'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' Setting Realistic Expectations: Aligning Your Soccer Dreams With Reality!

Interview with Franklin Pierce University Women’s Soccer – Coach Matt Johnson- How the Transfer Portal is Shaping Recruiting!

December 22, 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. 

  • Setting Realistic Expectations: Aligning Your Soccer Dreams With Reality!

  • Feeling Lost In Your Recruiting Journey? 

  • Interview with Franklin Pierce University Women’s Soccer – Coach Matt Johnson- How the Transfer Portal is Shaping Recruiting

Setting Realistic Expectations: Aligning Your Soccer Dreams With Reality!

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During my years as a Division I soccer head recruiter, my email inbox was constantly flooded with messages from student-athletes hoping for a spot on our program. While I appreciated their enthusiasm, too often those résumés and highlight videos didn’t align with the level we were looking for. It could be frustrating to watch families travel long distances, spending hours on the road or hard-earned money on airfare, only to attend a clinic where it was clear—without even kicking a ball—that our mid-major program wasn’t the right fit. That realization led me to create a business aimed at bridging the gap for players and parents trying to understand the demands of college soccer. I wanted to help players and parents understand what it truly takes to succeed at different levels of college soccer. With the right guidance, these players could focus their energy and resources on schools where they truly belong, saving themselves time, money, and disappointment.

For high school athletes with dreams of playing at the collegiate level, setting realistic expectations about where they can compete is critical. Only a small fraction of high school soccer players make it to NCAA Division I programs, and without clear goals, many players miss opportunities to find the programs that actually suit their skills.

Why Recruiting Is More Than Just Talent

Recruiting is one of the most important aspects of a college coach’s job. It determines the program’s success and, often, the coach’s own job security. Strong recruiting efforts can lead to wins, job promotions, and team growth, while missteps in recruitment—or unexpected injuries—can result in tough seasons and rebuilding years.

When a coach evaluates a player, they’re asking one key question above all else: “Will this player help our team get better?” If the answer is yes, that player becomes part of the recruiting conversation. The challenge for players and their families lies in targeting the right level of competition. Misaligned expectations can waste time, money, and emotional energy.

Finding the Right Level of Play

To confidently approach recruiting, players and their families need to understand the athlete’s abilities and how they align with different levels of college soccer. For example, if a player’s skills don’t match the demands of top-tier programs such as those in the SEC or the ACC, it’s unproductive to invest time pursuing those schools. Instead, the focus should shift to schools that align with the player’s current strengths.

Researching Where Others Have Landed

One of the smartest things players and families can do is analyze where their teammates and club alumni have signed. If you’re comparable to a teammate committing to a Division II program, that’s a strong indicator of where your own focus should be. Similarly, looking into your club’s track record with past players can provide valuable insights.

Take note of which colleges have recruited your club’s alumni and what divisions they’ve competed in. Clubs often develop relationships with certain schools, and these connections may increase your chances of getting noticed. This information can help you narrow your focus to schools where there’s already a history of interest in players with your background. Doing this kind of homework not only sets realistic expectations but also saves valuable time and money.

Instead of attending numerous expensive showcases or clinics at schools that aren’t a good fit, players can strategically invest their resources in events and programs that align with their profile.

Steps to Take for a Smarter Recruiting Process

If you’re entering the soccer recruiting process, here are some actionable steps to guide you toward the best outcomes:

1. Have Honest Conversations with Trusted Coaches

Start by asking your high school or club coach to give you a no-frills assessment of your current ability. Make it clear that your feelings won’t be hurt—you want an accurate picture of where you stand so you can make informed decisions.

2. Pay Attention to College Coach Responses

Track your outreach results. If you’re getting responses from schools in NCAA Division II or NCAA Division III but silence from Division I programs, that’s a sign to redirect your focus to programs where you’re more competitive.

3. Watch College Soccer in Action

Attend live college soccer games at various levels to see what’s required. Observe the skills, speed, and physicality of players, especially freshmen, and compare them to your current abilities. This will give you a better sense of the level where you can realistically contribute.

4. Check Out College Rosters

Take the time to check out the rosters of the college programs you’re interested in. Look at where their players came from—did they compete in leagues like ECNL, GA, DPL, or EDP? What accolades did they earn at the premier levels? This kind of detailed research can give you a clear picture of whether you’d be a good fit and, when used wisely, can save you a lot of time and effort in your recruiting journey.

Matching Goals with Reality

At the end of the day, aiming high is admirable, but having realistic goals is the key to successfully navigating the recruiting landscape. This approach helps families save time, reduces stress, and increases the likelihood of finding a school where the athlete can thrive academically and athletically.

Remember, the ultimate goal isn’t just to play soccer at the collegiate level—it’s to find the right fit where you’ll feel challenged, supported, and positioned for success both on and off the field. By understanding your true potential and basing decisions on carefully researched information, you can approach the recruiting process with confidence and clarity.

The right opportunity won’t just come from chasing big dreams—it’ll come from pursuing the places where your talents, aspirations, and efforts align perfectly.

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]

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Interview with Franklin Pierce University Women’s Soccer – Coach Matt Johnson- How the Transfer Portal is Shaping Recruiting!

Summary of Matt's interview with Franklin Pierce University Women’s Soccer – Coach Matt Johnson - DiscoverCollegeSoccer.com 

  • Key Points from the Interview

    Impact of the Transfer Portal on Recruiting

    • The transfer portal has drastically changed recruiting timelines.

    • Division I programs often wait until the portal opens in November/December to finalize recruiting decisions.

    • Franklin Pierce recruits players being courted by Division I programs, requiring a strategic "wait and see" approach.

  • Recruiting Strategies and Challenges

    • Early commitments happen, but portions of the budget are held back until the D1 transfer portal concludes.

    • Over 60 potential recruits visited campus recently, with trials offered during visits.

    • High focus on character, technical ability, speed, and being a "tough, two-way player."

  • Program’s Competitive Environment

    • Franklin Pierce aims to maintain its standing as a top Division II program and compete for national championships annually.

    • The roster targets 39-40 players with a rotational system; a second team/game schedule is being implemented to ensure depth usage.

  • Coaching Staff Structure and Support

    • Full-time coaching staff includes head coach, assistant coach, graduate assistant, and a paid goalkeeper coach.

    • Dedicated athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coaches support the players.

    • Modeled to function like a Division I staff, with high investment from the university in soccer success.

  • School and Campus Highlights

    • Scenic campus with a serene, outdoorsy atmosphere built around a lake and mountain backdrop.

    • Strong emphasis on soccer as a priority sport, boasting eight national championships across men’s and women’s programs.

    • Family-friendly, supportive environment with a tight-knit community encouraging a balanced student-athlete experience.

  • Coaching Philosophy and Values

    • Coach Johnson promotes a collaborative, player-involved approach with open communication.

    • Principles of the program emphasize being a great person, treating others well, and strong work ethic.

    • Honest recruitment process to ensure alignment between players' expectations and program culture.

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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