'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' The November & December Playbook!

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our exciting 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.

This Week - November & December Playbook: Essential Steps for Soccer Players on the Recruitment Trail

• Freshman Year: Kicking Off Your College Soccer Dreams

• Sophomore Year Spotlight: Strengthening Your Path to College Soccer

• Junior Year: Recruitment Ready Checklist for Aspiring College Athletes

• Senior Year Sprint: Final Push Towards College Sports Dreams

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

Kickstarting Your College Sports Journey: Freshman Year Focus

Embarking on the journey to becoming a collegiate athlete is both exciting and challenging. Your freshman year of high school is the perfect time to lay a solid foundation for future success. Here’s a month-by-month guide for November and December to help you on your way.

November: Strengthen Your Athletic Skills

• Focus on Development: Dedicate time to hone your skills in various sports. Enjoy the process.

• Explore Local Clubs: Research local clubs and teams that might provide additional opportunities and connections to college coaches.

Family Discussions

• Goal Setting: Have open conversations with your family about your aspirations to play college sports. Their support and understanding are crucial.

• Plan for Camps and Clinics: Look into local clinics and camps that can help you improve your skills over the winter and spring.

Communicate with Coaches

• Engage with Coaches: Speak with your high school and club coaches about your college sports ambitions. Their insights and advice can be invaluable.

• Meet with Your Guidance Counselor: Discuss your academic path and ensure you’re on track for NCAA eligibility requirements.

Build Your Target List

• Research Schools: Start compiling a list of colleges you’re interested in. Take virtual tours to get a feel for their campus environments and athletic facilities.

Focus on Academics

• Finish Strong: As the fall semester winds down, make sure you’re doing well academically. Seek help in subjects where you need it.

December

Research Committed Athletes

• Understand the Competition: Look into athletes who have already committed to your target schools. This will give you an idea of the level of competition and the qualities coaches are looking for.

Set New Goals

• Plan Ahead: Write down both academic and athletic goals for the upcoming year. Having clear objectives will keep you motivated and focused.

Understand College Divisions

• Learn the Differences: Familiarize yourself with various college athletic divisions such as NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. Each has its own unique opportunities and requirements.

Utilize Social Media

• Boost Your Presence: Use social media to your advantage for additional exposure. Follow college coaches and programs, and showcase your skills and achievements.

• Highlight Reels: Compile and share a video from your fall games. This can significantly boost your visibility to college coaches.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Balancing your academic and athletic commitments is crucial. Remember, colleges are looking for student-athletes who excel both on and off the field. Time management and setting priorities will play a pivotal role in your success.

Final Thoughts

Your freshman year is all about laying the groundwork for your future college sports career. Stay proactive, communicate openly with those who can guide you, and keep your goals in clear view. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and celebrate small victories along the way. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, both as an athlete and a student. Your dedication now will pay off in the years to come.

If you need help working through these initial steps, set up a free 20-minute call with Steve, and he will walk you through the first essential phase. Just email today to schedule your call!

Sophomore Year College Sports Journey: November & December Focus

As a high school sophomore, it's time to ramp up your efforts in preparing for a college sports career. With key steps to take in November and December, you can effectively position yourself for success. Here's how to make the most of these crucial months.

November: Building Your College Sports Pathway

Start Reaching Out to Target Schools

• Engage with Coaches: Begin communicating with coaches from your target schools. Email them details about upcoming events where you'll be competing to pique their interest.

• Recruiting Questionnaires: Fill out questionnaires for your target schools to ensure you're on their radar and mailing lists.

Focus on Strength and Conditioning

• Personalized Training: Develop a training routine tailored to your needs. Consult with coaches to create a plan that enhances your athletic performance.

Communicate with Schools

• Introductory Emails: Contact 20-30 schools with emails that introduce yourself and include updates on your athletic progress.

• Winter Recruiting Events: Research prospect days and showcases to attend, based on your communication with coaches.

Publish Game Film

• Highlight Reels: Compile and share a video from your fall games. This can significantly boost your visibility to college coaches.

Review NCAA Rules

• Communication Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with NCAA rules specific to your sport to ensure you're staying within communication guidelines.

Check-in With Athletic Advocates

• Target List Feedback: Reassess your target schools with the help of your coaches. Their feedback can help you identify the best fits.

Guidance Counselor Check-in

• Academic Requirements: Ensure you meet NCAA GPA and course requirements. Take this opportunity to explore possible college majors.

December: Maintaining Momentum

Review Rosters at Target Schools

• Team Needs Analysis: Investigate current team rosters to understand their needs for your position, giving you a strategic advantage.

Visit Local Colleges

• Campus Exploration: Plan tours or attend open houses to get a feel for potential schools and their environments.

Re-Evaluate Your Target List

• Insights and Updates: Continuously update your list based on new insights and feedback.

Publish Fall Film

• Skills Video: Create and share a highlight or skills video from your fall season with coaches to showcase your talent.

Strength and Conditioning

• Winter Routine: Stick to a winter training schedule. Seek advice from coaches to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Research Spring Recruiting Events

• Camps and Showcases: Identify camps and showcases to attend in the spring, providing further exposure and opportunities.

Strategic Communication and Planning

Proactive communication with coaches and strategic planning are key to advancing your college sports journey. By taking these steps, you're not only showcasing your dedication but also building a solid foundation for your future athletic career.

Final Thoughts

Your sophomore year is a pivotal time to make significant strides in your college sports journey. Stay organized, keep communicating, and continue to refine both your athletic and academic pursuits. With dedication and strategic action, you're setting the stage for an exciting future in college sports. Embrace the journey and make each step count!

If you need help working through this list, set up a free 20-minute call with Steve, and he will walk you through the first essential phase. Just email today to schedule your call!

Junior Year Recruiting Journey: Month-by-Month Checklist

As a high school junior, you're entering a critical phase in your journey toward becoming a collegiate athlete. Now is the time to focus on strategic planning and professional communication to set the stage for recruitment success. Here's a month-by-month guide for November and December to keep you on track.

November: Laying the Groundwork

Prepare for Upcoming Events

• Winter Event Preparation: Reach out to coaches 7-10 days before tournaments and clinics. Use sample email templates to share your jersey number, schedule, and field locations, ensuring they know where to find you.

Capture Game Film

• Highlight Reel Creation: Record matches and add to your highlight reel. Share these clips with coaches and ask for constructive feedback to improve your game.

Prepare for Phone Calls

• Professional Communication: Practice common questions with a friend or family member to build confidence. During calls, maintain professionalism, and follow up with a thank-you email or message.

Commit to an Outreach Plan

• Regular Updates: Develop a schedule to check in with coaches every 3-4 months, offering updates on your progress and achievements.

December: Strategic Engagement

Check in with Athletic Advocates

• Seek Advice: Consult with coaches or mentors to discuss programs that align with your goals and capabilities.

Meet with Guidance Counselor

• Academic Alignment: Ensure you're meeting academic requirements and are on track for NCAA eligibility. Address any areas of concern with your counselor.

Connect with Target Schools

• Introductions and Profiles: Reach out to schools on your target list. Introduce yourself and share your updated athletic and academic profile.

Publish Fall Film

• Highlight and Skills Videos: If you have game footage from fall competitions, create a highlight video. If not, produce a skills video to showcase your abilities.

Set Up College Visits

• Demonstrate Interest: Organize unofficial or official visits to colleges on your list. Showing interest can be a critical factor in recruitment.

Junior Year Winter: Preparing for the Next Steps

Prepare for Coach Calls

• Potential Conversations: Anticipate phone calls from coaches. Stay calm, collected, and ready to discuss your athletic and academic strengths.

Prepare for Campus Visits

• Information and Questions: Have your academic records handy and prepare insightful questions for coaches. This shows your genuine interest and readiness for collegiate sports.

The Importance of Professionalism and Strategic Communication

As you progress through your junior year, professionalism and strategic communication will be your greatest assets. By taking these steps, you're not only showcasing your dedication but also building a strong foundation for your college sports future.

Final Thoughts

Junior year is a pivotal time to make a substantial impact on your college sports journey. Stay organized, proactive, and maintain open lines of communication with coaches and mentors. With diligence and strategic effort, you're paving the way for a successful transition to college athletics. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way—your future as a collegiate athlete is within reach.

Feeling a bit behind in the soccer recruitment process? Don't worry, set up a free 20-minute call with Steve for personalized guidance through the initial phase. Email today to arrange your call and get back on track!

Senior Year Recruiting Journey: Month-by-Month Checklist

As a high school senior, the culmination of your college sports journey is within reach. With critical tasks at hand, November and December are pivotal months to secure your future as a collegiate athlete. Here's your strategic guide to navigating this important phase.

November: Laying the Foundation

Organize Application Materials

• Preparation is Key: Gather transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters. Being organized ensures a smooth application process as deadlines loom.

Reach Out to Coaches

• Communication: Email coaches to inquire about recruiting timelines. Update your profile with recent highlights to keep them informed of your progress.

Campus Tours

• On-Site Exploration: Sign up for tours at schools you've applied to. Notify coaches about your visit to demonstrate your interest and engagement.

Submit Early Applications

• Meet Deadlines: Finalize and submit early decision or early action applications. Timely submissions can enhance your chances of acceptance.

Publish Fall Film

• Showcase Your Skills: Create and upload a highlight video from recent games. This is crucial for maintaining visibility with college coaches.

Schedule Calls with Coaches

• Check-In Conversations: Reach out to coaches for phone calls to express your continued interest and discuss any potential opportunities.

December: Making Informed Decisions

Evaluate Offers

• Compare and Choose: Review offers from colleges, weighing both athletic and academic fits. Consider what aligns best with your long-term goals.

Review College Responses

• Family Discussions: Talk with family and counselors about responses from early applications. Their insights can guide your decision-making process.

Re-Evaluate Your Target List

• Strategic Adjustments: If you haven’t secured an offer, identify new schools to contact. Flexibility can open new avenues for opportunities.

Submit Applications

• Expand Horizons: Apply to new schools on your list, showcasing continued interest through thoughtful emails and communication.

Send Mid-Year Transcripts

• Academic Updates: Ensure colleges receive your grades for the first half of senior year. This can strengthen your application.

Explore Walk-On Opportunities

• Alternative Paths: If not yet committed, contact coaches about potential walk-on spots. Keep your options open and be proactive.

Expand Your Target List

• Broaden Your Search: Research additional programs, including NCAA DIII, NAIA, and NJCAA. Diversity in your target list increases your chances of finding a good fit.

Identify Programs Still Recruiting

• Ongoing Opportunities: Inquire with coaches about open positions for your class. Persistence can uncover unexpected opportunities.

The Power of Strategic Decision-Making and Communication

As you approach the culmination of your high school sports journey, strategic decision-making and effective communication are your greatest allies. By focusing on these key tasks, you position yourself for success both on and off the field.

Final Thoughts

Senior year is your time to solidify plans and make informed decisions about your future in college athletics. Stay organized, communicate openly, and be ready to adapt your strategy as needed. With dedication and a proactive approach, you're well on your way to achieving your dream of becoming a collegiate athlete. Embrace every opportunity and keep moving forward—your future is bright.

Feeling a bit behind in the soccer recruitment process? Don't worry, set up a free 20-minute call with Steve for personalized guidance through the initial phase. Email today to arrange your call and get back on track!

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

In the competitive world of college soccer recruitment, it's not just about how talented you are—it’s about ensuring the right coaches recognize your talent. If you've been striving to catch the attention of college coaches, we have the perfect solution for you.

Introducing our comprehensive branding package, meticulously designed to give you the maximum exposure you need, regardless of where you are in your journey. This package is a game-changer for athletes who want to elevate their presence and make a lasting impression on college coaches.

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.

• 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 $499

For a one-time fee of $499, 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]

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

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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