'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' Parents, Don’t Scare Away The Coaches! Here’s How To Stay Supportive

Inside the NESCAC Recruiting Process: Timelines, Tips, and Takeaways

December 15, 2024

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. 

  • Parents, Don’t Scare Away The Coaches! Here’s How To Stay Supportive.

  • Maximize Your Exposure to College Coaches with Our Ultimate Branding Package!

  • Inside the NESCAC Recruiting Process: Timelines, Tips, and Takeaways - Bates College Men’s Soccer

Parents, Don’t Scare Away The Coaches!
Here’s How To Stay Supportive.

A Parent’s Guide to the Athletic Recruiting Process

Parents play a crucial role in their student-athlete’s recruiting process, but balancing involvement and allowing your child to lead can be tricky. Many college coaches see parents as an important part of an athlete's support system; however, being too involved can backfire. From knowing when to speak up to understanding NCAA rules, here’s what parents need to know about navigating the recruiting process.

Key Insights into the Parent’s Role

  • The Importance of Parents in Recruiting

    • College coaches rank parents as highly influential in an athlete's recruiting process, with an impact rating of 8 out of 10 in a recent survey.

    • A strong support system can help athletes handle the challenges of recruiting—but over-involvement, like “helicopter parenting,” can often leave a negative impression.

    • Parents should focus on support and encouragement while ensuring their athlete takes center stage during interactions with coaches.

When Parents Should Avoid Talking to College Coaches

While parents naturally want to help, stepping in too early or overstepping can hinder the athlete’s progress.

  • First Impressions Are Key

    • College coaches want to hear directly from athletes, especially at the start of the recruiting process. An introductory email, phone call, or conversation at a recruiting event should always be athlete-led.

    • Coaches are often put off when parents make the first contact, as it can imply the athlete isn’t independent or committed enough.

  • Situations to Avoid

    • Calling a coach to tout your child’s athletic ability.

    • Asking questions about scholarships, campus life, or team dynamics early in the process.

    • Answering a call intended for your athlete—even if they’re nervous.

    • Approaching coaches at recruiting events, which can interrupt athlete-focused evaluations and, in some cases, violate NCAA rules.

  • Impact of Over-Involvement

    • Too much parental presence can take away from the coach-recruit relationship, which is crucial in the decision-making process.

    • To stand out, the athlete should take initiative—this shows maturity, professionalism, and confidence.

When Parents Should Speak to College Coaches

Although parents should avoid taking the lead, there are important moments in the recruiting process where they are encouraged to participate.

  • When Interaction is Welcomed

    • Once an athlete has established a relationship with a coach, it’s perfectly fine for parents to introduce themselves at recruiting events or camps. A friendly hello and a brief interaction can help build rapport.

    • During unofficial or official visits, parents should engage with coaches and ask questions related to the student-athlete’s future at the school.

  • Topics Parents Can Address

    • Admissions requirements and financial aid.

    • Campus safety, housing, and overall logistics.

    • Questions about academics, support systems, or opportunities outside sports.

    • General family-specific concerns that impact the overall fit of the school.

Supporting Your Athlete’s Communication with Coaches

For parents of shy or nervous athletes, the goal is to encourage them to take the lead while providing behind-the-scenes support.

  • Behind-the-Scenes Help

    • Brainstorm questions to ask or topics to cover during conversations with coaches.

    • Proofread emails to ensure they’re professional and clear.

    • Practice phone calls or in-person conversations to boost your athlete’s confidence.

  • Encourage Independence

    • Help your athlete understand the importance of reaching out to coaches first, including sending introductory messages or emails.

    • Show them that being proactive and stepping up early in the process can make them stand out.

  • Respect NCAA Rules

    • Parents should be familiar with NCAA recruiting guidelines to avoid violations. For example, coaches at Division 1 and 2 schools cannot directly contact athletes until June 15 after their sophomore year.

    • Parents should be cautious about approaching coaches at events, as they are often bound by strict regulations on interaction timing.

The Bottom Line

College coaches value the involvement of parents but are ultimately recruiting the athlete, not the family. Parents can positively influence the recruiting process by providing support, guidance, and encouragement behind the scenes. By knowing when to step back and when to engage, parents can help their athlete make the best impression and secure opportunities to succeed—on and off the field.

The ultimate goal? Guide your student-athlete while allowing them to shine. Their independence, initiative, and direct communication with coaches will make all the difference in their recruiting journey.

Stand out College Coaches with Our Pre-Tournament Branding Package!

The Steve Coxon Soccer Network on YouTube 👇

When it comes to showcase tournaments, standing out is everything. College coaches attend with limited time and a clear game plan—they arrive with a pre-determined list of athletes they’re watching and focus their attention on small sections of games. They’re there to evaluate prospects quickly and efficiently, meaning if you’re not already on their radar, it’s easy to get overlooked.

That’s where our Pre-Tournament Branding Package comes in. Designed specifically for high school athletes like you, this package is your ticket to making a lasting impression on college coaches. It ensures you’re not just another player on the field but someone they can’t afford to miss. From enhancing your visibility to highlighting your unique skills, it gives you the tools to proactively get noticed by the right people. This is your chance to take control of your recruiting journey and make sure you’re in the spotlight where you belong.

What's Included in Our Branding Package?

  • Social Media Spotlight: Be featured as one of our top prospects on our vibrant social media platforms, including X, Instagram, and Facebook. Let your skills shine where coaches are actively searching for talent.

  • We create custom pre-tournament images featuring your game schedule, a standout photo of you, and key details tailored to your events. Perfect for posting on your social media, these images help you engage college coaches, connect with fans, and make a lasting impression.

  • YouTube Video Promotion: Your highlight video will be added to our YouTube channel, providing you with a dynamic platform to showcase your skills and attract attention from a wider audience.

  • Weekly Email Blast: Gain direct visibility with our weekly email blast sent to every college D1 and D2 coach in the Northeast region, from the Canadian border down to Maryland. If you're interested, we can extend this reach to coaches in Florida as well.

  • Invest in Your Future for Just $399

For a one-time fee of $399, you'll receive this extensive package that continually promotes you until you sign with the college of your choice. This is your opportunity to stand out in a crowded field and ensure your talent is recognized by the right coaches.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Email Steve today to set up your branding package and start your journey towards securing your future in college sports. Your path to collegiate success starts with being seen by those who matter most.

Simply send an email to [email protected]

How confident are you that the strategies you have in place will grab the attention of college coaches?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Interview with Bates College Men’s Soccer – Coach Juliano Pereira - Inside the NESCAC Recruiting Process: Timelines, Tips, and Takeaways

Summary of Matt's interview with Head Coach Juliano Pereira at  DiscoverCollegeSoccer.com 

  • Key Points from the Interview

    Recruiting Process and Timeline

    • Recruiting Phases: The recruiting process has distinct phases. Currently, the 2024 class is complete, and recruiting for the 2025 class has begun.

    • Application Deadline: Admissions for recruits require submission by the January 10th deadline—no exceptions.

    • Early Connections: Coaches begin tracking potential recruits as early as spring and summer before their main recruiting year.

    Advice for Prospective Student-Athletes

    • Start Early: It's never too early to begin the recruiting process. Sending emails with all relevant information (graduation year, GPA, club team, etc.) is encouraged.

    • Highlight Videos: Include highlight reels to showcase talent. This step can leave a positive first impression on coaches.

    • Attend Camps: ID camps provide exposure to coaches across schools and the opportunity to interact with other recruits.

    • Learn From Peers: Younger athletes can benefit from advice and stories shared by older students already navigating the recruiting process.

    Key Recruiting Venues and Strategies

    • Top Events: MLS Next and ECNL events are priorities as they ensure exposure to high-caliber soccer.

    • Targeted Recruiting: Coaches focus on recruits who have expressed genuine interest in the school, increasing recruitment success rates.

    • ID Camps: Camps are invaluable for athletes outside top leagues to gain visibility and establish connections with coaches.

    International and Transfer Recruitment

    • International Athletes: Bates recruits international players from boarding schools, agencies, and recruiting companies.

    • Financial Constraints: Limited financial aid availability for international students influences recruitment decisions.

    • Transfer Portal: The transfer portal is monitored but isn't a primary focus due to the low transfer rate at the institution.

    Balancing Academics and Athletics

    • Demanding Schedules: The season includes practice almost daily and two games per week.

    • Team GPA Trends: Athletes often perform better academically during the season due to improved organization.

    • Support Systems:

      • Academic resources include tutors, a writing center, and study time during travel.

      • Team members often help each other by sharing experiences and studying together.

    Team and Coaching Philosophy

    • Roster Size: Ideal roster size is around 30 players, though it varies by recruiting class.

    • Staff Setup: The team is supported by a head coach, an assistant coach, a goalkeeper coach, and a strength and conditioning coach.

    • Player Development: Training focuses on fostering a positive team culture and balancing technical skills with enjoyment.

    • Game Strategy: The team aims to play a possession-based, attacking style but adapts based on opponents and game situations.

    Exposure and Personal Interactions

    • Value of Face-to-Face Interactions: Coaches prefer to meet recruits and their families in person, either during campus visits or ID camps.

    • Cultural Fit: Coaches look for top soccer talent and recruits who can positively contribute to team culture and dynamics.

    • Low Transfer Rate: Bates has a low transfer rate, emphasizing the importance of long-term compatibility between recruits and the program.

    Final Advice for Recruits

    • Showcase Personality: Presenting oneself as a well-rounded individual, both academically and socially, is key.

    • Get in Front of Coaches: Personal interactions through ID camps or campus visits provide recruits with an edge.

Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

Join PSK Global for an unforgettable 10-day Overnight Soccer Camp!


🌟TPSK GLOBAL gives you professional soccer coaching, beautiful facilities with a chance to experience true Florida culture and activities.

🎓College coaches will also be helping and evaluating players that attend this camp who have aspirations to play college soccer in the USA.

For boys & girls aged 11-18. All-inclusive at $2250 USD.

Secure your spot from June 29 - July 8, 2025, and experience the best of soccer and Florida culture! 🏖️✈️

https://prosoccerkicks.com/overnight-camps

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