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. 

• The Recruiting Showcase Grind: A Coach’s Perspective

• Feeling Lost In Your Recruiting Journey? 

• Interview with St. John’s University Women’s Soccer, Coach Ian Stone - Recruiting three classes simultaneously!

The Recruiting Showcase Grind: A Coach’s Perspective

Back in my days as the head recruiter for DI Quinnipiac University (way back in May), showcases were a chance to shape the future of our programs—but they could also be overwhelming, chaotic, and downright exhausting.

With dozens of athletes to evaluate, meticulously planned schedules, and fields spread across what feels like an entire state, we’re fueled by coffee, adrenaline, and sheer determination. It’s a process we thrive on, but it’s not without its challenges.

Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like from our perspective and some tips for players and parents to help make a lasting positive impression.

The Map Is My Lifeline

First things first—finding the right field. Picture a sprawling complex with 30+ fields, where signage is either cryptic or nonexistent, and the parking lot is a labyrinth of SUVs unloading everything from coolers to camping chairs. I rely on the tournament app (when it’s working) to guide me, but even then, getting from Field 2 to Field 17 can feel like an expedition through uncharted territory.

Just as I arrive at the right field, I get a text from my prospect saying, “We’ve been moved to Field 1!” Cue me jogging back across the complex, scowling, juggling a folding chair, my bags, and all the free food I could carry.

Tip for Players and Parents: Help us out by sharing your exact field location well in advance. And if you receive a last-minute field change, make sure to alert us immediately. I’d much rather get too many updates than none at all. The less time we spend wandering, the more time we can spend evaluating.

The Jersey Number Guessing Game

Jersey numbers are meant to make scouting easier—emphasis on meant to. Most of the time, they do their job. But when they don’t? It’s pure chaos. Maybe the player I’m supposed to evaluate is listed as #12, but on game day, they’re wearing #21. Or their number is folded just enough under their jersey to make it nearly impossible to read. To make matters worse, sometimes the opposing team’s jerseys are practically the same color. Suddenly, I’m less a coach and more a detective trying to crack the case of “which player is which.”

These mix-ups not only confuse me but also eat into precious minutes. I might only have 20 minutes to evaluate you, and if I spend half that time squinting and trying to figure out if it’s actually you I’m watching, that window is gone. It’s a missed opportunity for us both.

Tip for Players and Parents: Double-check your jersey number before the tournament starts and make sure it matches the information you sent to coaches. If there’s been a late change, please send us a quick heads-up. Managers can be a game-changer in these situations. Though we live in the age of apps, call me old school, but I still like flipping through a physical profile books. A little extra information from the manager can go a long way in clearing up confusion. These small gestures make a big difference in helping us focus on evaluating your performance instead of solving mysteries.

20 Minutes to Break Through

Ah, the clock—every coach’s biggest challenge at a recruiting tournament. With multiple games happening at once and a packed list of players to evaluate, staying for an entire match just isn’t an option. Most of the time, I can spare 20 to 30 minutes per player. That’s it—that’s your window to make an impression.

Every moment on the field matters. It’s not just about scoring a breathtaking 30-yard screamer (though, I won’t lie, those do catch our attention!!!) I’m looking for things like energy, communication, and how you handle different scenarios during the game. Are you engaged and actively involved in play? Are you organizing and lifting up your teammates? Most importantly, how do YOU react when things don’t go your way? These traits stick with me just as much as your technical ability.

Tip for Players and Parents: Think of every second on the field as an audition, because that’s exactly what it is. Work hard, stay involved, and be vocal. Coaches notice your effort and attitude as much as your talent. You never know when that coach is watching, so make every minute on the field count!

Why We Rarely Stumble Upon “Hidden Gems”

Here’s a question we hear all the time during tournaments. After a player scores a banger—the sort of highlight-reel goal that gets everyone on the sidelines buzzing—coaches start chatting, “Is she signed yet?!” Phones come out, someone checks, and sure enough, the answer is almost always, “Yep, signed to North Carolina.”

And just like that, the oh-so-casual thought of adding this new superstar to our radar fades away. Time to go back to that carefully curated list of players we came here to evaluate.

While it would be nice to stumble upon a future star by sheer chance, that’s rarely how it works. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the top players have already been scouted and committed. That’s why we, as college coaches, come to these events armed with detailed lists of athletes we’ve already researched and want to watch. Of course, if someone new does catch our eye and they aren’t already signed, it’s a pleasant surprise—but trust me, that scenario is rare, especially for coaches at lessor schools.

Tip for Players and Parents: Make sure you’re on a coach’s radar before the tournament. Email us early, attach your highlights, and introduce yourself so we know to keep an eye out for you. Tournaments are less about discovery and more about confirmation.

Dodgy Uniforms Are One Thing—Dodgy Behavior Is Another

Sideline behavior—can we talk about it? This is where we get the full picture of a player and their family. What happens off the field can often be as revealing as what unfolds during play.

Parents who support their kids positively? Fantastic. A relaxed, supportive sideline filled with encouragement can push players to perform at their best. But constant sideline coaching, yelling at referees, or criticizing other players? Those actions don’t go unnoticed, and like it or not, they can reflect poorly on your athlete.

Here’s the truth. We’re not just scouting someone’s ability on the field—we’re assessing what kind of person and teammate they’ll be. At Quinnipiac, a strong locker room culture and a positive campus presence matter. Will they bring energy, camaraderie, and the right attitude? Watching how you interact with your coach, teammates, and yes, even your parents, provides us with valuable insights into who you are beyond the game.

Tip for Parents: Be the encourager, not the critic. Clap and support from the sidelines. Be the parent your child is proud to represent—not the one who makes them cringe. Coaches often consider the bigger picture during recruiting, and one big question we ask ourselves is, “Do we want that parent around our program for the next four years?”

Don’t Email Me Last Minute

This might be the most important piece of advice. If you’re hoping to get scouted at a tournament, you need to reach out early. My schedule is set days before the event—it’s a carefully planned masterpiece, complete with color-coding and far more effort than I’d like to admit.

Waking up to a last-minute email saying, “Hey Coach, I’m on Field 9 at 8 a.m.—hope you can stop by!” isn’t just frustrating; it’s impossible to accommodate. I want to watch you play, but if I’ve already overbooked my time, I’ll have to pass.

Tip for Players and Parents: Reach out at least a week before the event with a well-organized email. Include your game schedule, field locations, jersey number, and a quick note about your position and playing style. This helps us manage our time and ensures you're on our radar. Most importantly, personalize your email—addressing me as "Coach [Last Name]" shows thoughtfulness. A generic "Coach" feels robotic and makes it seem like you’ve sent the same email to every other program sitting nearby on the sidelines. Stand out with genuine effort!

The Bigger Picture

These events are all about finding the perfect fit for our program. We’re seeking players who can excel on the field, contribute positively in the locker room, and succeed in the classroom—a challenging task to accomplish in just 48 hours.

If you want to make a lasting impression, here’s how to do it:

• Communicate clearly and early—send your schedule, jersey number, and a brief bio ahead of time.

• Treat every minute on the field like it’s an audition for your dream school.

• Work hard, show your personality, and let us see that you’re a true team player.

• Parents, stay positive and supportive on the sidelines—you set the tone for your athlete.

Good luck out there!

Feeling Lost In Your Recruiting Journey? 

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]

Summary of Matt’s Interview with St. John’s University Women’s Soccer – Coach Ian Stone - DiscoverCollegeSoccer.com 

Recruiting Strategies

• Recruiting Multiple Classes: Actively recruits three classes simultaneously (current, next, and future) due to evolving timelines.

• Transfer Portal: Utilized to address specific roster needs; a critical resource for filling gaps.

• Recruiting Approach:

  • Domestic players targeted early, with international recruiting handled later via videos and networking.

  • Focus on larger showcase events for efficiency.

• Roster Management: Ideal roster size is 27, increased to 30-31 due to transfer and injury uncertainties.

• Player Attributes: Prioritizes technically skilled players for a possession-based style, avoiding overly specialized athletes.

• Player Development: Values long-term growth within the program, creating well-rounded players.

• Official Visits: Conducted late in the recruiting process, primarily for non-local or international recruits to confirm fit.

St. John’s University Unique Attributes

• Prime Location:

  • Proximity to New York City offers career opportunities, particularly in business and media.

  • Suburban campus with tree-lined streets provides balance between city access and a quieter environment.

• Strong Academics: Notable programs include business, pharmacy, biology, chemistry, and communications.

• Evolving Campus Life: Transitioned into a residential campus with improved living facilities and vibrant student life.

Staff Contributions

• Support Staff:

  • Athletic Trainer Tricia Fratta focuses on wellness and recovery.

  • Sport Performance Coach Rob Basil designs tailored training regimens, balancing workloads.

  • Sport Administrator John Diffley, a former MLS player, provides soccer expertise.

  • Athletic Director Mike Craig adds strong program backing with personal soccer knowledge.

Team Culture and Playing Style

• Philosophy on Play:

  • Technical, possession-oriented soccer with creative freedom in attacking areas.

  • Defensive organization emphasized; adjusts yearly based on team composition.

• Whole Player Development: Encourages growth academically, athletically, and personally.

• Leadership and Team Cohesion:

  • Leadership committee and captains serve as liaisons for relaying messages and maintaining team culture.

  • Supportive, dedicated team environment helps players thrive both on and off the field.

• Academic Excellence: Academic success is prioritized, with the team historically earning high GPAs.

Weekly Operations During Season

• Practice and Game Schedule:

  • Games on Thursdays and Sundays; Monday is typically off.

  • Morning practices are focused on small-sided games, tactical preparation, and maintaining intensity.

  • Post-game days include recovery sessions for high-minute players and more intensive work for reserves.

  • Pre-game video reviews focus on opponent tendencies and strategies.

• Adaptability: Practices and game preparations are altered depending on player performance, injuries, and opponent strengths.

Insights into Coaching Philosophy

• Flexible Style: Coaching approach varies based on team dynamics (veteran vs. younger teams).

• Defensive Structure and Offensive Creativity: Defensive tactics are disciplined, while attacking play allows for fluidity and innovation.

• Loyalty and Growth: Stresses perseverance and long-term commitment, allowing players to grow despite challenges.

• Balanced Pressure: Encourages hard work without creating undue stress, fostering a positive and productive team atmosphere.

Advice for Recruits

• Take Your Time: Don’t rush decisions due to peer pressure; focus on finding the right program for your goals.

• Fit Over Prestige: Success comes from choosing a program aligned with your needs, whether Division 1 or another level.

Your Go-To Websites/Social Media Leaders

• 2024 Men's NCAA Division 1 Soccer Tournament Bracket - Click Here

• 2024 Women's NCAA Division 1 Soccer Tournament Bracket - Click Here

• 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

• Exclusive Insights from College Coaches on the Recruiting Process - https://discovercollegesoccer.com/schools/

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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