'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' ID Clinics Through a College Coach's Eyes: My Player Evaluation Process!

Interview with Carnegie Mellon Women’s Soccer, Coach Yon Struble - High Academic Environment!

January 05, 2025

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our essential new 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. 

  • ID Clinics Through a College Coach’s Eyes: My Player Evaluation Process!

  • Feeling Lost In Your Recruiting Journey? 

  • Interview with Carnegie Mellon Women’s Soccer, Coach Yon Struble - High Academic Environment!

ID Clinics Through a College Coach’s Eyes: My Player Evaluation Process

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Over nearly two decades as a Division 1 coach and recruiter, I’ve had the opportunity to run more ID clinics than I can count. One question I hear time and time again is, “What do you look for in a player?” It’s a great question because, while talent is certainly important, there’s so much more to the equation. An ID clinic is your stage to showcase who you are—not just as an athlete, but as a prepared, determined, and coachable individual. The way you approach this opportunity speaks volumes about your potential. Here’s what set players apart and left a lasting impression on me as a coach.

Preparation Talks

Preparation doesn’t go unnoticed. When an athlete shows up prepared, it’s obvious. Before you even arrive, I want to know that you’ve taken the time to learn about our program. Do you understand how our team plays? Are you aware of the qualities we value in our athletes? These are things you should consider as you plan your approach.

Additionally, I highly encourage athletes to reach out beforehand. If you’re interested in our program, shoot me an email introducing yourself. Be personal and genuine—tell me why you’re interested in our team and what you hope to bring to it. This shows not only initiative but also a real interest in becoming part of our program. Be specific and honest; avoid cookie-cutter messages.

Players with Strong Resumés and Proven Backgrounds

While raw talent and effort matter, your background as a player is a critical part of the equation. I pay close attention to athletes who come from respected programs. Competing at a high level often means you’ve already been exposed to structure, discipline, and challenging competition. It’s not the only factor I consider, but it demonstrates you’ve been sharpened in an environment that prioritizes growth and achievement.

Your resumé is your calling card. If you’ve won significant accolades, played at a top club program, it tells me you know what it takes to perform under pressure. If I see that you’ve consistently thrived in competitive settings, it makes me confident that you’ll transition well to the college level.

Far too often, players attend our clinics with résumés that simply don’t meet the standards required for a program of our caliber. A recent analysis of the 2026 Division 1 recruiting class on the female side revealed that 95% of the 800+ verbally committed players come from either the ECNL or Girls Academy leagues. While not being part of one of these leagues isn’t an automatic disqualifier, it does make the road to recruitment significantly tougher—especially as the competition grows fiercer at higher levels. It’s crucial to be realistic about your opportunities and thoroughly research what it takes to meet the expectations of top programs.

Showcase the Right Strengths

When it’s time for the games to start, show me what you’re about. What makes you different from the other players running the same drills? It could be your speed, your vision on the field, your knack for positioning, or your leadership. Showcase those strengths, but don’t lose sight of the team dynamic. One of the most impressive qualities I look for is a player who can shine individually while still focusing on team success.

Be vocal—but in the right way. Coaches always notice leaders on the field who can command attention with positivity. If there’s a mistake, offer encouragement. If someone makes a great play, recognize it. An athlete who lifts their teammates up immediately stands out as someone I’d want on my roster.

Addressing Weaknesses

Perfection isn’t what I’m looking for. Every athlete has areas for improvement, and I admire players who are self-aware enough to acknowledge that. At an ID clinic, I’m watching not only how well you perform but also how you handle adversity. Did you make a mistake? How did you react? Did you shut down, or did you double down and make up for it?

During the camp, don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek feedback. It shows humility and a willingness to learn, which are traits every coach values. If I can see you’re coachable, adaptable, and willing to work on your game, that’s a sign you’re someone worth investing in.

Come Fit, Sharp, and Ready to Perform

One of the first things I notice as a coach is how physically prepared an athlete is when they step onto the field. To stand out, you need to come into the clinic fit, sharp, and ready to give your best effort. Believe me, your physical condition reflects your commitment to your craft—and that doesn’t just start on the day of the event. It begins long before you arrive.

Start by prioritizing your fitness. Follow a structured training regimen leading up to the clinic that ensures you’re at your peak. Your speed, stamina, and agility—these are things I see instantly during drills and scrimmages. If you’re prepared, it shows in how you move, recover, and perform.

Your nutrition, hydration, and rest are just as important as your training. Make sure you’re eating clean, balanced meals in the days leading up to camp. Go for foods that fuel you—complex carbs, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid heavy, processed, or sugary foods that will slow you down. Hydration is non-negotiable. Start drinking water well in advance so you’re not trying to catch up the morning of the camp.

Rest is the unsung hero of preparation. A well-rested athlete is a focused athlete. Get enough sleep during the nights preceding the event—at least 7-8 hours—and avoid late nights or anything that might leave you drained. Fatigue impacts decision-making, reaction time, and mental focus, all of which we coaches evaluate just as much as physical abilities.

When you arrive at the clinic in top condition, it’s clear you care about your performance and you’ve put in the work to prepare. It’s a signal to me that you’re taking the opportunity seriously and that you have the discipline required to succeed at the college level.

Ultimately, when I’m watching you on the field, I want to see an athlete who is energetic, sharp, and focused. You can’t achieve that without the right preparation. Trust me when I say, showing up fit and game-ready won’t just help you perform—it will make you stand out to every coach watching.

Engage Professionally

Connecting with us during the camp can be nerve-wracking, but it’s one of the most important actions you can take. I want to hear from you—not just through email before camp, but in person, too. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself during check-ins, between sessions, or even in the cafeteria or on the tour. You don’t need to have a long conversation—just a quick introduction shows me that you’re confident and sincerely interested in being here.

Understand, however, that there are limits to what we can discuss due to recruiting rules during the camp. This is your chance to make an impression and introduce yourself—not to talk about scholarships or roster spots. Keep it professional and focused on building a connection we can follow up on later.

What Really Stands Out

Here are some key behaviors that leave a lasting impression on me as a coach running an ID clinic:

  • Work Rate and Resilience
    Show me you’re relentless. Work hard off the ball, offensively and defensively. Recover quickly when you lose the ball. When you get knocked down, get right back up. Your work ethic is a direct reflection of your potential as a college athlete.

  • Respect off the Field
    I’m not just watching you during scrimmages. I’m observing how you interact with other athletes, the camp staff, and even the counselors directing you to fields. Respect matters, and it’s something I notice immediately in players.

  • Playing for the Team
    While individual talent matters, we’re here to build a team. If you lift others, value teamwork, and play your role with precision, you’re exactly who we’re looking for.

  • Positive Energy
    Confidence and enthusiasm are contagious. If you’re having fun and showing passion for the game, it’s hard not to notice. Loving the process translates directly to working hard, learning, and improving.

  • Follow Through
    After the camp is over, follow up with me. Send a follow up email that references something specific from camp—a conversation we had or a play you made. It tells me you’re serious about being part of our team, and it helps me remember you among the many athletes I see during these clinics.

Final Words

When I lead an ID clinic, I’m evaluating far more than raw talent. I want to see players who demonstrate thorough preparation, a willingness to be coached, relentless effort, and strong character. These qualities speak volumes about your commitment and the kind of teammate you’ll be. How you present yourself—both on and off the field—gives me a glimpse into your future as a student-athlete. Are you the type of player I can trust to excel and grow in my program for the next four years?

Think of the clinic as your moment to showcase what makes you unique, both on and off the field. Be prepared, take initiative, demonstrate leadership, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—just recover from them. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll not only catch my attention, but you’ll leave me excited about the possibility of bringing your unique skillset to my program.

This is your opportunity. Make it count!

Feeling Lost In Your Recruiting Journey? 

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the recruiting process? Watching your teammates sign with college programs can be exciting, but it might also leave you feeling unsure of your path. Or perhaps you're just beginning your recruiting journey and have no idea where to start. You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.

Take the first step towards clarity and confidence by scheduling a FREE 15-minute call with Steve.

Whether you need advice, a progress check, or guidance on your next moves, this quick conversation could make all the difference. Don't sit on the sidelines—tap into the support you need today!

Reach out to Steve at [email protected]

Summary of Matt’s Interview with Coach Yon Struble at DIII Carnegie Mellon - Discovercollegesoccer.com

Transfer Portal Impact:

  • Carnegie Mellon's unique academic standards make undergraduate transfers challenging unless from a similar institution.

  • The team rarely utilizes the portal but does explore graduate student athletes leveraging their fifth-year eligibility.

  • High Academic Environment:

    • Students apply directly to specific schools within Carnegie Mellon (e.g., Tepper Business, Fine Arts), each with unique requirements.

    • Academic rigor demands time management, and soccer serves as a balance for players between academics and athletics.

    • The university’s "return on investment" is highlighted with graduates achieving strong outcomes post-degree.

  • Recruiting Approach:

    • Recruiting timeline typically wraps up by summer before the senior year (e.g., Class of 2024 finished prior summer).

    • Camps are critical to recruitment; all current players have attended one, providing direct, in-depth evaluation with Carnegie Mellon staff.

    • Strong emphasis on academics during recruiting—players must meet specific academic prerequisites based on their intended major.

    • Nationally diverse roster stemming from attending tournaments nationwide and detailed outreach to potential recruits.

  • ID Camp Philosophy:

    • Camps are designed to ensure participants are both academically and athletically viable for the program.

    • Coach Yon prefers in-house camps over traveling to external ones for better player-team interaction.

  • Balancing Academics & Athletics:

    • Practices adapt to players' academic schedules; flexibility is prioritized.

    • Training may alternate between morning and evening depending on class conflicts.

    • Team benefits from extensive support such as strength and conditioning, sports psychology, and academic resources.

  • Typical Week During Conference Play:

    • Training sessions are scheduled around a university-wide moratorium on classes from 5-6 PM.

    • Players balance late evening or early morning practices, twice-weekly strength training, and academics.

    • Conference play often involves significant travel, including flying to games and proctoring exams/quizzes during travel.

    • Match schedule includes single-game weekends and occasional double-game weekends requiring Thurs-Sun travel.

  • Team Roster & Structure:

    • Roster size hovers around 32-33 players, with adjustments for injuries, academics, and field availability.

    • Practices integrate starters and reserves rather than separating players for more equitable development opportunities.

  • Advice for Prospective Recruits:

    • Division III programs like Carnegie Mellon can communicate with players without restrictions—initiate early contact.

    • Players should craft personalized emails with specific reasons for their interest in the program and school.

    • Demonstrating academic and athletic alignment with Carnegie Mellon is critical in getting noticed.

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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