• Steve's Coxon College Soccer Network
  • Posts
  • So You Want To Play College Soccer? -Scholarship Limits Eliminated, Roster Caps Introduced: How the NCAA Settlement Will Reshape College Soccer

So You Want To Play College Soccer? -Scholarship Limits Eliminated, Roster Caps Introduced: How the NCAA Settlement Will Reshape College Soccer

The Key to Engaging Conversations with Coaches: Mastering the Strong CTA

June 29, 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. 

  • Scholarship Limits Eliminated, Roster Caps Introduced: How the House v. NCAA Settlement Will Reshape College Soccer

  • The Key to Engaging Conversations with Coaches: Mastering the Strong CTA

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

Scholarship Limits Eliminated, Roster Caps Introduced: How the House v. NCAA Settlement Will Reshape College Soccer

College athletics is entering a new era, driven by the landmark House v. NCAA settlement. This pivotal decision introduces sweeping reforms that impact student-athlete compensation, scholarship distribution, and roster management. Among the most significant changes, the settlement eliminates longstanding scholarship caps and imposes strict roster size limits. These moves promise new opportunities for student-athletes but also set the stage for challenges as schools and programs adapt.

Understanding the implications of these changes is key for student-athletes, coaches, and administrators navigating this new landscape.

The End of Scholarship Limits

For decades, the NCAA has mandated restrictions on the number of scholarships schools can offer for each sport. Under the settlement, these caps are now a thing of the past. Schools are free to allocate scholarships as they see fit, allowing for greater flexibility in meeting the needs of their athletic programs.

For student-athletes, this shift could mean expanded opportunities, particularly in less-publicized sports that traditionally struggle to secure funding. Athletes who may have previously been overlooked due to scholarship constraints may now find doors open for financial aid that aligns with their talent and potential.

But with this newfound flexibility comes a caveat. While scholarship caps are gone, schools now face caps on team roster sizes, a trade-off that dramatically changes how programs are structured and managed.

Roster Size Limits Redefine College Teams

Replacing scholarship limits with roster caps adds a new layer of complexity. For instance, many Division I soccer rosters, once unlimited in size, are now capped at 28 players. This shift is intended to maintain competitive balance, ensuring no program has an overwhelming advantage simply by recruiting an oversized roster.

While the intent may be fairness, the real-world challenges are immediate. Coaches must now make tough decisions about who makes the roster, shrinking opportunities for players who may not fit within the restricted team size. Walk-ons, in particular, are likely to be the most affected, as the tightened limits leave fewer spots for non-scholarship athletes.

Impact on Student-Athletes

The benefits of greater scholarship flexibility are offset by the roster caps’ potential to limit opportunities for many aspiring athletes. For some, the removal of scholarship restrictions may create pathways to financial aid that wouldn’t have been available under the old system. However, for others, the competition for roster slots intensifies, making it harder to secure a place on college teams.

To address concerns raised during the settlement negotiations, the NCAA included protections for current players. Athletes already on teams won’t count toward the new roster limits for the rest of their eligibility. Additionally, schools must honor scholarships for players who are cut from rosters, ensuring that these students can continue their education without the financial burden of losing funding.

Still, questions remain. How will these changes affect recruiting? Will fewer roster slots diminish opportunities for incoming high school athletes? The answers will depend on how schools and coaches adapt.

Strategic Decisions for Coaches and Schools

For coaching staffs, the removal of scholarship limits opens doors to broader recruiting strategies, but the roster caps demand sharper focus. Coaches will have to carefully assess team composition, ensuring that every athlete on the roster brings immediate or long-term value.

This creates pressure to strike the right balance between recruiting highly skilled athletes and building depth for future seasons. Coaches will need to prioritize scouting and evaluation more than ever, identifying players who fit both their team’s needs and the limitations imposed by roster size.

Athletic departments, too, must adjust. Larger programs with more financial resources may have an advantage by broadening scholarship distribution to attract top talent, but smaller programs will need to find creative ways to remain competitive under these constraints.

Recruiting in the New Era

The combination of expanded scholarship options and roster size limits will also reshape college recruiting. With fewer roster spots available, families and athletes will face heightened competition. Aspiring student-athletes may adjust their focus toward programs or divisions with less restrictive policies, or they may prioritize schools offering academic and athletic balance.

Programs with robust budgets will likely adapt more quickly, leveraging their financial flexibility to attract top-tier talent. However, the ripple effect may widen the divide between larger, well-funded schools and smaller institutions trying to maintain competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

The House v. NCAA settlement marks a monumental shift, redefining how college athletics operates. While removing scholarship caps creates potential for more equitable access to financial aid, the introduction of roster size limits could present barriers for both athletes and coaches.

For athletes, navigating this new reality will require understanding their fit within specific programs and adapting to a more competitive recruiting landscape. For coaches, the challenge lies in balancing scholarship allocation with roster management, ensuring their teams remain competitive under new constraints.

Ultimately, this change offers both opportunities and hurdles. Schools and athletes who adapt thoughtfully will find ways to thrive, but the true impact of these changes will unfold over the coming years. One thing is clear, though – college athletics has entered a new game, with new rules and new stakes for everyone involved.

The Key to Engaging Conversations with Coaches: Mastering the Strong CTA

Emailing college coaches is more than just exchanging information. It’s a chance to make a lasting impression, spark meaningful conversations, and showcase your professionalism as a recruit. But with inboxes full of emails, how do you make yours stand out? The answer lies in one simple but powerful tool: a strong Call to Action (CTA).

A well-crafted CTA transforms your email from a passive message into an engaging, purposeful conversation starter. It’s the bridge that connects your words to real opportunities. Here’s how you can master the art of the strong CTA and use it to build genuine connections with college coaches.

What Is a Call to Action?

A Call to Action is a clear and confident closing statement in your email that invites the recipient to take a specific next step. It’s the “what’s next” of your message, guiding the coach on how to proceed. Without a CTA, your email might feel incomplete, leaving the coach unsure about how to respond.

For instance, ending your email with, “Can we set up a call to discuss this further?” indicates your interest and willingness to engage. It’s a simple yet effective way to turn a one-way email into a dynamic conversation.

Why CTAs Are Essential

Many recruits send polite, well-written emails, but without a clear CTA, these messages lack direction. Coaches are busy and appreciate emails that are direct and actionable. A strong CTA provides clarity, respects their time, and highlights your initiative.

Picture an email that ends with no specific follow-up request. It may feel like information sharing rather than an invitation to connect. Contrast that with a CTA like, “Would you be available for a quick call this week to discuss my fit for your team?” Suddenly, the email becomes engaging, purposeful, and memorable.

How to Craft the Perfect CTA

Writing an effective CTA is an art that requires specificity, confidence, and proactivity. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Be Specific

Vague phrases like “Looking forward to hearing from you” are polite but lack direction. Instead, include a clear action that moves the conversation forward, such as:

  • “Can you review my highlight video and share your feedback?”

  • “Are there upcoming ID clinics I could attend to showcase my skills?”

  • “Would it be possible to schedule a call to discuss my potential role on your team?”

2. Convey Confidence

Your CTA should reflect your enthusiasm and self-assurance. Avoid hesitant language like “I was wondering if maybe you could…” Instead, be direct and confident, e.g.:

  • “Can we schedule a call this week to discuss recruitment?”

  • “I’d love to hear your thoughts on how I align with your program’s needs.”

3. Show Proactivity

Coaches value recruits who take initiative. A proactive CTA not only saves the coach time but also showcases your readiness to engage. Examples include:

  • “Can you share the registration link for your next ID clinic?”

  • “Would you be open to a quick call to discuss how I can contribute to your team?”

Examples of High-Impact CTAs

Here are some actionable CTAs you can use to engage college coaches effectively:

  • “Can we set up a short call next week to discuss how I could contribute to your program?”

  • “I’d love your feedback on my highlight video. Could you share your thoughts when you have a moment?”

  • “Are there any events where I could meet the coaching staff or showcase my skills?”

  • “Would it be possible to discuss the team’s needs for the upcoming season?”

These CTAs are polite, clear, and action-oriented, inviting collaboration while respecting the coach’s busy schedule.

Why Coaches Appreciate Strong CTAs

Coaches are drawn to recruits who simplify communication and show genuine interest in their program. A strong CTA does both, making the interaction easier and more impactful.

Additionally, CTAs create a natural flow for the conversation. Instead of leaving the coach to guess how to respond, you’re guiding the dialogue in a meaningful direction. This level of professionalism can set you apart from other recruits, leaving a positive impression.

Building Strong Connections, One Email at a Time

Emailing a coach is about more than introducing yourself. It’s your chance to engage them, spark a dialogue, and build a connection that could lead to recruitment opportunities. A strong CTA is your key to achieving this.

When writing your next email, consider what action you’d like the coach to take. Make your request clear, polite, and confident. Whether you’re asking to schedule a call, review your video, or provide information, a purposeful CTA keeps the momentum of the conversation alive.

Every email you send reflects your initiative, communication skills, and passion for the sport. By incorporating a strong CTA, you’re not just sharing information – you’re creating meaningful opportunities, one message at a time.

Final Tip: Start Strong, End Strong

Begin your email with a professional introduction, highlight your achievements, and wrap up with a compelling CTA that encourages action. By doing so, you’ll craft emails that not only stand out but also pave the way for meaningful connections with college coaches.

Are you ready to elevate your emails and make a lasting impression? Start practicing these CTA strategies today and take charge of your recruitment conversations. Happy emailing!

Want to Stay Ahead in the Recruiting Game?- Get Daily Tips and Updates Delivered Straight To Your Inbox!

Subscribe to "So You Want to Play College Soccer Daily", your must-have guide for navigating the recruiting process. Get:

✅ Daily updates on available spots and commitments
✅ Time-saving tips and strategies
✅ Exclusive Zoom calls with recruiting expert Steve

All this for just $10/month or $99/year. Don’t leave your future to chance—gain the edge you need in the competitive world of college soccer!

Time is running out. Sign Up Now and secure your edge in the changing world of college soccer.

Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

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