So You Want To Play College Soccer? -“It’s Not How Good You Are But Who Know’s You Are Good!”

Sweeping NCAA Changes Could Spell the End for Walk-ons

June 08, 2025

In Today’s Daily Edition

Welcome to our essential daily 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 day as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

  • “It’s Not How Good You Are But Who Know’s You Are Good!”

  • Sweeping NCAA Changes Could Spell the End for Walk-ons

  • Sign up for "So You Want to Play College Soccer Daily"

“It’s Not How Good You Are But Who Know’s You Are Good!”

Dreaming of playing college soccer? You’ve got the talent, the passion, and the ambition. But here’s the truth – being good isn’t always enough. To stand out in a sea of talented athletes, you need to make yourself visible. College recruiting is highly competitive, and the players who succeed are the ones who strategically position themselves in front of coaches.

Want to get on their radar? Here are five actionable steps to boost your visibility and take your recruitment journey to the next level.

1. Email Coaches

First impressions matter, and a well-written email is often your first shot at connecting with a coach. Craft a personalized message that highlights your key stats, achievements, and enthusiasm for their program.

  • Keep your email concise but impactful.

  • Include a link to your highlight reel (more on that in Step 2).

  • Share details about upcoming games or tournaments where they can see you play live.

Show genuine interest in their team and how you’d fit into their program. The goal is to grab their attention without overwhelming them with unnecessary information.

2. Create an Eye-Catching Highlight Video

Coaches have limited time, and your highlight reel is often their first impression of your talent. A high-quality video showcasing your skills, decision-making, and athleticism is a must-have.

  • Keep it 3–5 minutes long to maintain their attention.

  • Start with your best plays to hook them right away.

  • Focus on game scenarios that reflect your soccer IQ and ability to impact the field.

Don’t forget to include your name, position, and graduation year at the start of the video. Make it easy for coaches to identify you in their database.

3. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for athletes. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter allow you to showcase your abilities and connect directly with coaches or recruiters.

  • Post clips from games, training sessions, and fitness routines.

  • Highlight your achievements, such as awards or accolades.

  • Keep your profiles professional and clean; coaches will often research you online to learn more about your character.

    You never know who might come across your content!

4. Attend Showcases and ID Camps

Showcases and ID camps provide valuable opportunities to be seen by multiple coaches at once. These events are recruiting hot spots, so make the most of the experience.

  • Demonstrate leadership on the field.

  • Follow up with coaches afterward to thank them for their time and keep yourself top of mind.

Coaches remember players who not only perform well but also make a lasting impression through their attitude and professionalism.

5. Excel Academically

Strong academics can set you apart from other recruits. Coaches want well-rounded players who can manage the demands of both sports and school.

  • Maintain solid grades and test scores.

  • Remember, strong academics can open doors to scholarships and aid opportunities.

A coach is more likely to recruit a player who excels in the classroom, as it reflects their work ethic and reliability.

Final Thoughts

College soccer recruiting isn’t just about being the best player on the field – it’s about showcasing your talent to the right people in the right way. By emailing coaches, creating standout highlight reels, using social media strategically, attending key events, and prioritizing academics, you’ll be well on your way to getting noticed.

Take control of your recruitment process today, and make sure everyone knows how good you really are. Remember, the path to playing at the next level starts with visibility. Now it’s time to be seen!

#SoccerRecruiting #CollegeSoccer #AthleteGoals

Sweeping NCAA Changes Could Spell the End for Walk-ons!

The NCAA v. House settlement is ushering in monumental changes to collegiate sports, creating challenges and opportunities for athletes. At the forefront of these changes are new roster size limits, set to replace traditional scholarship caps starting this July. While designed to streamline team management, these changes have ignited uncertainty among high school athletes aiming to play at the next level.

With tighter team restrictions, many young athletes are confronting reduced opportunities as colleges adjust to the new rules. Here’s what these seismic shifts mean for aspiring collegiate players and how they could impact the future of college sports.

What Is the NCAA v. House Settlement?

This groundbreaking settlement stems from lawsuits aimed at compensating athletes who were historically barred from profiting during their collegiate careers. The agreement has introduced two key changes that are reshaping the college sports landscape:

  1. Roster Size Limits – These will replace traditional scholarship caps, potentially limiting the number of athletes that can join a team.

  2. Revenue Sharing – For the first time, colleges have the option to directly share a portion of their revenue with athletes.

While the revenue-sharing model is seen as a financial breakthrough for many athletes, roster size limits are prompting concern. Smaller rosters force programs to make tough decisions about who gets to wear their jersey, inevitably leaving some athletes on the sidelines.

A Shift in Focus Toward Transfers

One key consequence of this settlement is the growing emphasis on transfer athletes over high school recruits. With roster sizes capped, programs are favoring experienced collegiate players who are seen as ready to contribute immediately.

This shift places high school athletes at a significant disadvantage. Rather than developing first-year talent, many programs now prioritize filling their teams with seasoned players from the transfer portal. For young athletes hoping to break into collegiate sports, this creates a steeper climb toward visibility and opportunity.

The Decline of Walk-On Opportunities

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the new NCAA regulations is the reduction of walk-on opportunities. Walk-ons have long been a crucial part of college sports, often making significant contributions despite not receiving scholarships. Many have even gone on to achieve professional success.

Under the updated rules, these non-scholarship opportunities are being phased out, effectively closing a historic pathway for passionate athletes willing to fight for their spot on the roster. This change has sparked widespread concern among athletes, coaches, and fans alike, as it limits access to college teams for those outside traditional recruiting pipelines.

Not All Schools Are Adopting the Changes

It’s important to note that these sweeping regulations are mandatory for Power Four conference schools but optional for smaller programs. Many smaller schools are choosing to opt out, citing financial limitations as a barrier to implementing revenue-sharing or adhering to new roster size constraints.

This disparity has created a two-tiered system in college sports. While Power Four schools are leading the charge with revenue-sharing and tighter rosters, smaller schools may see increased opportunities for athletes who would otherwise be overlooked.

The Debate Surrounding the Changes

Unsurprisingly, the NCAA v. House settlement has sparked heated debates across the sports landscape. Critics argue that these changes prioritize financial benefits for institutions and select athletes at the expense of broader opportunities for others. High school recruits, in particular, are losing essential pathways to develop their skills and showcase their abilities.

On the other hand, supporters believe the revenue-sharing model is a necessary step forward in recognizing the value that athletes bring to their programs. Proponents argue that this shift balances the scales after years of restrictions on athlete compensation.

What Lies Ahead?

The NCAA is at a crossroads, and the future of collegiate sports remains uncertain. For aspiring athletes, adapting to these changes will require strategic thinking and resilience. High school players should consider alternative ways to stand out, such as participating in exposure-oriented showcases, enhancing highlight reels, and improving academic records to appeal to programs juggling tighter rosters.

One thing is clear – these reforms are redefining the college sports experience. The elimination of walk-on opportunities and the reduced emphasis on developing young talent may leave lasting impacts on the sports world. It’s a new era, and only time will tell how these sweeping changes will shape the aspirations and careers of future athletes.

Stay prepared, stay adaptable, and seize every opportunity to make your mark.

#CollegeSports #NCAAChanges #AthleteRecruiting

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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