So You Want To Play College Soccer? - New NCAA Rules Push Many Northeast Soccer Programs to Halt 2026 Recruiting!

7 Steps to Master the Soccer Recruiting Journey!

April 06, 2025

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In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our essential 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. 

  • Master the Soccer Recruiting Process in 7 Simple Steps!

  • Get Expert Guidance for Your Soccer Journey with a Free 15-Minute Zoom Call

  • New NCAA Rules Push Many Northeast Soccer Programs to Halt 2026 Recruiting!

7 Steps to Master the Soccer Recruiting Journey!

The college Soccer Recruiting Journey is like riding a rollercoaster, with its ups, downs, and sudden turns. To stand out, you must stay focused and have a strong game plan. We’ve streamlined the process into seven essential steps to help you shine during your recruiting experience. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your outreach, these tips will keep you on track toward your goals.

Step 1. Produce a Standout Highlight Video.

Your highlight reel is your visual résumé and often a coach’s first impression of your abilities. Think of it as the trailer to a movie—make it captivating!

Start with a concise title card featuring your name, position, graduation year, and contact details. Then, compile 10-15 clips that showcase a variety of your skills. For forwards, this might include clinical finishes, creative assists, and dynamic attacking plays. For defenders, focus on precision tackles, intercepting passes, and building from the back. Ensure the footage is clear, professional, and engaging.

Keep the reel between 3-5 minutes to hold the coach’s attention. Host it on a widely accessible platform like YouTube and share the link in your communications with coaches. A polished, impactful highlight reel can leave a lasting impression and spark interest in your talent.

Step 2. Build a Targeted College List

A structured college list is your foundation for success. Start by researching a wide range of programs, covering dream schools, solid choices, and backups. Learn about their soccer program, academic opportunities, campus vibe, and overall fit.

Think about factors like location, competitive level, majors offered, and scholarship options. Once you've refined your list, focus on the programs that feel like the best match for your goals.

Reach out to coaches and don’t hesitate to revisit and adjust your list as you grow in confidence and understanding of what aligns best with your aspirations.

Step 3. Send Compelling Emails to Coaches

Contacting coaches can feel intimidating, but your email is a golden chance to introduce yourself. Personalize each email by addressing the coach by name and referencing something you admire about their program. For example, "I’m impressed by your team’s consistent performance in the ACC.”

Briefly introduce yourself with key details like your position, team, GPA, and notable achievements. Link your highlight reel and attach a résumé that includes your academic and athletic accomplishments.

End your email with a clear call to action. Say something like, “I’d love to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Please don’t hesitate to reach out or see me at my upcoming tournament.” Remember to double-check for grammar and typos to ensure your email is polished and professional.

Step 4. Elevate Your Social Media Game

Create a dedicated page for soccer on Instagram or Twitter and use it to show off your talent. Share videos of match highlights, training sessions, and personal milestones, like awards or key tournament results.

Write captions that highlight your passion and hard work. For example, “Proud to assist two goals in the final!” Coaches often check social media to get a well-rounded sense of who you are, so maintain a positive and professional presence.

Tag schools and programs selectively, focusing on those whose coaches are attending events you’re involved in. Stay in touch with college coaches by connecting with them and demonstrating your interest in their program.

Step 5. Keep It Together With a Recruiting Tracker

The recruiting process has many moving pieces, so staying organized will set you apart as a serious candidate. Use a spreadsheet to monitor your college options. List schools, coaches’ names, and their contact details. Include links to recruiting forms and notes about your communication history with each coach.

Also, track deadlines for applications, camps, and scholarships.

Step 6. Visit Campuses in Person

There’s no substitute for experiencing a college’s environment firsthand. Schedule visits to explore the campus vibe, see the soccer facilities, and meet the coaching staff and players.

Pay attention to details. Does the coaches style suit your game? How do the players interact with each other and the coaching team? Are the facilities up to your standards?

Also, tour the academic side of campus. Check out classrooms, dorms, and dining halls to see if the school feels like home. Balancing athletics with academics is crucial, so make sure the school offers everything you need on and off the field.

Step 7. Make an Impact at ID Clinics

Attending ID clinics is your chance to shine in front of coaches and show them what you bring to the table. Research which schools host these events and sign up for the ones at your top-choice programs.

Treat every moment at the clinic as an opportunity to impress—from warm-ups to games. Play with confidence and focus, communicate with teammates, and be coachable. Positivity and effort go a long way.

Afterward, follow up with a short thank-you note to the coach, mentioning specific experiences from the clinic that stood out to you. A simple, genuine email keeps you on their radar.

Summary

The recruiting process is as much about dedication and strategy as it is about talent. By perfecting your highlight reel, organizing your outreach, visiting campuses, and performing at clinics, you’ll position yourself as scholarship ready. Remember, this isn’t just about joining a team; it’s about finding the right school to support your dreams both on and off the field. Keep working hard and stay committed to the path forward!

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Get Expert Guidance for Your Soccer Journey with a Free 15-Minute Zoom Call

Feeling unsure about the next steps in your soccer recruiting process? Whether you need advice, clarity, or just a check-in to confirm you’re on the right path, we’re here to help!

At Steve Coxon Soccer Network, you can schedule a FREE 15-minute Zoom consultation to take charge of your soccer career. Use this time to discuss your goals, evaluate your progress, and create a plan to boost your recruiting success.

Why Book a Free Session?

  • Custom Advice: Get tailored insights on your standing and next steps.

  • Expert Guidance: Learn from professionals who know the recruiting process.

  • Strategic Roadmap: Build a step-by-step plan aligning with your goals.

How to Get Started

Booking your session is easy and completely free. Just visit this link to secure your spot. Don't miss this chance to gain clarity and confidence in your soccer future.

Take charge of your journey today! Click here to book your free 15-minute consultation and stay on track toward your dreams.

New NCAA Rules Push Many Northeast Soccer Programs to Halt 2026 Recruiting!

The NCAA v. House settlement has brought significant changes to collegiate soccer, most notably the adoption of a 28-player roster limit for programs that opt in. However, many schools have chosen to opt out, preferring to maintain traditional roster flexibility. Here’s a look at where Northeast programs stand and how this ruling is reshaping competition across all levels of college soccer.

Northeast Schools That Have "Opted In"

The following schools have embraced the 28-player roster cap as part of the NCAA v. House settlement:

  • Boston College

  • Rutgers

  • Syracuse

  • Mount St. Mary’s

  • Niagara

  • Providence

  • Seton Hall

  • St. John’s

  • UCONN

  • Villanova

  • Drexel

  • Fordham

  • Temple

  • Merrimack

  • Hofstra

  • Northeastern

  • Stony Brook

This list is not final, as more schools continue to announce their decisions daily.

Northeast Schools That Have "Opted Out"

Meanwhile, the following schools have chosen to forgo the roster limit, continuing with larger team sizes that offer more flexibility:

  • Brown

  • Columbia

  • Cornell

  • Dartmouth

  • Harvard

  • Penn

  • Princeton

  • Yale

  • Albany

  • Army

  • Canisius

  • Siena

  • Vermont

A More Competitive Landscape Across All Levels

The NCAA v. House settlement has not only drawn a line between schools that opt in or out of the roster cap, but it has also introduced sweeping changes that are making the recruiting landscape more competitive than ever. Here’s how the ruling is impacting all levels of college soccer:

  1. Paused Recruiting for 2026
    Many Division I coaches are temporarily halting recruitment for the class of 2026 as they await full clarity on the settlement’s impact. This pause has left players and families uncertain about opportunities, making it all the more critical to engage actively in recruiting efforts at all levels.

  2. Trickle-Down Effect on Division II and III Programs
    The 28-player roster limit for Division I schools has created a ripple effect across Division II and III programs. With limited roster spots in Division I, many players who would traditionally aim for those teams are now turning to Division II and III schools, increasing competition at every level. These institutions are seeing heightened demand for roster opportunities, particularly from players with Division I potential.

  3. Beyond the Class of 2026
    While the class of 2026 bears the brunt of this competitive shift, it’s a trend that’s expected to spill over into subsequent classes, including 2027 and 2028. The ripple effects of the roster cap and recruiting adjustments will continue to challenge players hoping to secure roster spots in the years to come.

What This Means for Student-Athletes

For recruits, these changes mean that the path to college soccer is now more competitive than ever. To stand out, athletes and their families will need to adopt a more proactive, focused, and targeted approach to recruiting efforts. This includes identifying programs that fit their abilities and goals, building relationships with coaches, and ensuring they are prepared to adjust to the evolving needs of college programs.

The NCAA v. House settlement is undoubtedly reshaping the collegiate soccer world, and athletes must be ready to adapt and compete at every level. Whether your goal is Division I, II, or III, only those prepared to work hard and adapt will find success.

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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