So You Want To Play College Soccer? - Double Down on the Divisions That Show Interest!

What level can you really play at? Find out for Free!

February 01, 2026

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

  • Double Down on the Divisions That Show Interest!

  • No more BS! What level can you really play at? Find out for Free!

🚨Double Down on the Divisions That Show Interest!

Figuring out where a player fits in the college soccer recruiting process can be one of the most challenging parts of the journey. With opportunities available across Division I, II, and III, the options can feel overwhelming. The key is to focus on finding the right level of competition where the player can thrive both athletically and academically. Instead of chasing the biggest names, it’s about being strategic and realistic. Here’s a straightforward, no-nonsense four-step plan to help you cut through the noise and zero in on the best fit for the player.

  1. Start Broad: List 20 Schools Per Division

The first step is to create a list of 20 schools for each division. This is your research phase, so don’t hold back—cast a wide net. Include dream schools the player has always wanted to play for, schools that align with their academic goals, and programs you may not have considered but could be a good fit.

When building this list, it’s important to be both realistic and ambitious. If the player isn’t a Division I-level athlete, don’t fill the list with only high level D1 schools. Instead, aim for a mix of top-tier and mid-tier programs within each division. Consider factors like the player’s athletic ability, academic performance, and any connections you might have with specific programs. This broad approach will give you a clearer picture of the opportunities available and help you identify where the player might fit best.

  1. Contact Every School on the List

Once you’ve compiled your list, it’s time to take action. Start reaching out to the coaches at every school on the list. This step is critical, as coaches won’t magically discover the player—you need to make the first move.

When contacting coaches, keep the communication professional and to the point. Each email should include the player’s athletic resume, a highlight video showcasing their skills, academic achievements, and a brief explanation of why they’re interested in that specific program. Personalization is key here. Coaches can spot a generic email from a mile away, and it’s a quick way to get ignored.

Take the time to mention something specific about the program, such as a recent win, a standout player in the player’s position, or the team’s playing style. For example, you could write, “I saw your team’s strong performance in the conference finals last year and admire how you’ve developed midfielders like [Player Name].” This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their program.

Most importantly, let the player take the lead in these communications. Coaches want to hear directly from players, not parents. It demonstrates initiative, maturity, and a genuine interest in the program.

  1. Track Responses and Gauge Interest

After sending out emails, give coaches some time to respond. Keep a record of who replies and who doesn’t. A lack of response doesn’t necessarily mean the player isn’t good enough—it could simply mean the team doesn’t have open spots or isn’t actively recruiting for their position. Don’t take it personally; recruiting is competitive, and timing plays a big role.

For the coaches who do respond, pay close attention to the tone and level of interest in their replies. Are they asking for more footage? Inviting the player to visit? Sharing details about their program? These are all signs of genuine interest. On the other hand, generic responses may indicate that they’re keeping their options open but aren’t fully invested in the player as a recruit.

Tracking these responses will help you identify where the player is gaining traction and which programs are worth pursuing further.

  1. Focus on the Divisions That Care

Here’s where you double down. If Division II and III schools are responding more than Division I programs, that’s a clear signal of where the player’s skills align. Focus your energy on the divisions showing the most interest.

This doesn’t mean giving up on higher-level aspirations, but it’s about being realistic and strategic. The feedback from coaches is your guide to finding the best fit for the player. Instead of wasting time chasing programs that aren’t responding, put your efforts into the schools and divisions where the player has a real shot.

Once you’ve identified the divisions with the most traction, narrow your list further. Research those schools in-depth, follow up with coaches, schedule campus visits, and attend their showcases or camps. The goal is to build strong relationships with the programs that are genuinely interested in the player.

Quick Tips for Parents and Players

  • Be Proactive: Don’t wait for coaches to find the player. Take the first step in reaching out and showcasing their abilities.

  • Prioritize Academics: Soccer is only part of the equation. Coaches want student-athletes who can succeed in the classroom too.

  • Stay Organized: Use a spreadsheet to track schools, responses, and deadlines. Organization is your best friend in this process.

  • Be Patient: Recruiting takes time. Follow up sparingly and focus on building strong relationships with programs that show genuine interest.

The Bottom Line

The recruiting process isn’t about chasing the biggest name or the flashiest program. It’s about finding the right fit where the player can thrive both on the field and in the classroom. By following these steps, you’ll let the “market” of college coaches guide you to the level where the player belongs.

It’s not about where they start—it’s about where they’ll grow. Stay focused, stay realistic, and trust the process.

#NoBSđź’Ş

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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