'So You Want To Play College Soccer?' - Step-by-Step Recruiting Playbook: February and March Focus!

Interview with Coach Chris Flint, Johnson & Wales University Women’s Soccer.

February 02, 2025

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. 

  • Step-by-Step Recruiting Playbook: February and March Focus!

  • Just Released! Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas

  • Summary of Matt’s Interview with Coach Chris Flint, Johnson & Wales University Women’s Soccer

  • Start Your Recruitment Journey with Confidence – Enroll in Our Online Course Today!

Step-by-Step Recruiting Playbook: February and March Focus!

Every athlete’s recruiting path is unique, shaped by their goals and competition level. Higher-level soccer often demands an earlier start, while female soccer recruiting typically moves faster than the men’s. No matter where you are in your timeline, this playbook will help you focus on the key steps for February and March, year by year, so you can stay prepared and confident.

Freshman Year (The Exploration Phase - Finding Your Way)

February

Understanding College Divisions
NCAA Division I often gets the spotlight, but student-athletes also compete in Division II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA programs. Be open to schools across divisions when building your target list.

Using Social Media
Boost your recruiting with a strong online presence. Learn how to follow college programs, share achievements on a dedicated account, but always prioritize direct communication with coaches.

Contacting Coaches
Send introductory emails or updates showcasing your achievements and new videos. Consistently staying in touch helps keep you on coaches’ radar. Be aware that Division I and Division II coaches are not able to respond due to restrictions, so don’t get discouraged. The goal is to ensure your name remains on their radar.

Additional Guidance and Support
Consider purchasing our online course. It provides step-by-step instructions to help you confidently navigate your recruiting journey. You'll gain access to helpful resources, including professionally crafted letter templates, a complete database of college coach contacts, and customizable spreadsheets to keep you organized every step of the way. Plus, join us every Thursday for live Zoom sessions where we answer all your questions about the process. - https://steve-coxon.mykajabi.com/offers/6AnTx7kW/checkout

March

Update Your Profile & School List
Keep your resume current with awards, events, and activities. Regularly revise your target school list to reflect your evolving priorities and balance safety, fit, and reach schools.

NCAA Prep & Summer Events
Ensure your classes meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Research summer camps, clinics, and showcases to gain experience and exposure as you prep for future recruiting opportunities.

Stay engaged, and you’ll keep making progress toward your goals!

Mastering Sophomore Year: From Campus Visits to Questionnaires

February

Fill Out Recruiting Questionnaires
Complete recruiting questionnaires to show your interest in college programs and join their mailing lists.

Strength and Conditioning
Work on a tailored training plan with your coaches and trainers to improve key athletic skills and stay on track for collegiate-level competition.

Contact Target Schools
Create a list of 20-30 target schools and email their coaches with an introduction. Provide updates about new achievements or events every 1-2 months to keep them engaged.

Update Highlights
Compile game footage or skills videos into a short highlight reel. Upload it to platforms like SportsRecruits so coaches can easily evaluate your abilities.

Recruiting Event Preparation
Research fall events such as ID clinics and showcases that fit your target schools. Focus on specific programs or broader showcases for greater exposure.

Visit Campuses
Schedule campus tours or attend open houses to gather firsthand insights about schools and guide your preferences for location and environment.

Additional Guidance and Support
Consider purchasing our online course. It provides step-by-step instructions to help you confidently navigate your recruiting journey. You'll gain access to helpful resources, including professionally crafted letter templates, a complete database of college coach contacts, and customizable spreadsheets to keep you organized every step of the way. Plus, join us every Thursday for live Zoom sessions where we answer all your questions about the process. - https://steve-coxon.mykajabi.com/offers/6AnTx7kW/checkout

March

Spring Event Research
Explore spring recruiting events like prospect days and showcases. Check school websites or join their mailing lists through questionnaires for event updates.

Using Social Media
Boost your recruiting with a strong online presence. Learn how to follow college programs, share achievements on a dedicated account, but always prioritize direct communication with coaches.

Stay Connected with Coaches
Regularly share updates about academic milestones, athletic achievements, or upcoming events to maintain communication with target school coaches.

Understand NCAA Rules
Learn about NCAA recruiting rules for soccer to manage expectations and ensure proper communication with coaches.

June 15th - NCAA Contact Period BeginsSignificance of June 15th
June 15th marks an important milestone in the recruiting process for many athletes, as NCAA Division I and II programs can officially begin direct communication with prospective sophomores. This date signifies the start of a deeper, more personal level of recruiting, where coaches may reach out directly to discuss your interest in their program and assess how you might fit into their team.

By staying proactive, organized, and consistent, you’ll keep building momentum toward your goals!

Junior Year: The Pivotal Year for College Recruiting

February

Understand Offers and Commitment
Coaches may extend verbal offers during your junior year. Take time to research the types of offers available. Remember, verbal offers are not binding until a letter of intent is signed. Compare your options carefully before committing to ensure the best fit for your academic and athletic goals.

Explore College Funding Options
Don’t be deterred by a college’s sticker price. Financial aid, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans can significantly reduce costs. Look into these opportunities early and understand how they apply to your situation. Athletic scholarships are limited, so be ready to utilize other forms of aid.

Stay in Touch with Coaches
If you haven’t heard from target schools, reach out to confirm where you stand in their recruiting process. Update your profile with current academic and athletic achievements. If you’re not receiving responses, consider expanding your list of schools to find programs actively recruiting athletes in your class and position.

March

Update and Share Your Recruiting Profile
Ensure your profile includes updated game footage, schedules, and achievements. Publish highlight videos to keep coaches aware of your progress. Send this material to schools on your target list and ask for feedback to strengthen connections.

Reassess Your Target Schools
Evaluate your list of schools based on feedback from coaches and personal priorities. Remove programs that no longer align with your goals and add others that may be a better match. Use available tools to research and refine your options based on factors like location, academics, and athletic fit.

Strategize Spring and Summer Recruiting Events
Identify events where you can gain the most exposure, such as showcases, clinics, or program-specific prospect days. Focus on events hosted by schools you’re seriously considering or where you can connect with multiple programs at once.

Ensure Academic Eligibility
Review your GPA and course plan to meet NCAA requirements. Work with your school counselor to address any areas needing improvement and ensure you’re on track for college eligibility. Your end-of-junior year transcript will play a major role in applications, so finish strong.

Seek Guidance and Feedback
Regularly consult with your athletic advocates, school counselors, and coaches. Their input can provide valuable insights when evaluating programs, refining your skills, and managing the recruiting process.

Stay Proactive and Organized
Keep your communications timely, your profiles updated, and your priorities clear. Building strong relationships with college programs takes perseverance and focus, so approach every step of the process with confidence and professionalism.

Finishing Strong: Senior Year Recruiting Guide

February

Evaluate Offers
If you receive multiple offers, carefully compare them with your family to find the best overall fit for your academic, athletic, and personal goals. Use tools like FAFSA to understand your financial contribution for each school before making a decision.

Assess College Applications
For schools you’ve applied to, review acceptance results and weigh your options based on athletics, academics, location, social fit, and cost. Collaborate with your family and guidance counselor to ensure your choices align with your priorities and potential.

Update Your Target List
If your current options haven’t worked out, explore other schools that might be recruiting seniors. Use tools or consult your athletic advocates to identify programs still looking for your position or graduation year. Consider all divisions, including NAIA and NJCAA, for more opportunities.

Reach Out to New Programs
For newly considered schools, apply to their admissions program and contact the coaching staff to express interest. Mention that you’ve already applied, as this shows seriousness about joining their team. For programs with limited spots, inquire about walk-on opportunities.

March

Submit Updated Academic Information
Keep your grades strong and send mid-year transcripts if requested by admissions offices. Providing recent academic updates can assist with admissions decisions, especially for those awaiting acceptance or deferral responses.

Research Walk-On Opportunities
If you haven’t secured a commitment, reach out to coaches to discuss potential walk-on or tryout options. While not guaranteed, walk-on spots can lead to team positions and should be part of your strategy if other opportunities fall through.

Expand School Options Where Necessary
If offers are still unavailable, shift focus to programs you may have previously overlooked. Ask athletic advocates for guidance and research rosters of schools in other divisions to target programs still actively seeking players in your position.

Secure NCAA Certification
Complete your final NCAA amateurism certification to confirm your eligibility as a student-athlete. Submit final transcripts and proof of graduation to the NCAA Eligibility Center to meet all requirements.

Celebrate Your Commitment
Once you commit to a program, announce your decision on social media. It’s a moment to celebrate and thank the people who supported your recruiting process.

Prepare for College Life
Start preparing for the transition into collegiate athletics. Follow workout programs from your future team, attend orientations, and create an academic schedule. Ensure all tuition deposits and required paperwork are complete to avoid eligibility issues.

By staying proactive and organized, you’ll finish your senior year strong and step into college athletics prepared for success.

Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas!

We’re thrilled to announce a unique chance to shine in front of college coaches.This spring, we’re hosting exclusive ID Clinics for both boys and girls at the brand-new Day Hill Dome in Windsor, CT. These clinics are the perfect chance to showcase your talent and elevate your game while connecting with top college coaches.

A Premier Showcase for Aspiring Players - Your opportunity to Shine and Get Noticed!

Whether you’re a male or female athlete, these clinics are designed to help you take a confident step toward your college soccer aspirations. We’ve invited college coaches from across New England and the Northeast, representing DI, DII, and DIII programs, making this an incredible opportunity to get noticed by the best in the game.

With only 50 player spots available per clinic, space is very limited. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and make the most of this exciting event!

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now

This is your chance to shine and take your skills to the next level. Slots are filling up fast, so don’t delay! Register today to lock in your place and ensure your spot at this high-profile event.

🔗 Girls (Only 33 spots remain) - Reserve your spot now!

Summary of Matt’s Interview with Coach Chris Flint, Johnson & Wales University Women’s Soccer

Recruiting Timelines

  • Division III recruiting operates later than Division I and II, with most recruits finalizing decisions by the fall of their senior year.

  • Recruiting involves heavy activity during the spring of junior year through summer events, with visits often completed before the fall soccer season.

  • Late recruits occasionally emerge after February/March of senior year if initial options fall through.

Recruiting Events

  • Events attended include Florida ECNL regional tournaments, Arizona Del Sol, Jefferson Cup, Scorpions tournaments, PDA, and FC Delco.

  • Coach Flint evaluates both pre-scouted recruits (via emails and correspondence) and players discovered while watching priority matches. Roughly 40% of his focus is on incoming correspondence.

  • The team holds one-day ID clinics quarterly and works other camps, with a focus on controlled player-to-staff ratios for effective evaluation.

Academic Support

  • A structured schedule helps student-athletes excel academically. The team averaged a 3.84 GPA in the fall season.

  • Johnson & Wales offers strong academic merit scholarships to support affordability.

  • The school provides tutoring and additional resources when needed.

Support Systems and Facilities

  • Athletic facilities include fields located on picturesque Narragansett Bay, providing a unique environment for athletes.

  • The campus offers distinct academic and residential environments, with downtown Providence offering a vibrant student-friendly lifestyle.

Advice for Recruits

  • Be an advocate for yourself by being proactive in communication with coaches and thorough in your college research.

  • Attend multiple campus visits and ask direct questions about your role in the program.

  • Don’t shy away from informing coaches if you’re no longer considering their program.

  • Recognize the critical importance of balancing academics, athletics, and evaluating overall fit for a successful college experience.

Roadmap To Soccer Scholarship Success!

Start Your Recruitment Journey with Confidence – Enroll in Our Online Course Today!

Are you ready to kickstart the college recruitment process for your young athlete, but unsure where to begin? We understand how overwhelming it can feel, but we’re here to make it simple and stress-free!

Our Roadmap to Soccer Scholarship Success online course is designed specifically for players and parents who are just starting this exciting and rewarding journey. With expert guidance and exclusive tools, you’ll gain everything you need to set your athlete up for success.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Maximizing Recruitment Success
    Discover proven strategies to help your athlete stand out and grab the attention of college soccer coaches.

  • Exclusive Resources
    Access customizable email templates and a comprehensive nationwide database featuring contact information for every college soccer coach.

  • Step-by-Step Checklist
    Receive a clear, actionable roadmap to guide you through each stage of the recruitment process, ensuring you stay on track and confident.

  • Live Expert Guidance – Every Thursday!
    Join live Zoom calls every Thursday, where seasoned professionals provide insider insights and answer your burning questions.

Why Enroll Now?

This course is your roadmap to success! The tools, strategies, and live support will save you time and eliminate the guesswork of college recruitment. Give your child the advantage they need to succeed in the incredibly competitive world of college soccer recruitment.

👉 Don’t wait! Enroll now to secure your spot and get started today.

Your child’s future starts with you—and we’re thrilled to guide you every step of the way. Make this important move today and set your athlete on the path to achieving their college soccer dreams.Sign up now to reserve your place: Roadmap to Soccer Scholarship Success.

We look forward to sharing this exciting opportunity with you!

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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