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So You Want To Play College Soccer? - The Gorilla in the Game: Why College Coaches Might Not See You!
141 players from the Class of 2027 have committed to 48 schools!
Welcome to our essential weekly 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.
In Today’s Edition
The Gorilla in the Game: Why College Coaches Might Not See You!
Join me tomorrow at 5:30 PM to get your questions answered and gain clarity on the college recruiting process.
⚽ Why College Coaches Might Not See You!
Before we dive in, please take a minute to watch the video below.
In this famous experiment, viewers are asked to watch a video of people passing basketballs and count the number of passes made by the team in white. While they're intensely focused on this task, something strange happens: a person in a full gorilla costume walks into the middle of the scene, thumps their chest, and walks off. A surprising number of people never see the gorilla.This phenomenon, known as “inattentional blindness”, is a perfect metaphor for the college soccer recruiting process. You could be the most talented player on the field—the gorilla in the game—but if a college coach isn't specifically looking for you, they might not see you at all.
Many parents leave clinics frustrated, saying, "My son/daughter was the best player at that camp, but we never heard from the coach." The reason is often simple: your child wasn't on the coach's list. This post will explain why that happens and give you a clear, actionable game plan to make sure you get noticed.
Why Coaches Wear Blinders
College coaches are busy professionals with limited time and resources. When they attend a showcase, tournament, or ID camp, they aren't there to casually scout for raw talent. They arrive with a specific mission and a carefully curated list of players they need to evaluate.
The Target List is Everything
A coach's job at an event is to validate their existing research. They have already identified players who fit their program's needs based on position, graduation year, academic standing, and initial video highlights. Their focus is almost entirely on answering questions about these specific recruits:
Does their in-person talent match their highlight reel?
How do they handle pressure and adversity?
What is their work rate off the ball?
How do they interact with teammates and coaches?
They are counting the "passes"—evaluating the players on their list. Everyone else on the field, no matter how skilled, becomes part of the background noise. You might score a hat trick, but if the coach is laser-focused on the goalkeeper they came to see, your performance might go completely unnoticed.
The Myth of the "Diamond in the Rough"
The idea of a coach discovering an unknown player at a random showcase and offering them a scholarship on the spot is mostly a myth. While it can happen, it's incredibly rare. Coaches operate on efficiency. They trust their system of identifying, vetting, and tracking players over months or even years.
Expecting to be discovered by chance is a losing strategy. It's like hoping someone will notice you in a crowded stadium without a ticket. You have to secure your ticket first by getting on their radar.
How to Stop Being Invisible and Get on the List
If you don't want to be the invisible gorilla, you have to stop waiting to be found and start taking control of your recruiting journey. Being proactive is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. Here are the steps every aspiring college athlete must take.
1. Build Your Target List of Schools
Before you can get on a coach's list, you need to create your own. Research schools that are a good fit for you academically, athletically, and socially. Don't just focus on top-tier Division 1 programs. A well-rounded list should include a mix of schools across different divisions (D1, D2, D3).
Aim for a list of 50-75 schools. This gives you plenty of options and increases your chances of finding the perfect match. Consider factors like location, school size, majors offered, and the team's style of play.
2. Create a High-Quality Highlight Video
Your highlight video is your digital handshake. It’s often the first impression a coach will have of you. Keep it short (3-5 minutes) and put your best clips first. Showcase a variety of skills relevant to your position, including technical ability, tactical awareness, and athleticism.
Make sure the video quality is excellent. Use a tripod or have someone film from a high vantage point to provide a clear view of the action. This video will be the centerpiece of your initial outreach.
3. Initiate Contact with Coaches
This is the most critical step. Once you have your list and your video, it's time to start emailing coaches. A generic, mass email won't work. You need to personalize your communication.
Your introductory email should include:
A clear subject line (e.g., "John Smith | 2027 Fast Striker | Highlight Video").
Your key information: name, graduation year, position, GPA, and club team.
A link to your highlight video.
A sentence or two explaining why you are interested in their specific program. Mention something you like about their team, coaching philosophy, or recent results.
This personal touch shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested, making your email far more likely to be opened and read.
Once you've made initial contact, follow up by sharing your schedule for upcoming showcases, tournaments, or camps. Don't just send a generic schedule; make it as easy as possible for the coach to find you.
In your email, provide the following details:
Event Name and Date
Your Team Name
Your Jersey Number
Game Times, Field Numbers, and Opponents
Send this information to the coaches on your target list at least one to two weeks before the event. This gives them time to add you to their list of players to watch. Now, when they arrive, they will be looking for you.
You Are Now Part of the Test
By following these steps, you shift from being the invisible gorilla to being one of the players in the white shirts. The coach is now counting your passes. They are evaluating your performance because you earned a spot on their evaluation sheet.
Even if you have an average game, the fact that you are on their radar means they are watching you with a purpose. They will look for the qualities they need, and you will have the opportunity to prove you belong.
The college recruiting process isn't about luck; it's about strategy. Stop relying on chance and start creating your own opportunities. Build your list, perfect your outreach, and make sure that when a coach looks onto the field, you are exactly who they came to see.
⚽ Finding the college recruiting process stressful? Many parents feel the same. Let’s Discuss. Q&A with Steve Tomorrow!
Tomorrow at 5:30pm
Join me tomorrow at 5:30 PM to get your questions answered and gain clarity on the college recruiting process. |
⚽ Dreaming of Playing College Soccer? We’ve got you covered!
Join The Recruiting Hub—a FREE community with insider tips on roster openings, ID clinics, and college commitments. Simplify your recruiting journey today!
⚽ 2027 Northeast D1 commitments: We've tracked 141 commitments across 48 schools!
2027 Northeast D1 Commitments!
With the massive activity in the transfer portal, recruiting announcements for the Class of 2027 have come to a grinding halt. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor the landscape!
6 schools on this list are at or near capacity for the 2027 class (Based on the amount of juniors they have to replace) Penn State, Syracuse, Cornell, Colgate, Dartmouth and Providence.
We’ve added a new section for Transfers In, where we’ll track announcements as they come in.
2027s: You MUST Do your homework before attending ID clinics!
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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
