journey.

Take the first step toward your future—your dream school is waiting!

Got questions about the recruitment process? Don’t navigate it alone!

Join us tomorrow at 5 PM (Monday, Nov. 9th) for an informative and casual Q&A session with Steve. Whether you’re wondering about roster openings, ID clinics, or how to stand out to college coaches, this is your chance to get all your questions answered.

☕ What to Expect:

  • A relaxed, casual chat over a cup of coffee.

  • Expert advice to help you take charge of your recruitment journey.

  • Actionable tips to turn your soccer dreams into reality.

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself and get clarity on the entire process!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

130 Female Athletes Have Already Committed to 47 North East Colleges for the Class of 2027!

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.

🚨 130 female athletes have already committed to 45 North East colleges for the class of 2027, with CSN Numbers ranging from 30 to 90. (Schools such as Syracuse, Dartmouth, 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.

Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

  • The Steve Coxon Soccer Network - Click Here

  • Join our FREE Soccer Scholarship Community and connect with like-minded players and parents navigating the same path “The Recruiting Hub” - Click Here

  • Soccer Spotlight Video, run by ex-D1 player Jack Burridge, can turn your full-game footage or specific timestamps into polished highlight videos (Mention The Steve Coxon Network to receive 10% off your next order)- Click Here

  • 2024 Men's NCAA Division 1 Soccer Tournament Bracket - Click Here

  • 2024 Women's NCAA Division 1 Soccer Tournament Bracket - Click Here

  • RPI - Check out the Women's College Soccer RPI by clicking this link.

  • RPI - Check out the Men's College Soccer RPI by clicking this link.

  • NCAA Eligibility Center - Click Here 

  • United Soccer Coaches - Awards and Rankings 

  • Twitter/X - @Imyouthsoccer

  • Twitter/X - @ImCollegesoccer

  • Exclusive Insights from College Coaches on the Recruiting Process - https://discovercollegesoccer.com/schools/

  • The Informed Athlete - Helping student-athletes excel in sports and academics while navigating eligibility rules - Click Here

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