'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' - The Perfect Combo: How to Leverage Athletic and Academic Scholarships!

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our important new blog series, where over the next 5 to 6 weeks, we will guide you through every step of the college recruiting journey. Whether you're just starting out or are well into your process, we'll cover essential topics like creating your standout highlight video, building a targeted college list, and strategies to secure that coveted scholarship. No matter where you are on your journey, our series is packed with crucial tips and advice to help you succeed. Join us each week as we empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the recruiting landscape with confidence.

This Week:

• The Perfect Combo: How to Leverage Athletic and Academic Scholarships in Recruiting
  

• Stay in the Game: Mastering the Art of College Coach Follow-Ups and Communication
  

• Join our FREE College Soccer Network Community!
  

• Reach out today to book your complimentary 20-minute Zoom session and jumpstart your recruiting journey!

The Perfect Combo: How to Leverage Athletic and Academic Scholarships in Recruiting

Combining Athletic and Academic Scholarships

While the term “student-athlete” is commonly used in the recruiting process, the focus often leans toward the “athlete” aspect. Many athletes aspire to secure an athletic scholarship to play in college, as it can significantly fund their education. However, the "student" side of the term is equally crucial, particularly when scholarships are involved.

If you're among the approximately 98% of student-athletes who do not secure a full-ride athletic scholarship, you can still obtain a partial athletic scholarship. Fortunately, you can also qualify for an academic scholarship. By combining these, you can effectively finance your college education, much like a “full-ride” would.

How Academic Scholarship Athletes Boost Athletic Budgets 

Athletes with academic scholarships provide a significant 'Budget Boost' for athletic programs, a factor that coaches and athletic directors highly value. When these athletes receive funding through academic scholarships, they do not draw from the limited athletic budget, which means more financial resources are available for other critical team needs.

Student-Athletes Can Combine Athletic and Academic Scholarships, But…

…It depends on the NCAA division, your GPA, and your entrance exam scores. The NCAA classifies academic scholarships as “non-athletic financial aid.” 

While the process of combining athletic scholarships with other scholarships can be complex, if your academic record qualifies you for an academic scholarship, it should be straightforward. If there are questions about your eligibility, check with the school’s compliance office.

Know The Differences Between Athletic and Academic Scholarships

In general, the differences between athletic and academic scholarships are clear. Academic scholarships are based on your high school GPA and entrance exam scores. Some schools may also require an essay. These scholarships usually cover part of tuition, textbooks, and fees, with no limit on how many you can receive.

Athletic scholarships have less defined criteria, varying by school, sport, and coach needs. NCAA regulations cap the number of athletic scholarships per school, varying by sport and division. Most college sports are equivalency sports, allowing any number of partial scholarships as long as they don't exceed the NCAA cap.

Academic scholarships often last four years, contingent on maintaining a requisite GPA and good standing. Athletic scholarships, while perceived as four-year commitments, are usually annual and require renewal. They can be jeopardized by injury, poor grades, or team issues.

Earning An Academic Scholarship Won’t Affect Your Athletic Scholarship Opportunities, Unless…

In terms of partial scholarships, coaches assign a numeric value to team members. If you have academic scholarships, it might influence the athletic scholarship amount offered. For instance, if an NCAA Division II softball team has a scholarship limit of 7.2 for 18 players, the coach needs to distribute them strategically. An academic scholarship covering 70% of your expenses might lead the coach to adjust your athletic scholarship amount accordingly.

The dynamics are varied, but possessing athletic talent and an academic scholarship generally enhances your appeal to coaches. However, it might affect the proportion of athletic scholarship you receive.

Lastly, all colleges are not equal in costs. A combined scholarship covering 80% of tuition at College A might still be more expensive than a 50% package at College B. Understand your expected family contribution (EFC) and use it to compare offers, ensuring you select the best combined scholarship package.

Article utilizing content from CaptainU

Stay in the Game: Mastering the Art of College Coach Follow-Ups and Communication

Athlete Check-In with Coaches

Finding the right match between high school recruits and college coaches requires open communication. Student-athletes should lead by sharing consistent updates, asking questions, and discovering common interests.

4 Ways to Maintain Communication

Schedule your next contact before ending a conversation. Ask coaches their preferred update frequency. Share your and your high school/club coach's contact info. End with a personal message to show interest.

How Often to Check In

Frequency depends on the recruiting stage and sports season. Prioritize responses within 24 hours and follow up every 48-72 hours if needed. Be persistent yet respectful.

Tips for Following Up

Purposeful communication is crucial; avoid random messages and plan your updates. Consistency is key—track and schedule your communications. Timing matters; consider coaches’ schedules and avoid peak times. Engage by asking relevant questions to show interest.

Insider Tip: NCAA rules may limit coach responses; be patient and aware of indirect communication through your coaches.

20 Reasons to Update a Coach

1. You have a new highlight or skills video.

2. You have new key stats that demonstrate improvement.

3. You received new, higher SAT or ACT scores or want to update them on your grades, GPA, or NCAA core course requirements.

4. You're attending their camp and look forward to meeting them in person.

5. You want to know what additional information they need to evaluate you as a recruit.

6. You seek advice on what camps or combines to attend or events they'll be watching.

7. You’re applying or just applied to their school.

8. You want to congratulate them or their athletes on a big win.

9. You are visiting their school and want to meet them on campus.

10. You or they received an honor or award, such as all-league or academic recognition.

11. You received a scholarship offer from another college.

12. You want to share your summer training, tournament, or camp schedule.

13. You want to know your rank in their recruiting class or types of athletes they recruit.

14. You want to know if they’ll offer you an official visit or scholarship.

15. You’re following up with a thank-you call after a campus visit.

16. You have a new reference for the coach to contact.

17. You’d like to set up a phone or video call to learn more about them and their program.

18. You established a new personal best, gained a skill, or beat a higher-ranked opponent.

19. You seek advice on improving your athletic skills and techniques.

20. You signed up for the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center or requested your amateurism certification.

Which Communication Method is Best?

Email is ideal for key updates and schedule coordination. Use phone calls for engaging conversations and check-ins. Texting is suitable for quick updates and well-wishing. Social media helps build relationships and share updates.

Recap: Keeping Up with Coach Communication

Maintain regular communication to build strong relationships. Be engaged, respectful, and persistent in your efforts.

Read the full article at NSCASports.org

Join our FREE College Soccer Network Community and Share your Highlight Video for FREE!

Are you enjoying our weekly newsletter but craving more in-depth insights and interactions? Dive deeper into the world of college soccer recruiting by joining the College Soccer Network! In just 10 days, we've welcomed over 75 passionate members, and we're just getting started. ⚽️

By joining our community, you can:

🔍 Get answers to your pressing questions from experienced parents, players, and our seasoned ex-D1 coach, Steve.

📹 Share your highlight videos and resumes directly with coaches, getting your talent noticed.

📚 Utilize our comprehensive guide to track commitments and stay informed every step of the way.

This is your chance to be part of a fast-growing team that's dedicated to elevating your recruiting journey. Join us today and take the next step towards your college soccer dreams!

Join the College Soccer Network for Free and become an essential part of our vibrant community.

Where are you on your recruiting journey?

If you're a 2025/26 athlete and starting to feel uneasy about the lack of interest, it's time to take action. Remember, most schools will have their rosters locked at 28 players by 2025 and 2026. This means players could face cuts or decommitments due to limited roster spaces. Don't wait until it's too late—email me now to schedule your free 20-minute analysis and get ahead in your recruiting process.

Simply send an email to [email protected]

Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

• 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

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